Hi guys, I lurk mostly but have a question. I picked up 3 cuttings from Figaholics to try rooting for the first time. When I received them I hadn't really thought about how I wanted to root them, so I just put them in a cup of water with some liquid rooting hormone added, changing the water daily and inspecting the cuttings when I did.

Last night I noticed at the bottom of two cuttings that the centermost part looked clear and jellylike instead of white and solid. I didn't notice any smell and the bark did not peel away when I scratched it a bit. Fearing rot anyway, I pulled the cuttings out of the water, covered them with a damp paper towel, and placed in an open bag. Today I checked the bottoms again and noticed that the clear, jellylike substance was gone, leaving an indentation in the center.

I would like to move the cuttings to a 50% pumice, 50% miracle grow moisture control mix in 2 liter soda bottles, but I'm not sure if there's anything I need to do in regards to the caved out center. Also, is it ok for there to be condensation under the parafilm or should I be applying it more tightly? I just wrapped them in it today. I would love to hear your thoughts/advice! The album with photos is below.

http://imgur.com/a/QCtqH

That moisture under the parafilm looks to me like an invitation to mold... If it was me, I likely would unwrap, dry and re-wrap with fresh parafilm.... It looks like the indent on the cutting bottom stops at the node which is why many advise to trim a cutting to just below a node since this node section seems to provide a barrier to the incursion of mold or fungus to the inside of the cutting. I would just sanitize the bottom with a 10% bleach and water solution to make sure no baddie's are hidden there... WRT your question about rooting medium, I have had very bad experiences with anything labeled Miracle Grow moisture control... I would invest in some quality growmix like HP Pro-Mix MX for your medium. You can use the soda bottle but for a really easy set it and forget it, I would recommend the baggie method... you can search for it on the forum. My best results have been achieved with the baggie method although others love the 3 or 4 cup method and it is also nearly foolproof for them... Good luck

I will do the bleach solution dip and rewrap. Do you think I shouldn cut anything off the bottom or leave it be? I used the miracle grow because that is what I have on hand. I don't want to spend too much because I'm a broke college student, lol. Promix is expensive around here, and I haven't been able to find it in smaller bags. I vaguely remember reading about the baggie method... is that the one with dry soil in a bag tied around one end of the cutting? I will read up on it again.

I've tried a bunch of methods but the one that I've found most successful is this:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/the-best-rooting-method-i-found-over-the-years-6717809?pid=1290816192

Couple of tips they don't mention

- When you have good roots. At least 1" long - Make sure your first pot up is in to very gritty mix or the newly rooted cuttings will rot. something. Like at least 70% perlite.

- A little heat really helps. A seedling heat mat if you have. In winter I put them near my heating vents. Around 27C  + or - seems to work for me...

Joe, do the cuttings not need any fertilizer after beginning to root? And do I need to buy new perlite or can I use my bulk pumice? Heat is not a problem with day temps hitting 75-80F+ daily already.

You will get conflicting opinions on this question. IMO, yes. and I forgot to mention in my last post. The 60 ML of water... I use 60ML of water with a super diluted soluble fertilizer. Like 1/4 strength. The type is optional but I tend towards low nitrogen...

NOTE - Some perlite comes fortified. In which case don't add any.... But if you use clean perlite like I do... Yes, a very little bit.

Your temps are better than mine but if you can give them a couple extra degrees, I think it would help...