So I use branches in my flower arrangements and got one branch that I stuck in a vase of water and kinda forgot. Recently the buds from that plant opened up into leaves. Is this normal? Also does this mean that it is still alive or could be grown? Just wondering... I dunno what it is but I can post some pictures a bit later. Just having issues with my phone uploading pics <3

I uploaded one with the original arrangement. They are the red branches. But now with green leaves!

My first thought was a forsythia but I'm not to sure, It will be interesting to find out what it is, pretty arrangement

I suspect it's Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) , which will root very easily in water, or just stuck into moist ground.

I can't help on the ID, but it is a beautiful arrangement, and if the buds are opening, you can grow it and see what happens.

I wondered about Cornus sericea too but it is not native in Japan. Some closer pictures that include the new leaves may help. If you want to see if it will grow there's nothing to lose by trying.

Or a Maple tree branch. We need photos of the leaves.

sooby said:I wondered about Cornus sericea too but it is not native in Japan. Some closer pictures that include the new leaves may help. If you want to see if it will grow there's nothing to lose by trying.

oops -- Thank you, Sue; I neglected to check the OP's location!

Ashley, what a lovely arrangement!
It's really cool that your twigs have produced roots; my first thought was also Red Twig Dogwood but there might be many shrubs with red twigs/branches. I agree, a photo of the leaves will help in identifying what plant that is.

Tartarian Dogwood (Cornus alba) has red stems in winter and is native to Asia. There are Tartarian dogwoods in Japan.

Here are some close up pictures.

Looks like Dogwood to my old eyes. Good for you!!

Well, the leaves are a good indication that it's still alive, but it needs to make roots to actually grow. If you want to try this, you might put it in a container with some water and perlite or vermiculite. When the weather is warm enough to plant it out, I'd pot it up in potting soil first, and if it shows good growth, put it out in your garden.

Wow, those look like buds! https://www.google.com/search?...:

dyzzypyxxy said:Well, the leaves are a good indication that it's still alive, but it needs to make roots to actually grow. If you want to try this, you might put it in a container with some water and perlite or vermiculite. When the weather is warm enough to plant it out, I'd pot it up in potting soil first, and if it shows good growth, put it out in your garden.

Thanks so much. I really do want to try- whenever a plant decides to defy odds like this I wanna give it a chance haha. So do you think I can find perlite easily at a gardening store? I'm in Japan and probably won't be able to get there for a good bit. (Maybe Thursday so 3 days and thats with me rushing slightly). I do have some larger rocks but they aren't the right texture.

What ratio of the perlite and vermiculite to water would I need? Right now it is chilling in a water vase.

I just fill a cup or a jar or something with the perlite or vermiculite, then fill it with water - so it's a container of completely wet stuff. The idea is just like rooting the cutting in plain water which is what you're doing right now, but adding the perlite or vermiculite just gives the little roots something to push against which makes them grow a little stronger.

No idea what would be available in Japan for this but if you're able to explain what you're trying to do, I'm sure a garden center person might have advice on a substitute. If you're not already seeing any signs of roots on the bottom of the cutting, there's probably no hurry.

Hey Ashley

You'd be better off planting it immediately in soil. Water roots don't do well if you wait too long before getting them the minerals they need from the soil. You'd end up with a weak unhealthy plant.

Its a Redtwig dogwood. its a nice bush. From your pictures I see its even getting ready to bloom. Lucky you!

mnmat said:Hey Ashley

You'd be better off planting it immediately in soil. Water roots don't do well if you wait too long before getting them the minerals they need from the soil. You'd end up with a weak unhealthy plant.

Its a Redtwig dogwood. its a nice bush. From your pictures I see its even getting ready to bloom. Lucky you!

Should I aerate the soil or loosen it up? and is there a certain depth I need to plant it at? I have a pot that empty id just need to probably add nutrients to the soil.