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nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1420952945	Reply with quote #1

Hi! My name's Alma and I'm from Baltimore, MD. I was referred to this site by maro2bear and I'm glad he did; this place has provided me with a wealth of information already! I own four redfoot tortoises, a species that live in South America and they just so happen to love figs. I figured I might as well skip the grocery trips for figs in the fall and get my torts their own steady stream from my backyard. I'm very familiar with indoor gardening (half my bedroom and most of my windows are filled with plants) but still getting the hang of growing outdoors. I'm looking very forward to starting my own fig collection. One day, with the help from everyone here, my torts will thank you, too :D __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1420953460	Reply with quote #2

Alma, Welcome to THE forum where it all happens:) You might want to start with most important (for you anyway...) fig of all called "Alma" :) Your torts will not only love you but will also eat , haha

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1420953740	Reply with quote #3

Hi alma. Do you have any figs yet??? __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

MnMsMom9902

Registered:1414213215
Posts: 58

Posted 1420954060	Reply with quote #4

Welcome! __________________ Linda California, zone 9B Rooting: just about ready to try...

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1420954752	Reply with quote #5

Thanks for the warm welcomes. Every post I've read so far has been kind, full of wisdom, and civil.. not at all like many other forums :P Aaron: My name on a fig actually caught my eye right away when I first browsed the forum. I have no idea how cold hardy it is, nor do I know if I like the idea of my torts eating me :D Figpig: I do not have any figs at the moment. I was hoping to do more research before I kill a valuable investment. I tried growing a fig last year (impulse buy) but silly me was still new to outdoor growing and I thought "Hey, they sell these locally so they should do fine in Maryland's super harsh weather without adequate protection, right?" Yup. Nope. So this time I wanna do things right! __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

FigaroNewton

Registered:1403556278
Posts: 75

Posted 1420954949	Reply with quote #6

Welcome Ms. Alma, you've found a great place. Regards, billy __________________ Billy - Middle Tennessee Seeking: C'hiapetta, A'driatic JH, and S'mith maybe 2 cuttings or so of each. Thank-you.

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1420955267	Reply with quote #7

Well i have some louisiana varieties i was,going offer you just pay 5.75 shippi g to get you started. St.Gabriel black and ischia green but dont know if they like,cold weather. Its,up to you Have a good time reading all the post. They never stop. Richie __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

cyberfarmer

Registered:1293483474
Posts: 544

Posted 1420955841	Reply with quote #8

Hi Alma, I used to have an Argentinean Red Foot named Evita. One day, she started to cluck like a chicken. I then learned that MALE Red Foots are one of only a few tortoises that can vocalize. So, we changed his name to Vito. He disappeared a couple years ago. A few months ago we found out that he had wandered into our neighbor's yard and they took him with them when they moved and he still lives in their garden. I should go visit him and plant him a fig tree. There will be figgy poops everywhere. Welcome to the forum! __________________ Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1420957894	Reply with quote #9

Thanks for the very generous offer, Richie. If only I had room for them indoors or had the funds to make a substantial greenhouse, I'd take your offer in a heartbeat. I'm itchin' to get started! Alas, I'd probably end up heartbroken when I find out that I can't keep them. Paul: Sorry to hear about Vito. If it's any consolation, if he started clucking like a chicken years ago, chances are he'd be a lot noisier now.. and more randy. Just think about how much more peaceful nights are and the lack of male parts you would have frequently seen if he were still in your company. Hopefully he's well taken care of! __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1420966193	Reply with quote #10

Welcome! There are fig trees growing outdoors in MD without protection. Any of the members who knew Gene Hosey could tell you which ones. Most of us grow them in big pots and bring them in to a garage or shed as long as it's cold out. __________________ 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.

eboone

Registered:1378418906
Posts: 1,101

Posted 1420977489	Reply with quote #11

Welcome to the forum, Alma. Have any photos of these critters? How large are these tortoises ? __________________ Ed Zone 6A - Southwest PA --------------------------- Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid), Col Littman's Black Cross. And any cold hardy early fig.

