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LeanderFig

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 

I've just started to work with figs, and am trying to start some cuttings in several different ways to see what works best for me. I am trying some in potting mix, just dipping in rooting hormone, and sticking in a pot. Well at least one has some mold forming near the soil line. What to do? Q-tip dipped in bleach? Spray with dilute hydrogen peroxide? I put the pots in a plastic bag. Maybe not enough air circulation? If so then how to keep the humidity without mold? I open the bag daily but......
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Visceral

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
I had this happen with a cutting as well.  I tried everything from coating the cutting in wax, to bleach rinses, to hydrogen peroxide dips.  Nothing worked.  I finally took the cutting and buried it an inch deep in new soil mix and waited.  In time I saw roots, and a week or so later I got a shoot pop out of the mix.  

My guess was that since I only saw the mold above the soil line like you, that was the good environment for the mold.  So, I changed its environment.  I have no idea if it was causal or not, but for me it worked.
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LeanderFig

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Visceral
I had this happen with a cutting as well.  I tried everything from coating the cutting in wax, to bleach rinses, to hydrogen peroxide dips.  Nothing worked.  I finally took the cutting and buried it an inch deep in new soil mix and waited.  In time I saw roots, and a week or so later I got a shoot pop out of the mix.  

My guess was that since I only saw the mold above the soil line like you, that was the good environment for the mold.  So, I changed its environment.  I have no idea if it was causal or not, but for me it worked.

Sounds like a good option. I also have some in moss, and some in a tray that I completely buried in potting mix. I think maybe after I get roots and shoots, I will burry them up to the buds, and try that on some of them. I did spray the mold with dilute bleach and hydrogen peroxide. We'll see how that goes.
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Jamie0507

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Since you already treated with H202, I would also try to regularly remove the bag (once a day or so) to let some fresh air in.. Also consider making an airhole or 2 in the bag just to allow some of the humidity to escape and a little more air exchange.. If this doesn't seem to help, I would definitely consider Visceral's advice with carefully changing out the current medium and starting fresh.. best of luck to you! Mold stinks, but it can be beaten so don't give up :)
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Jamie Zone 6A My List of Fig Varieties:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13MXbhU3b-5Y4bkNSWHVikw6m-vovlHZcBjcsxMwQ7iY

Wish list: Col. Littmans, Figoin, Black Tuscan.. And now for my "Hey..A girl has got to have dreams!" wishlist: Sangue Dolce, Montenegro, Rigato del Salento
LeanderFig

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamie0507
Since you already treated with H202, I would also try to regularly remove the bag (once a day or so) to let some fresh air in.. Also consider making an airhole or 2 in the bag just to allow some of the humidity to escape and a little more air exchange.. If this doesn't seem to help, I would definitely consider Visceral's advice with carefully changing out the current medium and starting fresh.. best of luck to you! Mold stinks, but it can be beaten so don't give up :)

I think you have a good idea about opening the bag for awhile each day. I will do that. Thanks for the feedback, and encouragement! I don't give up easily. I had many, many failures while learning to grow mushrooms, and I do ok now. In fact, I'm making agar plates right now.
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