I believe that I have discovered a new (?) technique that significantly reduces the "wilting" of newly rooted fig cuttings when they are up potted........thanks to a tidbit that I have read in Dr. O'Rourke's book on gardening.

In previous threads I have posted that Carbon Dioxide gas often is the cause of plants "wilting". The reason for this is because plants must be able to "breathe" in oxygen in order for roots to form. In the biochemical process of creating new roots.....a plant takes in oxygen from the air in combination with its stored energy reserves and water.......to produce "new roots". Durng this bio-chemical rooting reaction.....carbon dioxide gas is produced as a by product. If carbon dioxide gas is not removed from the rooting or potting mix......the plant will simpley begin to smother and wilt. Even if you use a light an airy rooting mix......the plants WILL STILL WILT from trapped carbon dioxide gas if it is allowed to buildup in the mix.

For the last few years I have been experimenting with various rooting techniques and methods.......some of which I have given detailed reports .....others are still a work in progress.  Here's one new technique and insight that IMO, is worthy of sharing right now.

Recently I have been experimenting with "late season rooting". In the last couple of weeks I have potted up quite a few cuttings from their rooting cups into trade gallon pots. Plus I have been experimenting with producing my own final potting mixes. To make it easier, I have been using an electric cement mixer in order to mix my potting soils.

I have "purposely" been  mixing my potting mix in the cement mixer for an extended period of time in order TO INFUSE MORE OXYGEN INTO THE POTTING MIX and to remove LATENT CARBON DIOXIDE. The result being........I have noticed a significant decrease in plant "wilting" whenever I use that cement mixer to produce my potting soils. 

Sooooooooooooo, to reduce the wilting of your newly rooted cuttings when you up pot them.  AERATE THE HECK OUT OF YOUR POTTING SOIL.....it does make a BIG difference.

FYI, many purchased potting soils and mixes WILL HAVE LOTS OF CARBON DIOXDE GAS in them that you want to remove BEFORE you up pot your cuttings. Get that CO2 out of there............and infuse more air into the mix. IMO, this is very important and does make a big difference for "newly" rooted fig cuttings whose roots are still forming and subject to damage.

I may come back to this post and add more details later..........

Dan
Semper Fi-cus