I saw a video on youtube of a famous fig grower/scientist (I think his name was Ray Givens) simply take a cutting from a fig tree that was in full bloom, trim off all but two leaves and plant it in soill under a soda bottle and he said it would grow. Is it safe to do this? I'm more concerned with the mother plant dying than the cutting not growing, I always though it best not to mess with fig trees when they're in bloom. What are the chances if any that this will harm my trees? Thanks in advance, Luke.

It won't harm your tree. In fact you should thin overgrown branches anytime.

Depending on the age of the tree, but you could probably cut the tree down and the stump would grow back.

In my own personnel experience is if you cut the main stem during growing season the tree could bleed ( only way I can describe it ) for a long period of time. Sometimes it will not stop unless you take action to stop it. But this concern is mostly limited to hardened wood. With greener and new wood the cuts do dry off in matter of days if not ours.

So try to stick with branches or suckers.

One of the safest and effective ways to stop the bleeding and prevent diseases is to place ashes on the wound. I used to torch the wound but that caused more damage.

I try to avoid using pruning seal on edibles because it is oil base. But have used it from time to time.

Another method I have used is latex paint. This has worked well but only if the area ( wound ) is mostly dry.

But to answer you question,
I have taken cuttings many times. You have to if you plan on doing air-layers.

My French grandfather put spider webs over the fig cuts.  He did that on my small wounds too.  lol

Luke you can cut plant it will not hurt it . When i pinch during season for the figs i just pinch some potting mix with fingers from its container and clog up the wound.

Ray is taking a summer cutting or green cutting and his method is sound. Some people prefer green cutting to dormant cuttings. A very important part of that video is the terrarium effect Ray produces with the soda bottle on top. Green cuttings will dry out quickly and die if you don't use some kind of clear covering to hold moisture until roots form.

Thank you all for the excellent information.

No, you will be fine doing this. Summer cuttings are wondeful growers. I always cut leaf in half and leave one on top. I never cover, the transition to air is too much trouble. Too much shocking,, for me. I just mist lightly when needed. Green cuttings during summer are sometimes better I think. ciao

I went for it today, I probably could have taken some from a few varieties but I played it real safe, tho I did take a cutting from a cutting I started in December that had multiple shoots. Also I have triples of this variety so if worst comes to worst, I am covered. How thin can the cuttings be tho? Is there a minimal thickness I should shoot for? Thanks again.

I have no luck rooting green cuttings, but tried some grafts and I am amazed. one with bottom inside a ziplock bag with water  and attached to the tree has 2 new leaves. not sure when is the time to remove the water, and another I grafted new growth to new growth and it is taking off like I would never dream.  you just have to try and experience it .