When will it be the best time to introduce the first fertilizer to the fig tree? I applied some fertilizer to my 4 1/2 months old trees, some of the trees had their leaves burnt out and some just did fine. I just hope they will survive.

Thanks, Norhayati.

Easiest way is to start with Miracle-Gro at low concentration, maybe 1/4 of label recommendation. It is important to make sure the plant is watered and allowed to stand for an hour or two before using fertilizer. Fertilizing a dry plant is a short path to burning the plant. A little fertilizer frequently is much, much better than a lot of fertilizer occasionally.

you could also start off with something low dose like fish emulsion.

Finally, if you have a rich potting soil, you really don't need fertilizer for 6 months to a year. you have taken the time a care to get your cuttings rooted. Don't be impatient, now, and risk killing you hard work. Be patient.

As soon as the cuttings root I put them in pre-moistened pro-mix HP and sprinkle some osmocote on top.  The next time they get watered they get fertilizer.

I use the Dyna-Gro Foliage-Pro for the cup SIPs watering at 50% recommended doze. Works super!

Thanks for all the advice. Its a heartbreaking to see your baby figs in this condition. I almost gave up but luckily this group of friends keep encouraging me. Patience is never my thing, but I am learning fast for the sake of my trees.

Norhayati

The fertilizers in Malaysia are usually sold using the NPK ratio. I don't think we have miracle grow here. Should I use (when the time is right) the lowest NPK ratio that is 8:8:8 of NPK? Or should I use chicken or goat manure which are easily available?

Norhayati

Coming from more of a general horticulture background and less from figs, I've been introducing very diluted liquid fertilizer (a brand called Bioplex, available here if anyone is curious http://www.esbenshades.com/onlineshopping/proddetail.asp?prod=012345222214&id=Esbenshades%20Transplant%20Root%20Stimulator ) that is supposed to be good for root growth. It is relatively high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen and potassium, partially derived from seaweed which some claim also helps root development.

I feel it's best to start fertilizing (again, diluted) once it's in potting soil (I've been rooting right in potting soil) with root growth visible and buds swelling or leaves opening. The plants are actively growing so they'll need nutrients to support the growth, especially if the potting medium is without any. Even if there are just roots and no shoot growth, they will take up nutrients if available and it can only help.