so i have this wonderful cutting. it's nice thickness, nice hardwood. perfect 3 nodes.. and yesterday when i checked it, both ends are turning black. urgh. 

i sliced the black part off, spray it with physan 20 and seal the top part and put in less humid baggie set up. 

why is it it always turn out like this? last yr, it was NdC.. this yr, it's BG. one special cutting each time, and they croak on me. 

I know exactly what you mean I have been heart broken by Panache this year and just a had a leaf droop on my CdDG....but all my Celeste are doing fine!!

Gramaley,
Send me a PM if you need more Panache cuttings.
I have a big tree and I have some rooted 1 gallons from last year.
Take a look at my profile pic.
:)

Eric

Of course it could be many reasons but many times the cutting was taken after it was damaged by winter cold.  At first the cutting still looks green but when you try and grow it the bark starts to get mushy or it starts to rot at the ends.

I have learned my lesson and now take the cuttings I need soon after the tree goes dormant and well before sub freezing temperatures hit.  The cuttings sleep very well in the fridge in a plastic bag until spring or longer.

Eric, that is a very nice looking tree in your profile. First time seeing one with that much fruit at one time.

Pete, maybe I will try to start one for you. :)

Pete I'm hoping that isn't true because I have long anticipated a replacement for my Negretta (killed by fungus gnats).  One cutting arrived yesterday from a generous member.  I have decided to dip one end in wax and score and roll the entire thing in cinnamon prior to putting it in sphagnum and it's warm spot.

IF roots occur, any water it receives will have BT in it, and it will go outside in a 3 gallon pot in partial shade until it's big enough for me to take cuttings and make back ups.  It's known as the rock fig and it's natural environment is living in and around boulders, and we have tons of those!  PLUS very tasty!!

Suzi

Pete,

Maybe doing a little too much is a bad thing?
I don't seal the cut ends nor do I treat them with anything. Other than cleansing them with water and bleach. Most of the times the roots tend to grow out of the base (cut end) of the cutting. Sealing that would definitely reduce your odds of success. "IMO".

I too have a couple rare and exotic cultivars that have been a thorn on my rear the last couple years.
I got five more of each this year and on one only one looks halfway decent. The other has two or three looking somewhat decent.

Gloria, if Eric's cuttings don't work out for you.  Send me an email.  I can send you a nice size Panachee fig tree at no cost.

thanks harvey.

rafed, i think that might be the case. taking too much "care" and i'm killing it. 

I have quite a few that have me on the edge of my seat. I started with 5 VdB. I have one that is looking very good and another that's kinda iffy. I have several more varieties that are just starting to show some roots in the moss. I'm taking them from the moss to a 2L pop bottle SIP. The pressure is maddening I tell you... ;-)

Sealing the cut end and the tip is a very important stage. Also washing the cuttings before preparation to store in fridge is a MUST. Get rid of any bacteria (bird poop, environmental toxic wastes due to pollution...etc...) plus soaking them in very strong Cinnamon tea gives an extra protection against infections, diseases and fungus attacks. 
I also had bad experience with Sphagnum Moss, maybe I was generous with moisture. Seems like SM promotes mildew? Paper towel gives me great results, I use Viva, it's strong and washable and it comes in 1/3 cuts, which is an ideal size for cuttings. 

sealing is not really necesssary. i'm just doing it since it looks like it's going to be a long run for the rooting and i don't want it to dry out. it's humid enough here, sealing the ends are not necessary in most cases. washing and cleaning.. i only brush with anit-bacterial soap now days. don't use bleach anymore. no significant difference as far as the mold and other issues.

Thank you Dennis!! That is very thoughtful! I certainly will let you know...be happy for a chance to see your collection!!

It always seems to be the one you want the most to grow that gives the most trouble.

Pete,
What's the BG?

igor,

Bourjassote Grise

Or "bottle of Guinness"?

i took day off tomorrow, so... pint o' Guinness sounds just about right... after the cub scout meeting. tough day at work. straight tech issue, i have no problem. when things get political, it's just a hell.

BN should be a good one. all the boys in my den have finished Webelos. i'm tired.

Those scouts can wear you out!! Congrats on your scouts!!

LOL, greenfig, you just asked what is BG was... so what is BN?


I agree that sealing is not necessary. Nor is even washing or disinfecting (though many people choose to do this). I've started great numbers of figs the past few years without doing either (last year two prized figs were given to me, both sealed..and both rooted). The most important factor IMO is keeping things only slightly damp, and using cuttings as fresh as possible.

I was kindly given 3 cuttings each of Black Madeira and UCD Black Ischia a couple months ago - the only cuttings I've rooted this season. They were extremely fresh and healthy. I cut them in half, and got all 6 of the BI to root, and thus far, 4 of the slower BM's to show roots. They are now all fully acclimated to the sun, (and took their first real rain today) but still in their starting bags (with many holes punched in them from the beginning). I'm happy as a clam. :)

it can't be Yoko Ono.. Yoko No no.. and it's definitely not Benny No No.. so must be Bourjassote Noire. 

Congratulations, Gina!
BN is the Bourjassote Noire, aka Violette de Soleis.