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Video on rooting fig cuttings with the baggie method

I decided to do something different and I created a short video on how to root fig cuttings in a plastic bag.

click here for video

I think I covered all the basics. If something is missing let me know.



I realize this is a very basic explanation, and I think it is good for the beginner.  The only things I would have to say are either based on your supplied technique.  So, I will point out the things that I think could be improved on.  I notice you didn't mention how to store cuttings, since this is about rooting cuttings, but I want to add some feedback about refrigerator storage also.

You mention using a Zip-loc baggie and left it at that.  Dan always jumps on people about this (in a nice way, of course) - he says you should note what kind of Zip-loc baggie - "freezer" or "storage".  Dan recommends "freezer" bags for storing in the refrigerator and "storage" bags for trying to root.  There is supposedly a difference between the two.  I tend to agree.

During rooting, I personally roll my twigs into a bundle with the bottom of the stick exposed so I could see the roots/initials forming.  I believe Dan recommends that you simply place a damp paper towel into the bag and do NOT wrap it around the twigs.  I like your method, but it doesn't show me the roots without removing the cuttings from the baggie, which leads to contamination, thus potential mold introduction.  To get the proper dampness most people recommend, I found that folding the paper towel in half several times, soaking it, then wringing it out completely will give you the correct moisture level.  The spray bottle is something I've never seen, but it's a nice idea.  I would recommend trying either to folks.

When storing my cuttings in the fridge for later rooting, I prefer to bundle them up and wrap with Saran wrap (plastic wrap) around the bundle, Leon's method.  I place in a freezer bag.  I like this also because I can write the cutting name on the plastic wrap using a Sharpie marker, and not worry about it bleeding away.  This lets me put multiple cuttings in one big bag.  It does no damage to the cuttings.

I realize this is not part of "simple" baggie methodology, but you didn't mention cleaning the cuttings, which can help with mold and rot.  First lightly scrubbing with anti-bacterial soap and a toothbrush, then dipping in 10% diluted bleach solution, then air-drying and placing into the baggie both a) prior to storing in the fridge and b) before setting up the .

Finally, for humidity, when suggesting inserting direct into soil, you can maintain good humidity and more constant temperature for rooting by placing a bag over the top of the pot OR maybe a soda bottle with the bottom cut off and cap still on loosely.

Also, Celsius degrees only?  ;)

 


 

Michal,
thanks for taking the time and making the video.
Whats amazing about fig wod is there are so many many ways to root them.
Some work better than others for folks but having so many ways is great and gives one options to use what they have on hand and not spend a lot in doing so if there are budget constraints for some of us.
I would suppose the cheapest way and its worked for me is one you mention in the video just stick the stick inground yup it works, one spring day i did this amongst my hostas and it rooted just fine after a good spell.
For the curious and i never added up percentages to see how one worked over the other but they have all worked for me in past seasons i dont really root anymore scion as im basically done with that aspect if i need a duplicate i airlayer now off parent tree for myself.
Ive rooted brown and green scion mostly brown in
Spahgnum Moss
Expandable Peat Cups (used for rooting garden seeds)
Water
Dirt and or potting soil (simply stuck inground or in parent pot)
Perlite and potting soil
Simple baggie method with newpaper as wrap
ive also seen long time ago a bunch of sticks put in a 5 gallon bucket filled with water an aquarium airstone in a garage and most rooted.
As i was doing this in seasons past i never did the bleach thing it just never occured to me i just rinsed the sticks under tap water to clean them and never had any mold problems suppose im lucky in that department after what ive been reading last season or so.
Ive had dissapointments oh yes some scion just not do anything, some turn mushy and soft (the green ones ) and some make it to the cups and get overwatered by me only to go kaput!
Hopefully in near future i will be getting last pieces scion that i will be rooting i know some will say yeah right but for me its true least rooting scion and for the last time i will use baggie, expandable peat pot and SM and i will get 1 plant to grow i should i better im confident although im not an expert  then im finally done with scion and time to thin out a plant or 2 i dont want for 1 reason or another.
I suppose many of you will come to this and some will carry on and keep going those that have the room perhaps and even those that do not .
In end its all fun much fun for me  i never got to technical with rooting them but thats just me as we are all different .

Michal again thanks for taking the tiime to make that video and im sure you have helped many and i always look forward to seeing more video's, perhaps 1 day i will make a simple video just showing some of my plants.

Wishing everyone a good fig season to come.


Thanks for the comments. I am going to do a few adjustments when I have a few minutes. Also, I skipped the zip-loc not everyone has access to zip-locs. This might sound crazy but I looked at the stats of my videos and some people as far as from Indonesia watched some of my videos. For the bleach part I also skipped it but I could have added it... I sometimes use bleach but not always. Well I guess there is no real scientific way to do it. Even my trip in Turkey at the research center made me realize that sometimes there is no need to buy special products for the propagation of figs.

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