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Subject: Too many fig weeds Replies: 8
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 371
 
Igor, my solution: Get a Sulcata. They are large tortoises that eat grass and weeds. You keep the fruit while they mow your lawn.

Subject: Maryland Fig Season 2015 - Black Madeira - New Pix! Replies: 81
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 3,102
 
Mark, today was one of those weird Maryland days: crazy warm. It's been nice to get out and do some yard work the past few days, though. I'm going to attempt keeping my plants in the greenhouse and see how bad I chicken out.

Subject: Rooting Container Top Growth Replies: 6
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 310
 
I agree with Paul. This is my first time growing figs, but I had one that looked exactly like that. I potted it up and put it under lights. So far it looks like it's putting out a lot of green that hasn't died yet. So, I'm hopeful that roots are appearing whenever it chooses to.

Subject: Cuttings at 3 1/2 months Replies: 44
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,063
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave
Quote:
Originally Posted by nepenthes
Quick questions, Dave. Did you start in cups of coir and pot up to 1 gallons or once they showed promise in the coir (ie. buried horizontally in a bag or container), you immediately placed them in 1 gallons? If you automatically placed them in 1 gallons, how long did it take you to start watering? It's been almost two months for me in 1 gallon pots and I still haven't watered.


I started them in a small cup in the coir and transferred them to the 1 gallon pots , I started watering immediately Pro-mix dries out every 4 to 5 days if yours is staying wet for 2 months you might have a problem with root rot , 2 months is way too long to stay wet , might be time to change your soil mix 


My plants seem to be doing fine. After seeing initials, I placed them all into 1 gallon pots from the get go. There wasn't much moisture to begin with.. just a large pot for a small cutting :) Thanks!

Subject: Cuttings at 3 1/2 months Replies: 44
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,063
 
Quick questions, Dave. Did you start in cups of coir and pot up to 1 gallons or once they showed promise in the coir (ie. buried horizontally in a bag or container), you immediately placed them in 1 gallons? If you automatically placed them in 1 gallons, how long did it take you to start watering? It's been almost two months for me in 1 gallon pots and I still haven't watered.

Subject: Cuttings at 3 1/2 months Replies: 44
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,063
 
Amazing job, Dave! I hope mine turn out as beautiful as yours when they hit that mark.

Subject: Maryland Fig Season 2015 - Black Madeira - New Pix! Replies: 81
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 3,102
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Also for you maryland folks, I have started a bunch of cuttings this year and will have many extras that I will be looking to unload come springtime.  I will charge a little but not much.  Will also ship. 


Ahh! Stop the temptation! I already started 6 varieties for the first time this year and hoping to add "only" 4 more. If I add any more than that, I think the figs will evict us because we're taking up too much space.

Subject: Maryland Fig Season 2015 - Black Madeira - New Pix! Replies: 81
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 3,102
 
Steve, I'm counting on your plants for the least amount of die back. I need more figs! :D

Subject: OT carnivorus plants Replies: 8
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 391
 
Do you have a specific type of CP in mind? Home Depot seems to have an abundance of Pitcher plants at this time if you don't like online ordering. I have two of them and two seems to be good enough for me; they grow very fast in the right environment.

Subject: Saratoga/Chico Strawberry fig Replies: 70
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 3,025
 
Your cuttings arrived a bit ago. Already scrubbed them down and hydrating in a bag. They look nice and healthy. Thanks so much!

Subject: Why do rooted cuttings suddenly die? Replies: 37
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,043
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hermitian
Quote:
Originally Posted by nepenthes
You said that the soil was moist AND close to needing to be watered


Who said that?


The original poster, Troyb.

Subject: Why do rooted cuttings suddenly die? Replies: 37
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,043
 
You said that the soil was moist AND close to needing to be watered-

I started cuttings for the first time about a month ago and haven't watered most of them yet. They're all in 1 gallons and definitely dry up top (upper 1/2") and I'm trying my hardest not to pick up the spray bottle. The most important rule that I've picked up on while researching how to grow fig cuttings was that water is BAD! And I've come to realize how very little water cuttings require initally.

