Cutting From An OLD Tree

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jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392178499	Reply with quote #1

Hi all!! I wanted to ask for opinions on getting some cuttings from a very old fig tree. I took several from the tree, mostly tip cuttings, as this tree has never been pruned. I washed them in antibac soap & scrubbed with a toothbrush. I have had some of the cuttings in moss, some in cups & some in ziploc with paper towels. Its been about 6 weeks and nothing. No roots, no mold, nothing. I also tried to cut the outer layer to the cambium and its still green inside. I also put Clonex on a couple. Any ideas or suggestions as to anything else I can try? Is it possible for the tree to be too old or the cuttings too woody? As for the tree, my dad wanted me to try & start some cuttings for him. He said the tree is probably 20-25 years old. Never been pruned or anything. He doesn't know what type of fig it is either. I made the cuttings in late December and I have never gotten any cuttings like this fig before.There are nodes every 1/4-1/2" of every cutting and the color of the cutting is gray (almost silver colored). Anyways I am at a loss as to what to try next or if anything can even be done. If nothing, its no harm & I can just trash them, just thought I would get some advice before I did that :) __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1392178668	Reply with quote #2

jenn, may I ask your location?

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392178864	Reply with quote #3

Central Texas but the tree was in East Texas __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1392179338	Reply with quote #4

if you can get more cuttings, i would do this. cut 12" branch. take off the tip and keep on cutting down till you are certain the cutting has only previous yr's growth. no greenwood, but hardwood cutting. try rooting again. make sure the temp is around 80 degrees. dies the cut end getting callous? __________________ 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...***

gorgi

Registered:1188888396
Posts: 2,864

Posted 1392179378	Reply with quote #5

An old tree is usually good news (a possible heirloom?). IMO, young tip cuttings are best. Multiple rooting methods going... Them "stubborn" twigs doing zero/nada progress... JUST let them all be as is; sooner or later, some will blossom. __________________ George, NJ_z7a.

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1392179560	Reply with quote #6

Any description of the fig itself? Do you have access to a hydroponics shop? My best success and several others on the forum has been using Root Riot Cubes to root the cuttings. If not, you can also get them on off the internet. You can also try scoring the bottom inch of the cutting. I usually scrape the bark, as in using a potato peeler on three sides of the bottom inch of the cutting.

DallasFigs

Registered:1358877623
Posts: 990

Posted 1392180012	Reply with quote #7

I was going to ask about the temperature too. If below 65, it will take longer. I keep mine around 70 to 72 and it takes about 2 to 4 weeks. You've got great advice from the fellows that posted before me. Mind if I ask where about in East Texas the tree lives? I'm originally from near Texarkana. If it's that old, it sounds like it's a great grower for climate. Can you describe the fruit? Keep at it. I'm sure it will be worth it. __________________ James - Irving, TX - Zone: 8a Follow me on EBay Wish List: 187-25 · Ice Crystal · Maltese Beauty · Maltese Falcon

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392180449	Reply with quote #8

Pete, The bottom ends look as though they are drying up (does that mean they are callousing?) Mike, Funny you mention the Root Riot Cubes. I just bought some off eBay & they should be here tomorrow! I will potato peel some & stick them in. Should I use Clonex on the peeled Root Riot too? I've got like 30 sticks so I'm not short lol! My dad only said they were sweet. He said the birds get the figs because nobody around likes figs which is another reason the tree hasn't been touched! __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392180916	Reply with quote #9

Hi James, The tree is near Palestine. And you're right. At first I didn't have them warm enough so I got a seed heat mat. All my other cuttings are on their way but these are soooo stubborn! I had asked my dad to take pics of the leaves & fruit when he gets a chance & he said he will. I will also have him get some longer branches & try new growth. Thank you for the replies! I can still try a couple of things! __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1392181058	Reply with quote #10

jenn, I would try a couple with and without the Clonex. Do you have or did you order a humidity dome for the RR cube tray? If not you will need to find a way to increase and hold the humidity up while rooting them.

