I have 25 cuttings I'm trying to get to root in moistened potting mix on a heat mat set set at 77 degrees. After a few weeks, some of the cuttings are beginning to sprout leaves.

Will the budding of foliage enhance overall plant development, or detract from root development? It seems natural that leaves and roots would compliment each other in plant development, but it seems like I read somewhere plants may expend energy developing leaves at the expense of roots.

Input and help appreciated.

Hi Zebulun.
You may get leaves but no roots, exhausting the cutting. You may also get roots but no leaves. You may get both and the cutting will establish and grow. It's 'random' at least thats how I understand. Somone said: top heat encourages leaf growth, bottom heat increases your chances to get roots. I just got a heat mat for my own experiments. Good luck with your cuttings.
Forgot to add: potting media is crucial. Soilless mixes are recommended by experienced growers. Coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss are good, provide aeration and keep moisture. Overwatering is the most common reason that kills rooting cuttings.

Pverdes, yes my potting mix is coir/peat moss/perlite, and yes, I'm always tempted to overwater.

thank you for the reply.

Zebulun, many people recommend rooting in clear plastic cups so you can actually see what's going on. Light does affect root development so when you see good root length and feel comfortable, it is recommended to move the cutting into a normal pot.

I just moved one of my rooted cuttings yesterday from the clear cup into a black pot - like the one behind it in the photo - to spend the winter season. These new roots are soft and you may break off a few in the process, but don't worry if it has plenty of roots it should be OK.

thank you, will definitely do that with some of my cuttings going forward, but for now everything is in Stuewe treepots.

Just remember....cuttings with no leafs needs very,very, very little water, even after leafs appear very little moisture is required or you will drown your little treasures.........As Martin would say don't ask me how i know..

good luck

Here is what i have to tell me how much moisture is needed, on newly rooted cuttings i want the indicator needle just barely touching the damp reading.

https://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/new-and-old-moisture-meter-5846846?highlight=moisture+meter

Fig cuttings only produce branches at their nodes and there are limited nodes.  If you have leaves you want them under light so they can produce food for the cutting.  You can shade the root area but if you don't light the leaves the branches will be weak and the cutting won't have as much available nutrients.  If there are no roots the leaves may need additional moisture.  You'll have to see how they respond.  The less you intervene the better.  Be sure your potting media isn't soaked and doesn't have any standing water.  Perlite dust will hold water in what should be air spaces and drown your cuttings or allow anaerobic (bad) bacteria to grow.