Back in late October I purchased some Brebera Preta fig cuttings from Portugal. It looked like they would never show up but last week I received a notice from the Post Office that I had parcel. When I picked them I noticed they had arrived Nov 12th - the Post Office had failed to notify me

Can you see any green if you scratch the bottom portion? This has happened to me too. I sliced the bottom with my pruning shears to see some signs of life. At first all I heard was a cracking sound, then about an inch up it seemed OK. Still, I managed to root 1/3 cuttings with the use of liquid rooting hormone.

A friend soaked his in water for a couple of days but they all rotted later on, so I would not recommend this method. And by the way, the Department of Agriculture may show up at your door due to the country of origin, so be prepared.

Yes if you ordered them from ebay the USDA will show up to get them!

If you listen carefully, you can hear "Taps" playing in the background....   just kidding....

Fresh cut, soak for 1-2 hrs in water to rehydrate. 2 out of 40 survived when this happened to me last year. Good luck.