Hi all!
I got a bunch of cuttings started using a horizontal behind i mentioned previously.
I finished putting up the majority of them about a week ago. I put them in either 1/2 gallon pots or 4 gallon buckets with drainage holes. I used a mixture of compost, Peet moss, coconut coir,perlite and set them in a shady area outside.
For the first 5 days i draped a sheet over them to protect them further from any direct sunlight.


Whatever leaves had developed were blanched White or nearly White because they've been buried and receive no sun, and now they have all fallen off.

I'm not very worried, because I know the roots are the most important thing, but I just want confirmation that they probably are OK or information about why they might not be.

You are in zone 6a. The temperature fluctuation between night and day is enough to shock the plant if not hardy enough.
They will probably come back once they adjust to the outside.

ChrissyChris,

Two weeks ago (or so) I potted up 5 os my figs from Big Gulp cups which had been outside for a week or two (already hardened off) into 5 gallon pots.  My MBVS dropped all of its leaves and is now a tortured looking stick.

I feel your pain.

I have two MBVS back ups still growing in cups on the deck, so I'm not concerned about losing the variety, but it hurts when you take your winners, give them more room to grow, etc. and they turn around and go critical on you.

Hopefully both yours and mine will survive.  In NJ, we haven't really seen the sun for more than a day or two since early April (when it was still cold as well).  I'm hoping for some sun and warm weather so that the trees can get a big push.


Andrew

I'm with you. My best winter growers all dropped their leaves once they got outside. I see signs of buds forming again so I'm not too worried. Warmer weather would help. NJ 6B

The leafless bare-stick plants need shade more than sun to make a faster recovery.
Make sure sun rays don't beat down on the side of the (black) pot
or the roots will suffer, too. It's tempting to water daily, but
don't because the roots are fine. A spray mist is more nurturing. Cover with a plastic 
humidity bag as if it's a new cutting. This should bring the leaves back more quickly.
Basically, I'm with you guys; leaf drop is no big deal, but we can't help asking ourselves
if it was something we did wrong.

I disagree with one thing you said above Charles - if the tree is leafless let the new leaves develop in full sun and they will be fine.  It is the tender young leaves that developed in shade or under lights that are in danger from full sun