i have be more patient. I removed my cutting from its cup to check for roots. I quickly found out that it had lots of roots. Unfortunately, they were no longer attached to the cutting. I cannot believe how fragile they are. Word to anyone new, just leave them alone

That's so sad when that happens. I've done it too.

Last year I did my rooting in black plastic plant bands, and while they worked well for rooting, I couldn't see well-enough what was going on in terms of roots and once in awhile I'd just have to dig one up to see... Curiosity killed the cat... er fig. So this year I rooted directly in clear plastic bags with lots of holes for aeration. Now I can look to my heart's content through the sides and not damage anything. I still can't see everything that might be happening, but this is so much more soothing for me - and safer for the figs.

I could not find clear cups and used a translucent green cup. I burned holes in the cups with a little hot gun. But could not see well enough as you mention. I am now using 7-11 Big Gulp cups and hopefully that resolves my issue.

I have other rootings in a one gallon zip lock with holes. I lost some beautiful roots when I turned the bag.

I am learning the hard way.

A good source of clear cups is Starbucks. 
They server several beverages in large clear cups.
At work, I put out the word that I want these cups for gardening and people drop them off at my desk. Worth a shot!

costco has the clear ones

I too have killed many cuttings in this way. It is hard to sit by and wait but in the end its the best thing to do.

The roots will stick to plastic as the moisture level in the container drops.  Watering the container will help prevent sticking... just give it some time to fully drain.

Glad I read this post. I'm a rookie and have styrofoam cups ready to plant. I'll be tossing those cups in favor of some clear ones.

You all saved my latest cuttings! They are in a black container with a vermiculite compost mix and I can't wait to see what's happening. How long is long enough to wait without hurting any new root growth?

i usually just have a pint of Guinness or Boddingtons and just wonder what it would look like then pulling them out :)

Yea,  it's a waiting game, and patience is certainly the order of the day (I have very little)...but I have learned from my mistakes...now I just leave them alone, and let nature take it's course...and you know what?...nature gets along just fine without my help.   :)   :)

I have cuttings in clear cups that are a couple weeks old and some that are a couple months old.  Depending on the variety and condition of the cutting, you may get nice strong roots, or very skinny, more fragile roots.  If I wasn't able to see the roots, I'd lose a lot of cuttings because some of the older cupped cuttings had weaker roots than the newer ones.

I recycle starbucks cups, tons of them, I collect when cleaning an office-  They  serve the purpose, but I think planting directly in the larger pot is best for the cutting.  there is too  much trauma in the transfering from cup to pot.   To help with curiosity about the roots, cut a window in the pot, and line it with clear plasti (2 layers of kitchen use) taped with duck tape to close the hole, you ca still see what is going on inside but will not disturbe the plant.

Steve, put it back in warm moist chamber, in moss, and it should send out more roots, once recovered - I know the feeling. ha
ng in there, dear fig friend.

Thanks as always Grasa