The willow trick is an old method... long before hormones were isolated. You need a willow stick from an actively growing tree. The stick produces auxin which is released into the water from the cut end.
On the sugar deal.. I would be REAL careful. Sugar is food for many many organisms. Watering your plants with sugar water is likely to do promote alot of bacteria and fungus growth in the potting mix. If that doesn't cause an outright problem with pathogens attacking the plant as well then it will potentially cause a problem with breaking down the potting mix at a rapid rate. Which could cause problems with the plant in another fashion.
On the sugar deal.. I would be REAL careful. Sugar is food for many many organisms. Watering your plants with sugar water is likely to do promote alot of bacteria and fungus growth in the potting mix. If that doesn't cause an outright problem with pathogens attacking the plant as well then it will potentially cause a problem with breaking down the potting mix at a rapid rate. Which could cause problems with the plant in another fashion.