-So in your above picture, the soil surface is a dark brown (pretty moist). Like I mentioned, mine is dry up top which looks gray and scary. I need to scrounge up all my willpower not to water. But I pick up the pot and it still has some weight to it.. I'm waiting for it to feel a whole lot lighter (and has a few more leaves) before I add some water. Hopefully this helps, but what do I know? I'm probably going to be that outlier that kills her cuttings from under watering :/


Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by luigiwu
Thanks Alma, I ask about light because I just started some a couple day ago (my first time) and don't have any light on them...
I am in zone 7a and we have winter heating on indoors. How are you achieving those high temps and high humidity in your 'chamber' without any heating pad? I have a heating pad under my storage bin chamber and its still only 73degrees in there...


I added a 2x8 board as a makeshift shelf into my tortoise enclosure. My tortoises are a tropical species and thrive in such a climate where figs are plentiful. And this is my first time, too! I started growing figs as a way to treat my tortoises :D

Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by luigiwu
Really nice looking! Can I ask, did you have the light on them even when they were just sticks in the 1-gallons? (Meaning they had no roots or leaves...?)


For the first batch (the ones started on 1/16-1/17), they had whatever light was in the room. I just recently added the overhead lights once they leafed out (approximately one month). The second batch (2/9) which have no leaves and probably little to no roots are now subjected to the bright light. I suppose this will be an experiment. I've never really given it much thought. Thanks!

And thanks, Frank! Knowing that my set up is similar to yours gives me hope :D

Subject: My battle with the big rat! Replies: 95
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 2,200
 
Omg! Yay Harvey! I've been cheering for ya from the sidelines since post #1. Now what are you gonna do with the fig munching little bugger?

Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveL
Alma, looks like a good set up to me. The plants seem to like it and thats what counts!


Quote:
Originally Posted by PepperMan
Nice looking set-up you have there.


Thank you, guys!

And after thinking about it more, I'll be getting another hood the next time I hit up Home Depot. I now see that I'll be needing the extra lumens once the figs all have a decent canopy. I'll probably also drape foil or mylar over it all to keep the light on the plants only. I'm sure my torts will thank me for doing so, too.

Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Thanks again, Bob. I'll have to rig something up as supplemental lighting (or wrap everything in mylar) and hope for the best. If I had the cash, I would have gone for 4-tube hood :/

Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Igor, those actually aren't the El Molino. I started your cuttings on the 9th and am playing the waiting game for visual action. The ones leafing out before rooting are the RdB and my single Hunt (all one month of growth so far). I'll keep updating you on the El Molino here. I'm staying optimistic that I won't kill much and have high hopes for massive growth from your cuttings in a month :D

Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rcantor
It looks nice.  As someone who uses similar lights I want to let you know that 2 rows of 1 gal pots won't get enough light from one shop light.  Two shop lights side by side will give enough for 3 rows  of pots.  Walmart has the cheapest shop lights (T8s) and Home Despot has the cheapest bulbs.


Hey Bob, just out of curiosity, do you mean a single tube fluorescent hood or a hood that holds two T8s (like I have pictured) when talking about the shop lights? I haven't gotten around to lowering the lights. Usually I keep the lights about 2" above plants I grow. Thank you for addressing the issue!

And thanks to everyone else. Keep the advice coming while I keep reading threads about what I wish my figs end up looking like :P

Subject: My first fig growing attempt. Replies: 18
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 568
 
Hi all! I thought I'd make a grow journal of my first try at growing fig cuttings. I tried growing in bags of long-fibered sphagnum moss and also the paper towel method. I was a bit impatient and waited only for the hint of initials before I stuck them in 1 gallon pots with 50/50 soil-perlite.

So far I started Hardy Chicago, RdB, and one Hunt cutting that I received from Mario (Willofig) on 1/16-1/17. Then I started Strawberry Verte, Negronne, and El Molino from Igor (greenfig) on 2/9. The ones from Igor were automatically put in the 1 gallons without the initial baggy process. All cuttings were scrubbed down with soap and water then dunked in a 1:10 bleach solution for a few minutes prior to baggy/pots.

