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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > lessons learned - failed cuttings
 
 


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omotm

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
This will be a supplement to Pete's recent post regarding "winter rooting and what we have learned".

I wanted to share my observation from this past winter/spring attempt at starting cuttings.  I'd say about 90% of my cuttings started using my favored method of 32 oz deli container in a covered Rubbermaid type container with heat mat and 60/40 sifted perlite/Mircale Grow Organic Potting soil.  (Note: watch out for fungus gnats with the MG organic potting soil.  I always use WDG gnatrol at the first and subsequent waterings.  If I see any sign of those flying beasts I also use a spray with pyrethrin).

I started to pay careful attention to cuttings which did not root/show leaves or died shortly after (1-3 weeks) showing roots, leaves or both.  This is what I found.....no suprise.....an over abundance of water killed them brought on by uneven distribution of perlite and potting soil.  Either the mix showed areas where the potting soil was the majority of the mix through the height of the deli container or the potting soil had accumulated at the bottom of the container, either was fatal.  The attched photos from the same deli container may not be the best, but I hope you get the idea. 

My corrective action was to increase the amount of perlite in my starting mix to about 80/20 perlite/potting soil.  I also watch more closely as I fill my deli containers.  If it appears as if there are areas of highly concentrated potting soil I will empty the deli container (sometimes 3 or 4 times) and refill until I am satisfied with the uniformity of the mix in the conainer.

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jpeg soil_2.jpg (366.82 KB, 45 views)


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Steve
Houston, TX
Zone 8b

Wish List:
Zingarella

bullet08

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
i mix them twice. before adding water and after. to make sure water doesn't settle too much, i also mix the soil while potting cuttings. typically, they come out without problem. but i do notice some 1 gal not draining as well as others. this yr, i was little more careful with mixing and so far no problem.
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Pete
Durham, NC
Zone 7b

"don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill
"the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher

***** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. *****
***** and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...*****
Darkman

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
I used a cement mixer this year and mixed till it was completely uniform. I do believe it makes a difference in draining.
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Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19
shah8

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Using orchid soil might help.
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Especially desired figs: UCD 187-25, UCD 200-48, UCD 157-17, UCD 309-B1, Princesa, Black Madeira, high quality sugar fig that ripens Sept-Oct.

Probable desired fig: Smith, St Jean, JH Adriatic, CddB, Gulbun, Pastilliere, Sucrette

Rooting:  Smith, CDDB--this pretty much means I have my fun tries (tho' important since they are truly desirable), and only interested for this year: Gulbun, BM, 187-25, or something wildly exotic or precious that nobody has any good reason to send me.
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