Phil s Figs Fig Cuttings Rooting Instructions
- June 1, 2024
- Phil s Figs
Table of Contents
Phil s Figs Fig Cuttings Rooting
Product Information
- Specifications
- Product: Fig Cuttings
- Manufacturer: Phil’s Figs LLC
- Usage: Propagation of fig trees from cuttings
- Size: Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long with at least 3 nodes
- Best Time for Cutting: Late fall through winter
Product Usage Instructions
- Choose the Right Time
- Late fall through the winter is the best time for taking fig cuttings when trees are dormant. Cuttings should be lignified with hardened wood for resilience.
- Select Healthy Cuttings
- Choose cuttings that are 6-8 inches long, have at least 3 nodes, and are mostly lignified with brown to grey bark.
- Prepare the Cuttings
- Rinse and dry the cuttings, optionally using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning. If stored for a long time, rehydrate the cuttings in water. Make clean cuts just below a node using sharp shears or a knife.
- Optional: Apply Root Hormone
- To enhance rooting, apply rooting hormone around the base of the node or dip the cut end into the hormone following instructions.
- Rooting Mix & Potting Mix
- Use a well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for better drainage and aeration.
- Plant the Cuttings
- Fill cups with rooting soil, make a hole, insert the cutting bury at least one node deep, and gently press soil around it to secure.
- Keep in a Humid Environment
- Maintain moist but well-drained soil. Keep cuttings in a humid environment like a greenhouse, or plastic bins with grow lights, or use a humidity dome for high humidity levels.
FAQs
- Q: Can I keep the cuttings outdoors?
- A: It is recommended to keep the cuttings in a controlled environment initially to ensure proper rooting and growth.
- Q: How often should I water the cuttings?
- A: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Check the moisture levels regularly and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
Fig Cuttings Rooting
From Phil D’Angelis, Phil’s Figs LLC Welcome to the Fig Fam!
Congratulations on your fig cuttings! Excited for you to grow your fig tree. I wanted to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to propagate fig trees from cuttings. Fig propagation is an exciting and cost-effective way to grow new fig trees. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be on your way to successfully propagate your fig trees.
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME
- Late fall through the winter is the best time to take fig cuttings.
- When trees are dormant fig cuttings are lignified with hardened-off wood.
- Figs do not have to be completely dormant to take a cutting.
- Cuttings should be lignified for resilience and hardiness.
- SELECT HEALTHY CUTTINGS
- If you’re receiving cuttings from me, this part is my job!
- Choose cuttings that are 6-8 inches long.
- Have at least 3 nodes (areas where leaves or branches grow).
- Majority of the cutting should be lignified (aka hardened wood) and have brown to grey bark.
- PREPARE THE CUTTINGS
- Rinse the cuttings and damp dry with a paper towel.
- Note: If you’re worried about any contamination you can use hydrogen peroxide dilution and scrub the cuttings with a toothbrush or a damp paper towel.
- If cuttings were stored in a fridge for long periods (weeks to months) soak the cuttings in water for rehydration for 30min – 8+ hrs.
- Use sharp shears or a knife to make clean, straight cuts just below a node at the base of the cutting.
- You can also make vertical cuts around the last inch of the cutting. This is known as “scoring” the bark which allows for exposure of the cambium layer and more.
- OPTIONAL: APPLY ROOT HORMONE
- To enhance the chances of successful rooting:
- Brush the rooting hormones around the base at the node and the bottom 1” of the cutting (This includes where you scored the bark). OR
- Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- ROOTING MIX, & POTTING MIX
- I use coconut coir and perlite mix. Coco Coir is relatively inert and will aid in preventing root rot. I mix perlite in for drainage and aeration.
- Mix perlite in ½ Coco coir and ½ perlite (This mix seems to work well!).
- A well-draining potting mix will also work.
- I prefer to use the organic stuff, but conventional potting mixes also work.
- Oftentimes, I add additional perlite or sand to contribute to better-draining soil as well as some aeration to prevent rot.
- PLANT THE CUTTINGS
- Fill cups with rooting soil medium.
- Make a hole in the centre of the soil for the cutting, so you don’t remove the rooting hormone (not a big deal).
- Insert the cutting into the hole in the potting mix, burying it at least one node deep.
- Press the soil gently around the cutting to secure it.
- Pushing cutting into medium works too, but can wipe away rooting hormone (if it is applied).
- KEEP IN A HUMID ENVIRONMENT
- Make sure the soil is moist, yet well-drained.
- I keep my cuttings in a greenhouse to keep moisture levels up.
- I will also keep them in plastic bins in a hallway or closet with a grow light
- If there is enough moisture in your home, placing them near a window in their rooting pots or cups works great!
- At Home humidity dome:
- place a plastic bag or clear plastic cover over the pot to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps maintain high humidity for the cutting.
- PROVIDE LIGHT AND WARMTH
- Fig cuttings like warmth.
- Consistent warm temperatures of at least 70 degrees F are ideal for root development.
- If needed, you can buy a heating pad (this is what I use) to encourage root growth.
- Place in a warm bright location with filtered light.
- Consider placing the fig cuttings on a windowsill or in a well-lit room with filtered light.
- You can certainly use a grow light as well!
- MONITOR GROWTH
- Over the next few weeks, be patient!
- Don’t check for signs of root development until after at least 2 weeks.
- How to check: Gently tug on the cutting to feel for resistance, this indicates roots have formed.
- Leaves will begin to form from the buds on the exposed nodes of the cutting.
- They form as early as a couple of days and as late as a few months (rare occasions).
- Patience is key!
- TRANSPORT AND TRANSPLANT
- Around 3 months (or longer, and that’s OK! I’ve had cuttings take 6 months plus!) the cutting should develop a good root system.
- If the cutting was grown indoors or in a darker place, move it outside gradually for a few weeks so it can acclimate to full sun, temperature changes and weather conditions.
- When placing in a new pot DO NOT disturb the root ball.
- Place in a new container about 2x larger than before with well-draining potting soil – it will live here for at least a year :).
- It’s still a baby, so treat it like a baby – soft and gentle transitions.
Propagation from cuttings is a rewarding way to expand your fig tree collection. Patience is key, as it may take some time for the cuttings to root and grow into healthy trees. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon enjoy the fruits of your labour! If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love helping others grow and enjoy figs. Happy fig propagation! Best regards, Phil Phil’s Figs LLC
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