OK! Got roots on my white marsailles and roots showing on the stellas. Finally got a panachee cutting that went straight into the vermiculite last week. So far, all my figs that have not rooted still have no rot or fungus. Only casualties this year were green Italian, no matter where I got them. I still have one "liver" holding on for dear life. She has no fungus, but no roots either. My Pingo De Mel, UC Davis 187-25, I think, and Trojanos from last year are growing vigorously (all but one sad little Trojano, but it is growing.) Magnolia  branching very vigorously. Sorry no pics. Just wanted to share. I'll post some tears later if the panachee doen't root.

Well, I understand your pain.  I lost a lot using the baggie method, but I got a Panachee to actually root and live through the summer with one leaf.  Next summer it got two.  Made me mad, so I pinched the tip, stuck it into a container with gritty mix, and this year it thrives.  Still a slow grow though.

Good luck with your cuttings!

I don't think it's total coincidence that root and rot are so close in spelling...

Panachee is on my list to try next year. I didn't seek it out this year because I am not fond of varigated fruits, but I keep reading how the flavor is so good... and taste trumps appearance.

Let me make this very clear!  I did NOT use the baggie method for the living Panachee!  I took the advice of the old Greek, laid the cutting down horizontally in a 1" trench, covered it with loose soil in partial shade, and that was the ONLY USD cutting that survived. 

Once I moved it to morning sun, it's much happier.  There is something that looks like it could be a fig.  After 3 years, I think I deserve one!

Huge fan of air layering, but this baby isn't ready yet.

Gina, which coast in So CA are you on?  I'm inland (low desert heat where wine grapes, figs and olives thrive), hoping to move to Fallbrook when we sell the "money pit." 

Suzi

Thanks Gina. Thanks Suzi! I will try out the gritty mix. I am not using the newspaper/baggie method on the panachee. The cutting looked a little green when I got it, but I am hopeful. I have the best luck with older wood cuttings of about six inches or so. The problems that I have had this year have been with softer cuttings. So far all of my woodier cuttings are doing well. I've already potted out my first two batches and they are growing vigorously. I appreciate all of the advice, most of all, I appreciate the support and the friendship I receive from my friends on the forum. Thanks to all.

Oh yea, I hear panachee is one of those that tastes differently in different climates. I can't imagine it's taste is stellar in the South. It was the novelty alone that drew me to the variety. I can't imagine not loving a fig so unique.

Noss,
don't kick yourself, with baggies it's hard to hit the right humidity/moisture spot. I have had great luck with using straight vermiculite, pearlite works well too. The porous volcanics hold just enough water and still move air and that builds humidity in the root zone to encourage rooting. They are also more likely to be sterile and won't grow fungus as well as straight soil. The champion figgers here use large plastic storage containers to retain humidity while rooting. Clear or semi-opaque containers for rooting help you judge root development without disturbing the process.
I do not have the variegated fig, but please let me know who does. I think that would be awesome! If  I get a variegated sport I'll brag in it on the forum for you.

Oh yea, Last year I got a couple of cuttings that showed top growth, but never grew more than one or two roots. I potted them up during dormancy and they are now growing well, all except for one, but it is still alive. I have a better system in place this year.