Yeah, that happens to me too.  But as long as the roots don't break it is ok.

It is so dry here in Phoenix.   I am tenting the little ones too, and I'm finding that it is difficult to transition them out.  They get shocked from the lack of humidity.   Plus, the temp is wild now going from 100 degrees in the day to 53 at night.  I bought some limes and after a couple days, the limes are dried out and hard.   That's how dry it is.  

A few days ago I untented all of those cuttings.  A few of them started to wilt almost immediately.  Those are the four that are still tented now.  They bounced right back after I covered them again.  They just weren't ready yet to be exposed to our dry air.  A couple more weeks and they should be there.  The dry air is tough on the plants here.  Luckily figs can handle it pretty well once they are established.  I grow my trees in ground which helps because I think the heat and low humidity affect plants in containers much more.

Could you maybe introduce air by cutting a tiny hole per day in the plastic?

Suzi

Suzi,

That's a good idea.  I'll have to try that.

Your cuttings are doing so well, maybe it's that little bit of fertilizer in the potting mix.

Your yard looks great, Joe.   Lots of room for more fig trees......:-)

Thanks Dave.  I'm planning on planting some more fig trees.  Most of these cuttings will end up being planted in my yard in the spring.  Now that I have some drip irrigation lines running in the yard it makes it a lot easier for me to care for more trees.  How's the weather up by you?  It's been warm down here but we're supposed to have some cooler weather coming in this weekend.  I'm still getting figs and they still taste pretty good.

Steve this potting soil has worked out well for me. That slow release organic fertilizer they put in it must help. I like it because it's loose and mixes evenly with the perlite.

Hi, Joe

It's been unseasonably warm here as well.  Temps into the mid 80's today.  Our  low was just a tad under 50.  But it's supposed to freeze on Saturday and snow is predicted.  I've been getting a few figs here myself, but all that will cease in a couple of days.

Your purple unknown, which was a mere cutting 10 months ago is now a very healthy 4 foot tall tree.  It's starting to put out a few baby figs but of course, they will be gone after the freeze.   

Looking forward to next year, when most of my new trees should produce.  If you still have room...consider my Havasu unknown.  Big dark great tasting figs.  Not overly sweet.   But they do need lots of heat.  They would love your area.  PM me if you'd like some cuttings.  I will have a bunch of them in a month or two.

Hey Dave,

I just PM'd you.  I guess winter is coming.  It won't get that cold down here so hopefully my season can keep going a bit longer.  I'm glad that tree is doing good for you.  Next year it should give you fruit.

Great looking cuttings, Joe--I'd say you've got it down.

Thanks Ken.

Thx Joe. Always nice to hear about methods that are working.
mgg

Thanks for the encouragement guys.  Dave I use 75% perlite and 25% potting soil.  I just eyeball it.  Good luck with your cuttings.

Joe,

I think you need to start yourself a little side business, distributor for GroWell Premium Potting mix.  I can't find it here in the Houston area so far, may have to go with a substitute.

Steve,

It might not be available in your area.  I'm not sure if it is a local brand.  But you should be able to find something similar at a local garden center.  I got this at A&P Nursery here in AZ.  They are a chain out here.  I'm not sure if you have them by you.  But if not then hopefully you can still find a potting soil that is similar.  Seed starting soil works good.

Joe,

Forgot to ask......do you start the cuttings in the cups in the dark or a sunny window?

Hey Steve,

I start them by that window.  It does not get direct sunlight except for early in the morning.  Don't put them in direct sunlight or a south facing window or you might bake the cuttings.  Some people put them under grow lights and have success doing it that way but I've never tried it.