Frankallen
1371842383
Posted 1386030879
Reply with quote #1
Why does some people dip the tips and the bottom of cuttings in wax? Does it protect the cutting from rotting? Will the roots break through the wax? What kind of wax do you use? Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.... : )Frank from Bama - Zone 7-b Alabama ...................................................."Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever". Mahatma Gandhi
ascpete
1336096379
Posted 1386035439
Reply with quote #2
Frank,sealing fig cuttings .site:figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com waxing "cuttings"
kubota1
1342900232
Posted 1386109063
Reply with quote #3
Frank, I never put anything on the bottom of the cutting, but I do usually use liquid electrical tape on the top of the cutting. It's easier than melting wax.
Maro2Bear
1344284082
Posted 1386109861
Reply with quote #4
Frank,http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/?forum=&trail=75
Aaron4USA
1375832059
Posted 1387916235
Reply with quote #5
Frank, Paraffin is a low heat melting wax used in canning also, it seals both ends of the cuttings to prevent dehydration. the roots will break through it and the tip will brea through it also. It's a life saver in most cases of cutting survival. I think it contributes a lot to my successful cutting growing.
javajunkie
1362970391
Posted 1387925056
Reply with quote #6
I agree with Aaron. I wax all my cuttings top and bottom when storing. Lets all the moisture stay inside where you need it. I ship them this way as well. Wax both ends make sure bark is dry and wrap in saran wrap. Haven't had any mold issues. Thanks Kerry (drivewayfarmer)for the great idea of the saran wrap!
leon_edmond
1188903453
Posted 1388008798
Reply with quote #7
Learned waxing the ends from my Italian friends overseas. I melt regular candle wax over the ends. Trust me, it really works, not only to retard desiccation but it seals against mold and other organisms that use the wound to infect the cutting.
mgginva
1320266925
Posted 1388252088
Reply with quote #8
I also have to thank Kerry for the saran wrap idea. I wax both ends as well with tea candle wax. I don't remove as roots and shoots easily push through it.
saxonfig
1258080612
Posted 1388256181
Reply with quote #9
I agree with what's been said above. Saran wrap is an excellent way to seal the natural moisture inside the cuttings. But I'm beginning to feel that dipping the entire cutting in wax may be a step above the plastic wrap. I've been doing both on many cuttings for some time now. Can't imagine how it could hurt anything.
Fig Well An d Prosper!
pino
1383190021
Posted 1388277527
Reply with quote #10
Grape plants from the nursery come with the top 2-3" dipped in grafting wax.
Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres