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392181499	Reply with quote #11

No I didn't get the humidity dome but I have them in a plastic bin that has pretty good humidity. There is condensation on the walls of the bin all the time. Will that be good enough? __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1392181697	Reply with quote #12

jenn, that should work fine. You will need to watch the humidity and not let it get out of control, or else mold issues. I keep my RR cubes wet with a spray bottle.

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392183532	Reply with quote #13

Thanks Mike! I will get that started tomorrow & see what happens. I think I will call my dad & have him cut some longer branches too. the tree itself was probably 7-8ft tall and the main trunk was probably 12-14" wide. REALLY old tree. With all the branches it was about 20ft wide. Thanks again for everyone's help! I greatly appreciate it! __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

james

Registered:1189185103
Posts: 1,653

Posted 1392186492	Reply with quote #14

If you have access to the tree, try air-layering some limbs. __________________ 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.

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1392195453	Reply with quote #15

Jenifer,as long as there is no rot, mold or fungus don't worry, all you have to do it wait;) They have their own time clocks. from time to time you might want to change the paper towel into fresh moist ones, squeeze the paper towel really well and apply loosely over the cutting leaving the top and bottom one inch uncovered. If you see mold or fungus, just wash the cutting gently to get rid of them. you might want to read this ;)Anyone tried this?

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1392201072	Reply with quote #16

Hi Jen, If you search some of my posts you'll see how I do it I recommend wet perlite and bottom heat if you can improvise some how. Heat mats are not too costly on amazon and you can use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the perlite temp.

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1392211357	Reply with quote #17

Hi Jenn, Here goes my way of cooking the cuttings : take 20 centimeters/3'' cuttings with tips Put them in a pot with compost. Put the pot in a dark bucket Put 1 centimeter water in the bucket seal the bucket with / put the whole bucket in / a dark plastic bag. Forget it in a room corner with no light for 4 weeks - at 20°C temp . They should be by then at bud-break stage. Bring them to light . Just water them once a week only . Let me know if it works for you :) - It is a good recipe . __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1392253164	Reply with quote #18

James, I totally forgot about air layering. If all else fails I will give it a try too. Aaron, I can try the cinnamon on a couple too. I guess i might be a little impatient. The 3 other varieties I started with those are all rooted, which is why I thought something was wrong with the cuttings Thank ya'll soooo much!! I've got a couple of things to try and I will try to update if anything works. __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1393447874	Reply with quote #19

Just wanted to post an update on the "old tree cuttings". I finally got one to root in moss! It had about a 1/2" root! Boy was I happy! I had left all the others in their soil bags (like uline bags) and just left them alone. Well truthfully I forgot about them. They were in the back of my bin and I just never checked them till last night. I found 4 that had some serious roots! I was really surprised to say the least because I had pretty much given up on them Yeah! Now I'm glad I forgot about them :) I tried to attach some pics, but it says my file size is too large.....sorry about that. I don't know how to make my phone take smaller sized pics. But I will try & get that figured out soon :) __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1393448349	Reply with quote #20

Well, I use an android, and am clueless about mac products. My son won't allow it! LOL! One day long ago, when I decided to buy a computer, he said, "Ma! Get a Mac! You are too stupid for a PC!" That did it!! All pc and adroid here, and I'm good with it! LOL!! Too stupid? Seriously? But the android gives you a choice of size when you send the picture to yourself. Choose small. Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

Ruuting

Registered:1359310699
Posts: 613

Posted 1393452036	Reply with quote #21

You can email the picture to yourself first, and you'll be asked what file size you want. Pick a size around 150 kB, then open the email you sent to yourself, save the image into your images folder. Easy cheat. __________________ Rui Southeast CT, zone 6B

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1393453399	Reply with quote #22

Ya'll are too smart!! Fixing to try it. __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1393454330	Reply with quote #23

Congratulations! I think the file size has to be under 100K. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

