Planting a fig with damaged roots

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FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1480672962	Reply with quote #1

Hie all I received a honey fig and sadly it took a beating in the mail :(. upon removing the tree from its pot i noticed that as it was being jostled around in the mail it tore the roots. The plant is about 4-5 inches tall and the trunk is about 0.6 inches thick. I immediately potted it up and gave some seaweed solution to assist in root growth/repair and aid in reducing transplant shock i used this technique on my recent fig transplants in late spring (We are in Australia) and they some are putting new growth. Since most of the roots were damaged is there anything else apart from applying seaweed solution at specified intervals (fortnightly), keeping the potting mix evenly and keeping it away from direct sunlight (until i notice new growth)? Any advice on how to save this fellow welcome :) Here are some images of the fellow. Potting mix looks a little soggy as i had just watered it just before i snapped a picture __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

lifigs

Registered:1374698291
Posts: 217

Posted 1480684092	Reply with quote #2

I would put dome over it (32 oz clear cup or lower half of a two liter soda bottle) and place in shade. Also be careful not to over water. Without a significant root system there it no place for that water to grow. Don't want rot that baby. __________________ Bill Long Island (Nassau) 7a,NY Wish List: Sicilian Red, RdB, JH Adriatic, Sal's EL and any fig from Bari.

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1480684228	Reply with quote #3

My two cents: Moist, not soggy, soil. Fewer roots=less water uptake. If you can keep the soil warm (bottom heat) that will help. Gradually increase light. You might even consider a humidity dome for a little while (bottomless water bottle). Disclaimer: I've lost a few even using the above steps ;-) I hope he perks up for you. __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1480686937	Reply with quote #4

Thank you. i like the humidity dome idea and its going to be a bit warm in the next few days. I will also water when its necessary. With the humidity dome do i just get a clear bottle, cut it and put it over the fig making it air tight or will i need to poke a few holes? __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1481945529 · Edited	Reply with quote #5

2 weeks later and its not dead but the terminal bud has browned but it has some buds on its stem that have not changed state since planting. The leaves have also "lifted" compared to the photo snapped at the time of planting. How long does it generally take for new growth to show on a transplanted fig? __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1482045010	Reply with quote #6

Congratulations! As long as those leaves look good the plant is happy, especially if there's no humidity dome. Let it grow roots and recover and don't worry about a thing. You could try some very dilute fertilizer with your next watering. Beyond that just sit back and wait. If there is a dome don't change it now but make sure the soil drains really well and there's lots of air space in the soil. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1482056440	Reply with quote #7

Thanks. The soil looks a bit deceptive as it drains quite well. Im hoping the other buds open up soon and im quite glad that the leaves have not shriveled at all :) __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1483778501	Reply with quote #8

Just thought i would give an update on this fig. After about 3 weeks of no action it has decided to push some new growth! It seems to be doing well and the seweed concentrate seems to have helped in the formation of a stronger root system. Needless to say, i am a happy fig grower. The Seller said it was a Greek honey fig, likely a Kalamata White fig. __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

Dig

Registered:1482888220
Posts: 14

Posted 1483796985	Reply with quote #9

Fantastic. I am glad you didn't lose you little one. Thanks for the update. __________________ El Paso... 8a-7b 8"rain

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1483798027 · Edited	Reply with quote #10

I'm glad that it's showing improvement, I have to agree on the loose well drained soil. That first pic looked very wet and heavy. Perlite or small bark can help aerate the soil for you! I'm not 100℅ but I was told Kalamatiana are Smyrna and need the wasp, not sure if that applies to your fig or not. __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1483808683 · Edited	Reply with quote #11

The seller is a trusted one and mentioned that it produced without a fig wasp. He said that the thinks its a Kalamata white fig although its not 100% confirmed. It could be a mystery Greek honey fig. I guess we will find out when it bears its first crop! __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,060

Posted 1483811818 · Edited	Reply with quote #12

Quote: Originally Posted by FigColt The seller is a trusted one and mentioned that it produced without a fig wasp. He said that the thinks its a Kalamata white fig although its not 100% confirmed. It could be a mystery Greek honey fig. I guess we will find out when it bears its first crop! ----------------------------------------------- Both Kalamatas ( black or white ) seem to be rather difficult to ripen http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/kalamata-figs-dropping-again-5945897?highlight=kalamata&pid=1274429674 But if you are in Southern Australia, you have here a good chance to try and get these fruit pollinated May be someone not too far from you could help sending a few ripe Profichis (caprifigs) for you to hang on your Kalamata tree and insure ripening of your figs. These fellows here, : - http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s824316.htm could well guide you on these rather simple and straight forward procedures If you need the Caprifigs for this season, you have to hurry up as the last ripen Profichis may be ending by now in your latitudes (ripen during December/same time as brebas) Good luck FigColt ! PS: I grow white Kalamata and the figs are of large size, very sweet, with honey full pulps great to be eaten fresh and 'super' for drying. Francisco Portugal

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1483852837	Reply with quote #13

Quote: Both Kalamatas ( black or white ) seem to be rather difficult to ripen http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/kalamata-figs-dropping-again-5945897?highlight=kalamata&pid=1274429674 But if you are in Southern Australia, you have here a good chance to try and get these fruit pollinated May be someone not too far from you could help sending a few ripe Profichis (caprifigs) for you to hang on your Kalamata tree and insure ripening of your figs. These fellows here, : - http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s824316.htm could well guide you on these rather simple and straight forward procedures If you need the Caprifigs for this season, you have to hurry up as the last ripen Profichis may be ending by now in your latitudes (ripen during December/same time as brebas) Good luck FigColt ! PS: I grow white Kalamata and the figs are of large size, very sweet, with honey full pulps great to be eaten fresh and 'super' for drying. Francisco Portugal Thanks Francisco! I contacted the seller again and he said that the fruit set without fig wasps and that the fig sets 1 crop a year. The fruit looks like a Kalamata White so does the flesh and the leaves of the tree. __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,060

Posted 1483893076	Reply with quote #14

FigColt, Glad to see that the seller backs his product and confirms it as a single crop, Common fig. Everyday we do learn new things! Later in the season I shall arrange to send you pictures of my Kalamata figs and leaves. Francisco Portugal

FigColt

Registered:1462240990
Posts: 74

Posted 1483935584	Reply with quote #15

Francisco, That would be great thanks! I would love to compare and see how similar the trees are. __________________ Figs are fun ******************************************************************* Growing: Brown Turkey, Black Genoa, White Adriatic, Mystery Fig, Deanna, LSU Gold, Dwarf Brown, Pink Jerusalem , White Genoa, Unknown Honey fig, Yellow Excel Wanted: (I think i've reached my fig quota.....for now :). )

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1483935912	Reply with quote #16

Thanks for fixing my knowledge on Kalamatiana white. When I talked to Andreas from Greece a few years back about it he said they needed the wasp, but wasn't growing them. Good to have feedback from growers! __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

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