I think so far so good. Here's my set up:



I also have some Unknown (probably plain Red) Mulberry growing in there, too.

Temps in my enclosure are usually:


And the root zone ranges from 74-82F. No heat pads used.

I'm expecting Saratoga/Chico Strawberry cuttings from Sue (svanessa) once this horrible frigid weather gets a little better. I want to say huge thank yous to all the informative contributions by the many folk on this forum. Also, it's incredible to see such generosity via the sharing of cuttings and how openly people are to help out. Hopefully this project will be somewhat successful so I can help contribute, too.

Subject: Saratoga/Chico Strawberry fig Replies: 70
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 3,025
 
Sue, you're terrible, lol. I really, really want some especially after your "peach" description. I think my husband has had enough with me converting house space for my new fig growing happiness. And the little bits of money going here and there (lots of Home Depot trips and paypal transactions). And me talking about branching out into other fruits.. which is because of this forum, too. It's been exciting, for sure, watching these "sticks" slowly turn into trees. I want more x_X

Subject: Saratoga/Chico Strawberry fig Replies: 70
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 3,025
 
That kinda stuff [reselling cuttings for a profit] makes me really sad and disappointed. I would have loved to buy (and have that money donated to the foundation) and actually grow those cuttings. I'm very new and already have a few cuttings going at the moment and have zero room left. I was very, very tempted to try yours, Sue. This forum has been so crazy generous and kind to those starting out in the fig growing hobby and I would hate if one day the kindness just stopped.

Subject: --- few cuttings available Replies: 16
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,158
 
Got the cuttings! Thanks so much, Igor. And I'll keep you posted on the El Molino.

Subject: My fig count just went down... Replies: 58
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,152
 
Congratulations! I'm glad everyone is happy and healthy. I'd agree with Igor, but I'd see how things go with just one before getting ready for the second. My family always jokes that they're glad my firstborn was first.. because if it was the other way around, we'd only have one kid :P

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
A new question: a leaf tip and new growth are looking brownish. Haven't added fertilizers or water. The only water that was used was whatever moisture was in the soil mix. Fungal issue?



The other leader RDB is looking really good above soil level. I don't want the same issues affecting this one.


Subject: OT: Funny Post from Facebook...sorry not about figs...LOL Replies: 9
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 480
 
Oh that was good. Thanks for that!

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
Charlie: Waiting for signs of roots is like waiting and watching for water to boil; it drives me nuts. I have many other plants that keep me occupied, but figs are something new.. and new is always something exciting.

Rich: Good to hear they grow well for you! Hopefully it gets to that point for me and everyone else.

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasFigs
If I remember, RdB usually takes at least 3 weeks to start rooting.  I seem to remember 19 days one some and 24 or so on others.  So far, that one up top looks happy.  If it gets too many leaves w/o roots, the leaves will wilt and fall off.  If that heppens, you might be tempted to give it extra water, but don't!  As long as the medium is just barely moist, you shouldn't get any rot and will eventually get roots.  Leaves, if lost, will come back later.




Thanks for the words of caution (and wisdom). I think I'm very far off from having to water. I just made a humid shelf area with grow lights and over killed it by placing 1 gallon zip locks over the top of each plant. The medium has stayed slightly moist the entire time. Right now, my only worry is about that sudden transition when the roots appear (crossing fingers) and the plant finally needs to be watered.

Thanks again for everyone's input. Every bit helps.

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveL
Alma, my RBD'S are doing the same thing. Started 1/20 in a clear cup and no sign of roots as of yet.


Good to know, Dave. Here's hoping that we all get explosive root growth to go with all the green soon. Feel free to keep me updated; fig buddies are always welcomed :D

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willofig
Nice job!!
Like Frank said put them under a grow light or sun.


Thanks Mario! I saw a bit of "action" in almost all of your cuttings within a week. I'll have to set up something with lots of light. The cuttings were all put in my tortoise enclosure where the temps are 77-82F with over 80% RH at all times. I should probably start a separate thread (as a personal grow journal) on them but there's not too much to report on just yet.