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1420981568	Reply with quote #12

welcome to the forum

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1420982605 · Edited	Reply with quote #13

Ed: Here is a picture of Punch in their indoor enclosure- They max out at around 12-16" as adults, though there have been exceptions. Mine range from 5-1/2" to 7-1/2" at two years of age, which can be considered an incredibly quick rate of growth for redfoots. They're very personable little fellas when older. __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1420985017	Reply with quote #14

Welcome, Alma! Those redfoots will be leading the good (better) life once they are feasting on a nice supply of figs. ;) __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1420986775	Reply with quote #15

No kidding, Frank :D They already come running like the wind to me when they smell fish.. A twice a week treat of figs should solidify how awesome they think I am. Thanks, again, for the welcomes everyone! __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

Elfarach

Registered:1409716614
Posts: 288

Posted 1420989301	Reply with quote #16

Hello from So. Cal... Welcome to the forum Alma... __________________ Simon C. So. Cal (El Monte) Zone 10a Wish list: Adriatic JH, Raspberry Latte, Violet de Sollies, Col de Dame Black, Ischia Black, Takoma Violet

cyberfarmer

Registered:1293483474
Posts: 544

Posted 1420992631	Reply with quote #17

Quote: Originally Posted by nepenthes Ed: Here is a picture of Punch in their indoor enclosure- They max out at around 12-16" as adults, though there have been exceptions. Mine range from 5-1/2" to 7-1/2" at two years of age, which can be considered an incredibly quick rate of growth for redfoots. They're very personable little fellas when older. That is a beautiful shell. That is fast growth for a couple years, but the shell looks good. I have heard that if they grow too fast, the shell segments will get built up like little pyramids. I think it is healthier for the shell to be relatively flat like the one in the picture. You are a good tortoise mamma. __________________ Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1420993673 · Edited	Reply with quote #18

Thanks so much, Paul! Fast growth doesn't necessarily cause the pyramidal growth. If you provide the high humidity that they require, it allows the shell to be more pliable and grow in much, much smoother. I try to be as good a momma as I can be (hence growing figs from almost scratch). Plus, I love all aspects of gardening! __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

timmy2green

Registered:1304271666
Posts: 196

Posted 1420993848	Reply with quote #19

Looks like tortoise paradise to me. If I was a tortoise I'd be pretty darn happy with those living arrangements. Especially with a few figs to tantalize the palate. Welcome Alma, nice to meet you! Timothy __________________ Saratoga, NY - Zone 5a Wish List: Sbayi, Poona, Panevino Dark, Lebanese Red, Sumaki, Raspberry Latte, Negretta, Italian 258, De La Reina MP.

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,118

Posted 1421000644	Reply with quote #20

Welcome Alma. Your name is one of the famous fig names. Many people love Alma figs and it is somewhat cold hardy so may grow in your area with some protection for winter. By the way that is nice looking redfoot tortoise. What do you feed them? Curious if they like to eat prickly pear cactus pads? __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1421001162	Reply with quote #21

Thanks, Pino. I feed them mostly a variety of dark leafy greens, weeds and tortoise-safe plants/flowers that I grow out back or indoors. They also eat pelleted tortoise food (Mazuri) and fish/shrimp/chicken/worms occasionally for a source of protein. They can also handle some fruits like FIGS! I do grow and feed cactus pads whenever I can because they are a great source of calcium. Too much can cause runny stool, though. Hopefully I can start growing some figs soon. Once I get acquainted with their care, maybe I'll find some Alma cuttings :D __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1421006262	Reply with quote #22

Alma, welcome to the forum from Rockville! __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,118

Posted 1421006411	Reply with quote #23

Your tortoise sure looks happy. Happy figging. __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

twovkay

Registered:1340623156
Posts: 264

Posted 1421012101	Reply with quote #24

Welcome Alma! You live in a great place for fig hunting. There are areas like Little Italy and Greek town where I'm sure there are some figs growing. They might have taken a hit this past winter, but with good roots should have made some sort of comeback. Unfortunately given where we live, we need to protect all young trees for the first few years of their lives. __________________ Von Northern VA 7a

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1421015051	Reply with quote #25

Welcome to the forum Alma. So no figs for You at all? You should eat the pulp and give your tortoises the skin! Like someone else on this forum says"sharing is caring" By the way your tortoise does look great! Best of luck with your figs __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1421018714	Reply with quote #26

Steve and Von, I have no idea where anything in Maryland is. I was born and raised in San Francisco most of my life and know of not much else except for the west coast. Chris, feel free to throw stones.. but I've actually never eaten a fig in my life. I know, I know.. I'm horrible. Now everyone can feel free to throw stones, too :P __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1421019522	Reply with quote #27