Ruuting

Registered:1359310699
Posts: 613

Posted 1393458316	Reply with quote #24

You know we're all helping you for a cost, right? Your father's gonna question the new friends you found, who keep asking you to ask him to prune some more! These kids, mailing sticks to each other! __________________ Rui Southeast CT, zone 6B

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1393461530	Reply with quote #25

Lol thats funny Ruuting! Ok it took me some time but I think I figured it out. Let's see :) Attached Images 20140225_191339_resized.jpg (133.04 KB, 73 views) 20140225_191136_resized.jpg (128.77 KB, 72 views) 20140225_191301_resized.jpg (150.58 KB, 59 views) __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

Ong888

Registered:1384036692
Posts: 140

Posted 1393463316	Reply with quote #26

Has anyone try rooting using media sand ? Just regular building material sand..... I try this method and it give some good progress.....

Ruuting

Registered:1359310699
Posts: 613

Posted 1393467349	Reply with quote #27

Oh yeah, looking good. You've been infected with FMV (Fig Mania Virus). __________________ Rui Southeast CT, zone 6B

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1393469563	Reply with quote #28

Yep, I can't deny it any longer :) Ong888, I tried sand & peat last year, probably 80/20 in peat pots. Biggest mistake ever!! The peat pots soaked up all the moisture then molded. It was a disaster for me. It might work for others or in other cooler parts, but for me it wasn't good. __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

Ong888

Registered:1384036692
Posts: 140

Posted 1393497403	Reply with quote #29

Jenn42, please look at my profile picture I just update..... That is the cuttings that been store for almost 4 months .... I just root it in 2 weeks in sand media, actually in 5 days is already showing the growth .....

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1393502024	Reply with quote #30

Wow they look good! I am so happy it is working for you Ong888! __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1397333045	Reply with quote #31

Just wanted to post an update on the unknown cuttings. After patiently waiting FOREVER (or so it seemed) almost all of the cuttings rooted! I was astonished. I think I only threw out 3-4. Rootwise, they were the most vigorous roots of any cuttings I have tried so far. All are now in 1gal now and showing good signs on life. Thought I would post a pic too. Enjoy! Attached Images 20140412_145115_resized.jpg (208.80 KB, 36 views) 20140412_145134_resized.jpg (164.72 KB, 35 views) __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

Joe_Athens1945

Registered:1396815560
Posts: 365

Posted 1397351824	Reply with quote #32

Patience has its rewards! __________________ Athens, GA USA Zone 7b My young trees in the ground and in pots: Brown Turkey, White Triana JM, Magnolia, Strawberry Verte, Violette de Bordeaux, Panache, UK Brooklyn Dark JP, Ronde de Bordeaux. Wish list: St Rita

DallasFigs

Registered:1358877623
Posts: 990

Posted 1397353909	Reply with quote #33

I find that cuttings from older strong healthy tree usually do amazingly well. Those look fantastic. Great job. That's a very interesting leaf shape, how the central lobe tends to curve. Or maybe that was due to the light source. Looking forward to seeing how these turn out. :) __________________ James - Irving, TX - Zone: 8a Follow me on EBay Wish List: 187-25 · Ice Crystal · Maltese Beauty · Maltese Falcon

jenn42

Registered:1389575153
Posts: 256

Posted 1397359873	Reply with quote #34

I'm excited now to find out what type it is. And although patience (for me, at least) is hard, it is definitely worth it! __________________ Jenn Austin, TX Zone 8b Wish List: CDD, Bryant-Dark Unknown, Red Lebanese, ORoarke, Calvert Will hopefully have cuttings to trade next year as my yearlings mature

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1397363489	Reply with quote #35

Congratulations! __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1397391072	Reply with quote #36

Well alright ! Thanks for posting your update now one day the fig picture updates that is when the time comes. ; )

Sas

Registered:1350079929
Posts: 1,364

Posted 1397391250	Reply with quote #37

Congratulations! They look great. __________________ Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B Wish list: Becane

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