Hello all,

On my recent trip back to Louisiana for the holidays, I took some cuttings of a fig tree from my parents neighbor to root for myself and my parents.  The neighbor couldn't remember what variety it is but was pretty sure it was either brown turkey or celeste.  I am now trying the baggie method for rooting and was wondering if anyone could tell me if these are easy (relative to other varieties) to root and what time frame I should expect.

They are not considered hard to root if they are Brown Turkey or Celeste. The average time for initials or root appearance is about 4 weeks(+/-) depending on environment (temp, humidity). Check the cuttings every other day to watch for the mold and rinse/clean gently if required. Read more here:
http://figs4fun.com/basics.html

Thanks for the information Ottawan and Dan.  I hope to get at least 2 or 3 of these cuttings to root and if successful, will start to look for some other varieties to obtain cuttings from.

I think I've got my first root coming out.  It looks like another cutting may have one come out in a few days too.

Yup, you got roots! Nice job.

My next question is when to pot them up into rooting media.  I've obtained some perlite and vermiculite as well as the large clear cups but I haven't potted them up yet.  This cutting is still wrapped in a moist paper towel and in the baggie.

I would pot it now. I usually do that when they are 1/4" to 1/2" in length. Worked out for me so far. I use 50-50 perlite and vermiculite in the cups. Give it a good watering after potting (make sure you have good drainage holes). Careful not to damage the root (its easy to do). Then get 'em into humidity and warmth. Best of luck.

Thanks Steve.  I potted it yesterday and have it covered with a plastic bag to keep humidity high.

Good work. Just make sure it gets some fresh air from time to time or you'll get mold. I usually cut a hole or two in the bag.

Thanks for the tips Steve.  I ended up ditching the bag idea and cut a 2L coke bottle to form a mini greenhouse for the cutting.  It seems to be working pretty well and I noticed a root on the wall of the cup this morning.  I also saw roots on another cutting so I potted it the same way.  2 down and 2 to go.

Another fig "junkie" is hooked. ;-))

It certainly is an infectious hobby.

I thought about the 2L bottle idea also but I never had a cutting that would fit it very well. Did you cut any air holes in it? If not I would recommend letting it air out once in a while.

Jon,
Guilty as charged :)

Steve,
Yes, there are small openings where it was cut that allow some air exchange.  Also, as it begins to grow, I plan to slowly unscrew the top to allow some more air exchange as well.  Mine barely fit in the 2L bottle.  I cut the bottle pretty close to the bottom, giving me a tall top section and a short base.  I place the cutting cup in the base and put a little bit of water in the base to provide some additional moisture (it's in the "feet" of the base so the cup is not sitting in water).  Then I loosely fit the top over it.  I also check it once every day or so to make sure there is condensation in the cup so it airs out then as well.

Sounds like you mad a terrarium like when I was a kid in school. I'd like to see a picture if you have one and care to post it.

Here is what i use when i have trees and the 2L bottles avail or attempting to root suckers with minimal roots (like when you are given permission to get cuttings and forget your pocket shovel :-) ):
<center>

Jose,

Nice pictures. Do you run into any trouble from moisture (mold/fungus) with the leaves laying against the plastic bottles?

No, I do not have any problem with mold. If the leaf is not going to make it I clip it. You know when to remove the dome because the tree wilt within minutes if it does not have enough roots to support the green mass. I usually just leave the dome until I start to see vigorous growth which, just like cuttings, is a good indication of the rooting process in full swing.

Steve,

I don't have a photo of the setup but I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it.

Work has prevented me from contributing much to the forum but I've still been nursing my cuttings.  A few of the cuttings have leafed out successfully and are now outside growing.  I'm hoping these put on a good bit of growth this season so I can plant in the ground this fall or next spring.  They've been kind of slow to start growing but they seem to be speeding up now.  I think I'd like to try to get cuttings from other varieties and try them as well.