I put 33 cuttings in moss, all 33 have roots and are in cups. The cuttings have buds but no open leaves. What I want to know is if the cuttings need to be covered or not. There are lots of roots. The cuttings are Bt and HC. 10 of them are grafted and buds are  starting to open as well. Rex.

If they have roots you don't need the extra hunidity that comes with covering them.  Once they have roots I put them under lights so they have distinct day/night cycles with days longer than nights.  I don't know if that makes them form shoots faster but I do know the shoots will have all the light they need once they do come out.  That means I don't have to check them 2x/day.

And the leaves need water, so mist or soak!

Suzi

I second rcantor's comments. I start in moss also and cup the cuttings once there are root initials, I place the cups in humidity domes for the first 1-2 weeks only, at 75 deg F. (to aid in root growth). After the 2 weeks they are placed in a south facing window where they are acclimated to the room.  I believe that your situation is the optimal rooting condition, roots before leaves. A large healthy root mass will be able to support any leaves that the cuttings can produce.

If I had a choice between roots or leaves, I would take roots every time.  The roots are like the foundation of a house. If the foundation is strong than it will support whatever is added on top.  As for humidity domes, I keep them on top until they start interfering with leaf growth. Then they come off for good.  Best of luck with all your new trees.

Hi and thanks for the info, Rex.

This ,is the first time I started figs in the dark, with light I got leaves first and only about 50% got roots, Rex

Centurion it doesn't necessarily mean too much light.  Sometimes cuttings in completely dark boxes will shoot leaves first.  I usually cut them off so it doesn't keep committing energy to leaves when I want it growing roots.