Welcome

schaplin

Registered:1392175246
Posts: 662

Posted 1421019871	Reply with quote #28

Hi and welcome, I have a spur-thighed tortoise but I haven't tried feeding it figs yet. Maybe this year. __________________ Wish List: @Hmari, @Maltese beauty, @Col de Dame Grise, @Bryant Dark, @Lynhurst White, @Melcedonia Dark, @Panevino Dark, @Paradiso

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1421022159	Reply with quote #29

Welcome Alma. __________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

Bevman

Registered:1405028595
Posts: 79

Posted 1421023099	Reply with quote #30

Welcome Alma. I do not think anyone will throw stones, for most of us have been there. I have eaten Fig Newton cookies and dried figs but it was the fall of 2013 before I ate my first fresh fig (@ 60 1/2 years old) and I knew I wanted more. __________________ Arthur, Saint Louis CO, MO (Z 6B)

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1421026076	Reply with quote #31

Schaplin: Spur-thigh (Greek) or African spur-thigh (Sulcata)? In either case, you should limit the amount of figs you give them. Their stomachs aren't designed for sugary foods like tropical species. Plus, if you're talking about a Sulcata.. they'll eat anything in sight- with gusto :P Arthur: Thanks! I still feel pretty silly for joining a fig enthusiasts forum when I haven't actually had any. It was all for the love of tortoises and gardening :D __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

musillid

Registered:1327758167
Posts: 1,507

Posted 1421026137	Reply with quote #32

Alma, I am surprised no one has asked you what Nepenthes you have. __________________ Dale non compost mentis in Zone 6a

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1421026396	Reply with quote #33

Dale: Two ventrata (most likely) and 8 cuttings trying to establish themselves. They go nuts in my indoor tortoise enclosure. __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1421029812	Reply with quote #34

Hey Alma, like Arthur said ,no one throws stones here, maybe a fig or two for Your tortoises;) . Have a good night all! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

Norhayati

Registered:1381365278
Posts: 341

Posted 1421033578	Reply with quote #35

Welcome Alma __________________ Norhayati Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Wish list: Black Madeira

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 886

Posted 1421035321	Reply with quote #36

Welcome to the forum, Alma. __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

snaglpus

Registered:1244258188
Posts: 4,072

Posted 1421077705	Reply with quote #37

Welcome to the forum Alma! There is a fig tree called Alma! You should get yourself one! It's an excellent brown honey fig. It's very rich in flavor! __________________ Dennis Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a

Frankallen

Registered:1371842383
Posts: 994

Posted 1421079103	Reply with quote #38

Welcome Alma, so glad you decided to join us, a lot of people here knows their stuff when it comes to Figs ; ) __________________ Frank from Bama- Zone 7-b Alabama .................................................... "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever". Mahatma Gandhi

joann1536

Registered:1409975734
Posts: 274

Posted 1421079199	Reply with quote #39

Welcome, fellow Fig & Nepenthes fan! __________________ USDA Zone 9b Wish list: Abruzzi, Pasquale, Tagliacozzo, Zingarella, Godfather. Any unk Italian, especially from Abruzzo.

schaplin

Registered:1392175246
Posts: 662

Posted 1421126454	Reply with quote #40

Hi Nepenthes, Mine is a so called Greek tortise but actual imported a long time ago I believe from Lebannon. She is rather fussy and has never got much in the way of sweet foods. She does like the occasionally bit of melon and has tried to eat my niece's toes. I think the red polish is the problem. I have one Nepenthes right now. Not sure what variety since it just showed up in the orchids. I think the folks at the nursery thought anything so odd must go with my orchids. __________________ Wish List: @Hmari, @Maltese beauty, @Col de Dame Grise, @Bryant Dark, @Lynhurst White, @Melcedonia Dark, @Panevino Dark, @Paradiso

ChillyNPhilly

Registered:1356891528
Posts: 365

Posted 1421165575	Reply with quote #41

Welcome Alma, Green Ischia should be hardy in Baltimore, as I got cuttings from a fellow member who took them from a long-lived tree in Baltimore ... start now, eat in the summer ... welcome! __________________ Donna Philadelphia Zone 7

nepenthes

Registered:1420773819
Posts: 49

Posted 1421167469	Reply with quote #42

Schaplin: it's definitely nice to meet other folks with a few random things in common :D Chilly: First I'll need to keep any fig alive, lol. I have my eyes set on RDB and Hardy Chicago for now. Then I wouldn't mind Celeste and Marseille VS if all goes well. And depending on a few small details, maybe I'll attempt Green Ischia and the other kajillion varieties. I already have a handful with kids, torts, and houseplants :P __________________ Alma from zone 7b.

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