Thanks to everyone as well! I'm still constantly reading and learning more as I go. Everyone has provided such invaluable information that might get me in trouble one day (I'm already looking at more varieties that I might be interested in).

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figgary
Looks like a strong start, Alma. Just be careful with the water.


I haven't watered anything yet. Whatever moisture came with the dirt and perlite is all the cuttings have. The consistency still slightly clumped but crumbled easily when poked.

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KK4DFU
I put these early leaders under a light so at least it can provide energy for growth. Should not be much of a problem though. This is one benefit of the plastic cups is you can gauge root growth. 


Thanks for the advice! I'm usually a patient person, but growing figs has become an exciting new hobby and my patience has gone out the window. I couldn't stop obsessing over roots so I decided to plant them into 1g pots and skipped the plastic cups.

Subject: RDB question. Replies: 19
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,110
 
I received Hunt, Hardy Chicago and RDB from Willofig and started them on 1/16-1/17. Is RDB prone to leafing out before rooting and will it become problematic later on (see picture below)?

If more information is required regarding husbandry, let me know. Otherwise, all varieties are being treated the same.


Subject: OT: All Hail the Disgusting, Delicious Durian Replies: 32
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 1,113
 
Oh man.. durian. My dad loves the stuff, but the rest of the family was never very thrilled to have it around. I remember the fruit always being in the garage fridge but still getting whiffs when I walked by. Yeah, who knew something could be so pungent.

Subject: Available cuttings 1/26 Replies: 85
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 4,175
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by strudeldog
Wills,

You need to be more sensitive. I am thinking Miss Alma's feelings are a little hurt right now.


You know, I was a bit curious as to why "my" fig is cheaper than the rest..

Subject: Gnats: when to call it an emergency? Replies: 28
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 789
 
I agree with all solutions mentioned. I have a large, heavily planted tortoise enclosure in my house and it's always a cyclical battle with gnats. I've used a combination of yellow sticky cards, Nepenthes (carnivorous plants) and good ol' fashioned window power with pretty good results. I've also used Gnatrol when watering houseplants. Unfortunately, when using most types of moist plant media, you'll always have gnats. The only thing you can really do is keep the population low and wait out the cycle.

However, if you find out the secret of keeping gnats away forever, I'll be your best friend :D

Subject: Extras available Replies: 40
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 2,339
 
Just got my package. Thank you so much, Mario! I hope one day I can send you pictures of what your generosity turned into.

Subject: Toughest To Root Replies: 31
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 2,160
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rcantor
Now on to the topic.  Some varieties may be harder to root than others but some years produce weaker cuttings than others, some areas produce weaker cuttings (probably because of weather) and some subset of cuttings from different growers may be weaker because of cultivation practices.   A certain grower may produce cuttings with varying vigor depending on cultivation and environmental issues.  Soome cuttings mailed at certain times can get too warm inside or too cold outside or spend too much time in transit with too much or too little water.

Sometimes it's the cutting(s).

Sometimes it's the match or mismatch between the conditions supplied by the rooter and the needs of the variety and the particular cutting.  Sometimes a package might sit against a heat vent and the 3 cuttings nearest the vent become non-viable.

There are so many random unknowable factors that you have to do your best and pray.  I had one batch of cuttings one year in which none of them rooted. the batch before and the batch after did fine.  I don't know of any differences between the 3 batches but there was surely something.

All you can do is watch your water and hope for the best.   :)


As someone who's very new (like haven't even started, yet) and freaks out over the littlest things that can result in failure, I just wanted to say thanks for this. Now I know that there are so many variables that I can blame instead of myself :P

But seriously, I'm glad this thread was resurrected. I'm trying my hardest to learn everything I can and there's just so much great info on here that I have yet to read.

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Schaplin: it's definitely nice to meet other folks with a few random things in common :D

Chilly: First I'll need to keep any fig alive, lol. I have my eyes set on RDB and Hardy Chicago for now. Then I wouldn't mind Celeste and Marseille VS if all goes well. And depending on a few small details, maybe I'll attempt Green Ischia and the other kajillion varieties. I already have a handful with kids, torts, and houseplants :P

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Dale: Two ventrata (most likely) and 8 cuttings trying to establish themselves. They go nuts in my indoor tortoise enclosure.

