How to propagate a clipping????

18 years ago

I live in central Massachusetts near Worcester. I'm not sure what Zone that would put me in. However, in June 07 I was given a clipping from my brother's tree located in Southbury, CT (probably the same Zone as MA). Not knowing how to root the clipping, I read on line to cut the branch into smaller clippings, each containing at least two nodes, wrap each branch in a moist paper towel and place them in the basement in a plastic container. Although the paper towels are still moist, the clippings don't seem to have many (if any) new roots. We also tried taking one of the clippings and burying it outside, horizontally a few inches from the surface. When we weren't seeing any rooting, we got another clipping and planted it directly in a pot filled with dirt from our garden and potting soil. I can't tell if that one has grown any roots without digging it up. Now to my questions: Am I on the right track with trying to get the clippings to root? When should I plant the clippings outside in my climate zone (the northeast)?

I'm not sure what type of fig this is but I'm told the original clipping was brought over from Italy by my great-grandmother and my brother's tree, which was grown by my grandmother from a clipping of this tree was transplanted from my grandmother's house in the Bronx. I would ask my grandparents how they did it, but unfortunately they have all passed.

Any help with my questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Larry

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Comments (5)

elder
18 years ago
Refer to the April 18 post called "fig cuttings how to".
frmmi
18 years ago
Wow the history of that tree is cool.

Rooting figs is one of the easiest things to do. My friend's grandma gave us cuttings from her tree, we stuck them in garden soil pots and they took even in July heat.

I guess the only wrong thing to do is check for roots. Stick them in pots of garden soil/peat moss and maybe bring them in for the next few chilly nights til like may 10th and you'll be fine. Never check for roots.
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larmo
Original Author
18 years ago
The history is very cool and that is why I am trying to keep the history going. We have now potted the cutting that seemed to have roots once we unwrapped it from the paper towel. What part of the country do you live in? I am in the Massachusetts where we have fairly cold winters. How long should I leave it in the pot before planting it in the soil? How often should I water it while it is in the pot? Should I leave the pot outside or inside? Direct or indirect sunlight?

Lots of questions but I just don't want to mess this up.
italiangirl74
18 years ago
When you first transplant into a pot from rooting, water it well then let it completely dry out. YOu can leave the pot outside provided it is not too cold. I wouldn't leave it out under 40 degrees since it is still making roots that will grow in the pot. Keep it in shade until the plant starts to get used to the sun, gradually over the next couple of weeks. I hope it works out well for you. Ciao Maggie
fignut
18 years ago
Larry, You said you got the cuttings in June '07, but when you planted them isn't clear. I got the impression that some are still in paper towels almost a year after you got them.
If that is the case, I'd try again. If your brother can send you more clippings now, it should be a better time to try, especially if his tree hasn't completely leafed out.
Many rooting techniques can work, but some have more problems than others. At this time of year, one of the easiest ways to do it, is to fill a tall pot with sharp sand (used for concrete) and just put good sized cuttings (8-9inches) in that with only a few inches poking out on top. It will keep the cuttings moist, without being too wet (garden dirt and potting soil can hold too much moisture) and can be kept outside which will inhibit fungus growth.
Or maybe talk your brother into digging up a rooted shoot from the base of the mother plant.
Good luck.