Rookie mistake

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Sburdo

Registered:1334627697
Posts: 165

Posted 1363227293	Reply with quote #1

i have be more patient. I removed my cutting from its cup to check for roots. I quickly found out that it had lots of roots. Unfortunately, they were no longer attached to the cutting. I cannot believe how fragile they are. Word to anyone new, just leave them alone

Gina

Registered:1330452963
Posts: 2,260

Posted 1363228218	Reply with quote #2

That's so sad when that happens. I've done it too. Last year I did my rooting in black plastic plant bands, and while they worked well for rooting, I couldn't see well-enough what was going on in terms of roots and once in awhile I'd just have to dig one up to see... Curiosity killed the cat... er fig. So this year I rooted directly in clear plastic bags with lots of holes for aeration. Now I can look to my heart's content through the sides and not damage anything. I still can't see everything that might be happening, but this is so much more soothing for me - and safer for the figs. __________________ WillsC's new fig forum: http://www.Ourfigs.com (and blueberries)

Sburdo

Registered:1334627697
Posts: 165

Posted 1363228639	Reply with quote #3

I could not find clear cups and used a translucent green cup. I burned holes in the cups with a little hot gun. But could not see well enough as you mention. I am now using 7-11 Big Gulp cups and hopefully that resolves my issue. I have other rootings in a one gallon zip lock with holes. I lost some beautiful roots when I turned the bag. I am learning the hard way.

paulandirene

Registered:1264433694
Posts: 398

Posted 1363232245	Reply with quote #4

A good source of clear cups is Starbucks. They server several beverages in large clear cups. At work, I put out the word that I want these cups for gardening and people drop them off at my desk. Worth a shot!

eithieus

Registered:1353642375
Posts: 334

Posted 1363232645	Reply with quote #5

costco has the clear ones __________________ Eithieus

garden_whisperer

Registered:1353347580
Posts: 1,613

Posted 1363233519	Reply with quote #6

I too have killed many cuttings in this way. It is hard to sit by and wait but in the end its the best thing to do. __________________ Dave Zone 6b Illinois "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

james

Registered:1189185103
Posts: 1,653

Posted 1363238930	Reply with quote #7

The roots will stick to plastic as the moisture level in the container drops. Watering the container will help prevent sticking... just give it some time to fully drain. __________________ In containers - Littleton, CO (zone 5b) In ground - N.E of Austin, TX (zone 8b) 2016 Wish List: Dārk Pōrtuguese, Grānthāms Royāl, Lātarolla, Negrettā, Nōire de Bārbentāne, Rockāway Green, Viōlet Sepōr, Viōlette Dāuphine. Iranian figs are always welcome.

h2o1bellamoon

Registered:1335315117
Posts: 30

Posted 1363244397	Reply with quote #8

Glad I read this post. I'm a rookie and have styrofoam cups ready to plant. I'll be tossing those cups in favor of some clear ones. __________________ Alisa PA zone 5b

javajunkie

Registered:1362970391
Posts: 1,523

Posted 1363255866	Reply with quote #9

You all saved my latest cuttings! They are in a black container with a vermiculite compost mix and I can't wait to see what's happening. How long is long enough to wait without hurting any new root growth? __________________ Tami SE Texas

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1363258103	Reply with quote #10

i usually just have a pint of Guinness or Boddingtons and just wonder what it would look like then pulling them out :) __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

ForeverFigs

Registered:1351425467
Posts: 1,062

Posted 1363262432	Reply with quote #11

Yea, it's a waiting game, and patience is certainly the order of the day (I have very little)...but I have learned from my mistakes...now I just leave them alone, and let nature take it's course...and you know what?...nature gets along just fine without my help. :) :) __________________ Vince Edison N.J. Zone 6b Wish List: LaRadek's EBT

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,712

Posted 1363265855	Reply with quote #12

I have cuttings in clear cups that are a couple weeks old and some that are a couple months old. Depending on the variety and condition of the cutting, you may get nice strong roots, or very skinny, more fragile roots. If I wasn't able to see the roots, I'd lose a lot of cuttings because some of the older cupped cuttings had weaker roots than the newer ones. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

Grasa

Registered:1347083219
Posts: 1,819

Posted 1363278350	Reply with quote #13

I recycle starbucks cups, tons of them, I collect when cleaning an office- They serve the purpose, but I think planting directly in the larger pot is best for the cutting. there is too much trauma in the transfering from cup to pot. To help with curiosity about the roots, cut a window in the pot, and line it with clear plasti (2 layers of kitchen use) taped with duck tape to close the hole, you ca still see what is going on inside but will not disturbe the plant. Steve, put it back in warm moist chamber, in moss, and it should send out more roots, once recovered - I know the feeling. ha ng in there, dear fig friend. __________________ Grasa Seattle, WA

Sburdo

Registered:1334627697
Posts: 165

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