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Schaplin: Spur-thigh (Greek) or African spur-thigh (Sulcata)? In either case, you should limit the amount of figs you give them. Their stomachs aren't designed for sugary foods like tropical species. Plus, if you're talking about a Sulcata.. they'll eat anything in sight- with gusto :P

Arthur: Thanks! I still feel pretty silly for joining a fig enthusiasts forum when I haven't actually had any. It was all for the love of tortoises and gardening :D

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Steve and Von, I have no idea where anything in Maryland is. I was born and raised in San Francisco most of my life and know of not much else except for the west coast.

Chris, feel free to throw stones.. but I've actually never eaten a fig in my life. I know, I know.. I'm horrible. Now everyone can feel free to throw stones, too :P

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Thanks, Pino. I feed them mostly a variety of dark leafy greens, weeds and tortoise-safe plants/flowers that I grow out back or indoors. They also eat pelleted tortoise food (Mazuri) and fish/shrimp/chicken/worms occasionally for a source of protein. They can also handle some fruits like FIGS! I do grow and feed cactus pads whenever I can because they are a great source of calcium. Too much can cause runny stool, though.

Hopefully I can start growing some figs soon. Once I get acquainted with their care, maybe I'll find some Alma cuttings :D

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Thanks so much, Paul! Fast growth doesn't necessarily cause the pyramidal growth. If you provide the high humidity that they require, it allows the shell to be more pliable and grow in much, much smoother. I try to be as good a momma as I can be (hence growing figs from almost scratch). Plus, I love all aspects of gardening!

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
No kidding, Frank :D They already come running like the wind to me when they smell fish.. A twice a week treat of figs should solidify how awesome they think I am.

Thanks, again, for the welcomes everyone!

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Ed: Here is a picture of Punch in their indoor enclosure-

They max out at around 12-16" as adults, though there have been exceptions. Mine range from 5-1/2" to 7-1/2" at two years of age, which can be considered an incredibly quick rate of growth for redfoots. They're very personable little fellas when older.

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Thanks for the very generous offer, Richie. If only I had room for them indoors or had the funds to make a substantial greenhouse, I'd take your offer in a heartbeat. I'm itchin' to get started! Alas, I'd probably end up heartbroken when I find out that I can't keep them.

Paul: Sorry to hear about Vito. If it's any consolation, if he started clucking like a chicken years ago, chances are he'd be a lot noisier now.. and more randy. Just think about how much more peaceful nights are and the lack of male parts you would have frequently seen if he were still in your company. Hopefully he's well taken care of!

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Thanks for the warm welcomes. Every post I've read so far has been kind, full of wisdom, and civil.. not at all like many other forums :P

Aaron: My name on a fig actually caught my eye right away when I first browsed the forum. I have no idea how cold hardy it is, nor do I know if I like the idea of my torts eating me :D

Figpig: I do not have any figs at the moment. I was hoping to do more research before I kill a valuable investment. I tried growing a fig last year (impulse buy) but silly me was still new to outdoor growing and I thought "Hey, they sell these locally so they should do fine in Maryland's super harsh weather without adequate protection, right?" Yup. Nope. So this time I wanna do things right!

Subject: Introductions Replies: 41
Posted By: nepenthes Views: 807
 
Hi! My name's Alma and I'm from Baltimore, MD. I was referred to this site by maro2bear and I'm glad he did; this place has provided me with a wealth of information already!

I own four redfoot tortoises, a species that live in South America and they just so happen to love figs. I figured I might as well skip the grocery trips for figs in the fall and get my torts their own steady stream from my backyard. I'm very familiar with indoor gardening (half my bedroom and most of my windows are filled with plants) but still getting the hang of growing outdoors.

I'm looking very forward to starting my own fig collection. One day, with the help from everyone here, my torts will thank you, too :D