Hie all I received a honey fig and sadly it took a beating in the mail :(. upon removing the tree from its pot i noticed that as it was being jostled around in the mail it tore the roots. The plant is about 4-5 inches tall and the trunk is about 0.6 inches thick. I immediately potted it up and gave some seaweed solution to assist in root growth/repair and aid in reducing transplant shock i used this technique on my recent fig transplants in late spring (We are in Australia) and they some are putting new growth.

Since most of the roots were damaged is there anything else apart from applying seaweed solution at specified intervals (fortnightly), keeping the potting mix evenly and keeping it away from direct sunlight (until i notice new growth)?

Any advice on how to save this fellow welcome :)

Here are some images of the fellow. Potting mix looks a little soggy as i had just watered it just before i snapped a picture



   

I would put dome over it (32 oz clear cup or lower half of a two liter soda bottle) and place in shade. Also be careful not to over water. Without a significant root system there it no place for that water to grow. Don't want rot that baby.

My two cents:
Moist, not soggy, soil.  Fewer roots=less water uptake.  If you can keep the soil warm (bottom heat) that will help.  Gradually increase light.  You might even consider a humidity dome for a little while (bottomless water bottle).

Disclaimer:  I've lost a few even using the above steps ;-)

I hope he perks up for you.

Thank you. i like the humidity dome idea and its going to be a bit warm in the next few days. I will also water when its necessary. With the humidity dome do i just get a clear bottle, cut it and put it over the fig making it air tight or will i need to poke a few holes?

2 weeks later and its not dead but the terminal bud has browned but it has some buds on its stem that have not changed state since planting. The leaves have also "lifted" compared to the photo snapped at the time of planting. How long does it generally take for new growth to show on a transplanted fig?

Congratulations!  As long as those leaves look good the plant is happy, especially if there's no humidity dome. Let it grow roots and recover and don't worry about a thing. You could try some very dilute fertilizer with your next watering. Beyond that just sit back and wait.

 If there is a dome don't change it now but make sure the soil drains really well and there's lots of air space in the soil.

Thanks. The soil looks a bit deceptive as it drains quite well. Im hoping the other buds open up soon and im quite glad that the leaves have not shriveled at all :)

Just thought i would give an update on this fig. After about 3 weeks of no action it has decided to push some new growth! It seems to be doing well and the seweed concentrate seems to have helped in the formation of a stronger root system. Needless to say, i am a happy fig grower. The Seller said it was a Greek honey fig, likely a Kalamata White fig.



   

Fantastic. I am glad you didn't lose you little one. Thanks for the update.

I'm glad that it's showing improvement, I have to agree on the loose well drained soil. That first pic looked very wet and heavy. Perlite or small bark can help aerate the soil for you! I'm not 100℅ but I was told Kalamatiana are Smyrna and need the wasp, not sure if that applies to your fig or not.

The seller is a trusted one and mentioned that it produced without a fig wasp. He said that the thinks its a Kalamata white fig although its not 100% confirmed. It could be a mystery Greek honey fig. I guess we will find out when it bears its first crop!

FigColt,
Glad to see that the seller backs his product and confirms it as a single crop, Common fig.
Everyday we do learn new things!
Later in the season I shall arrange to send you pictures of my Kalamata figs and leaves.

Francisco
Portugal

Francisco,
That would be great thanks! I would love to compare and see how similar the trees are. 

Thanks for fixing my knowledge on Kalamatiana white. When I talked to Andreas from Greece a few years back about it he said they needed the wasp, but wasn't growing them. Good to have feedback from growers!

FigColt,

Found now a few pictures of the Kalamata white fig from 2015 summer.
Will try to post now. If successful in sending the pics, .. fine!
Otherwise and if still interested send me a PM with an alternative address so I may send what I have to you.

A closer look at your ' recovering ' tree, tells me that those young leaves are similar to mine (no leaves now) - light green, average to smallish size, 5 not deep lobes  .. mostly.

will try now to send the pictures..
Well.., the system says that I have exceeded the limit ,.. so sorry

Francisco
Portugal

No worries Francisco do you have imgur? You can uploads images on there and there and then link them in the comments section
Kind regrds

Hi FigColt,

Found the pictures of the Kalamata white fig from summer 2015 and loaded on my flickr album ...
A nice large fig with full amber pulp. These were the very first figs from this young tree.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lampo2012/31892639330
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lampo2012/32149473121
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lampo2012/32119694042

Afraid to say that Kalamata white (and black as well) are full caducous figs, i.e., Smyrna types
and to mature,  they shall need to be pollinated.
Think you should liaise with the seller.. .. if he is confident that the fig you bought does not require pollination, may be you have a good Common fruit but, in that case the name shall have to be different. (not a Kalamata !)

Francisco
Portugal

Just thought i'd give an update on how this guy is going. Its put on some great growth. Just gave it some blood and bone meal and some aged horse manure and mulched it yesterday. :)