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nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
I received Hunt, Hardy Chicago and RDB from Willofig and started them on 1/16-1/17. Is RDB prone to leafing out before rooting and will it become problematic later on (see picture below)?

If more information is required regarding husbandry, let me know. Otherwise, all varieties are being treated the same.


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Alma from zone 7b.
KK4DFU

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
I put these early leaders under a light so at least it can provide energy for growth. Should not be much of a problem though. This is one benefit of the plastic cups is you can gauge root growth. 
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Frank Montgomery County, MD Zone 6b Wish List: Sicilian Black,Nero 600M, Fico Genovese, Nordland, Any other interesting Mt. Etna varieties 
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KK4DFU
I put these early leaders under a light so at least it can provide energy for growth. Should not be much of a problem though. This is one benefit of the plastic cups is you can gauge root growth. 


Thanks for the advice! I'm usually a patient person, but growing figs has become an exciting new hobby and my patience has gone out the window. I couldn't stop obsessing over roots so I decided to plant them into 1g pots and skipped the plastic cups.
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Alma from zone 7b.
figgary

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Looks like a strong start, Alma. Just be careful with the water.
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Gary in CA 9A  Seeking: Bebera Branca*, Colonel Littman's Cross
Willofig

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Nice job!!
Like Frank said put them under a grow light or sun.
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Mario
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Willowick,Oh
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figgary
Looks like a strong start, Alma. Just be careful with the water.


I haven't watered anything yet. Whatever moisture came with the dirt and perlite is all the cuttings have. The consistency still slightly clumped but crumbled easily when poked.
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Alma from zone 7b.
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willofig
Nice job!!
Like Frank said put them under a grow light or sun.


Thanks Mario! I saw a bit of "action" in almost all of your cuttings within a week. I'll have to set up something with lots of light. The cuttings were all put in my tortoise enclosure where the temps are 77-82F with over 80% RH at all times. I should probably start a separate thread (as a personal grow journal) on them but there's not too much to report on just yet.

Thanks to everyone as well! I'm still constantly reading and learning more as I go. Everyone has provided such invaluable information that might get me in trouble one day (I'm already looking at more varieties that I might be interested in).
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Alma from zone 7b.
DaveL

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Alma, my RBD'S are doing the same thing. Started 1/20 in a clear cup and no sign of roots as of yet.
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Dave
Waterford, Ct. Zone 6B
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveL
Alma, my RBD'S are doing the same thing. Started 1/20 in a clear cup and no sign of roots as of yet.


Good to know, Dave. Here's hoping that we all get explosive root growth to go with all the green soon. Feel free to keep me updated; fig buddies are always welcomed :D
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Alma from zone 7b.
deerhunter16b

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Nice start, RDB is a great fig
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john
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elin

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
If remembered correctly mine also gave growth before remembering to give roots.
Probably a variety issue...

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Growing: Sbayi, Hmadi, Black Portugal, Black Brazil,Excell, Flanders, Hmari , RDB, Niagra Black,Natalina, CDDN,Maya, Preto Torres, Preto Arge
jkuo

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Most of RdB cuttings showed roots first before any significant top growth.  I have my cuttings in a bin on heat mats and with the thermostat probe stuck in one of the 32 oz deli containers.  I set the temperature to 78F.  In my limited experience, whether leaves or roots appear first is somewhat random, but can be skewed towards rooting first with bottom heat.
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Johnny - Lancaster, PA, Zone 6b
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DallasFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
If I remember, RdB usually takes at least 3 weeks to start rooting.  I seem to remember 19 days one some and 24 or so on others.  So far, that one up top looks happy.  If it gets too many leaves w/o roots, the leaves will wilt and fall off.  If that heppens, you might be tempted to give it extra water, but don't!  As long as the medium is just barely moist, you shouldn't get any rot and will eventually get roots.  Leaves, if lost, will come back later.
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James - Irving, TX - Zone: 8a

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coop951

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Alma
That little fella is looking good. Listen to the folks advise here, and follow your instincts. You are in for a treat on this variety. In my opinion, one of the best tasting and best looking black figs out there. This tree was at a premium  price not too long ago. It is now very affordable and common enough for all to enjoy.
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Coop  
Northern NJ Zone 7a
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasFigs
If I remember, RdB usually takes at least 3 weeks to start rooting.  I seem to remember 19 days one some and 24 or so on others.  So far, that one up top looks happy.  If it gets too many leaves w/o roots, the leaves will wilt and fall off.  If that heppens, you might be tempted to give it extra water, but don't!  As long as the medium is just barely moist, you shouldn't get any rot and will eventually get roots.  Leaves, if lost, will come back later.




Thanks for the words of caution (and wisdom). I think I'm very far off from having to water. I just made a humid shelf area with grow lights and over killed it by placing 1 gallon zip locks over the top of each plant. The medium has stayed slightly moist the entire time. Right now, my only worry is about that sudden transition when the roots appear (crossing fingers) and the plant finally needs to be watered.

Thanks again for everyone's input. Every bit helps.
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Alma from zone 7b.
Daramus

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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
I started rooting 6 RDB cuttings on 1/3/15. Almost a month later and only 1 has rooted with no top growth and the other 5 all have leaves coming out with no roots. I started them off in bags but when I noticed they were leafing out I moved them to clear cups. I've had a few of the leaves drop off, but the rest of the leaves seems to be frozen in time! I am new to all this, too.
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Buckeye, Arizona Zone 9B
Charlie

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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Patience waiting for roots is not one of my virtues.  Not much you can do until they decide to grow.  Try to keep them alive until those roots show up.  If or when they do, you got it made.  Almost.  :)  
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Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas 
RichinNJ

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
We have several RdBs that grew like weeds last summer. I think they are all 3-4' feet tall. We can't wait to get fruit from them. I'm considering in-ground planting close to the south side of the house for a couple of them.
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Charlie: Waiting for signs of roots is like waiting and watching for water to boil; it drives me nuts. I have many other plants that keep me occupied, but figs are something new.. and new is always something exciting.

Rich: Good to hear they grow well for you! Hopefully it gets to that point for me and everyone else.
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Alma from zone 7b.
nepenthes

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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
A new question: a leaf tip and new growth are looking brownish. Haven't added fertilizers or water. The only water that was used was whatever moisture was in the soil mix. Fungal issue?



The other leader RDB is looking really good above soil level. I don't want the same issues affecting this one.


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Alma from zone 7b.
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