Rooting a Fig Cutting Without Rooting Hormone | How to Root fig Tree Cuttings and Keep Them Alive

Rooting a fig cutting without rooting hormone and how to keep your fig cuttings alive after they root. This particular fig cutting is a Ben's Golden Riverside and I'm excited to see it root and grow on into another beautiful fig tree. I'm getting way too many fig varieties around here and may need to cut back soon.
Summer Fig Tree Propagation: • Summer Fig Tree Propag...
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[@Shooter12point7]

Late last summer, my brother lopped off a bunch of branches from my old fig tree growing in the edge of the woods along the property while he was cleaning up. I had just started watching your videos around that time, and was excited to try and root some fig cuttings. From the pile of trimmings, I collected two branches about an inch in diameter and two feet long with multiple branches of their own still attached, and one straight 7" long cutting, 1/2" diameter. For all three, I clipped the ends off just beneath a bud, scored the bark at the end and dipped them all in powder rooting hormone. The two large cuttings were placed in large multi-gallon pots that had been sitting on the ground for a few years with the same soil in them and had peppers in them the previous year. The small cutting was placed in a 6" pot of fresh potting mix. I did not trim any leaves from these cuttings, and to my amazement, they never lost any. They instead stayed vibrant and resumed vigorous growth and rooted within 2 weeks! I could see roots in the drainage holes of the small cutting's pot. The large ones put on a few inches of growth before cold weather, then they all went dormant. I left them all outside over the winter, and they all maintained a green but receded bud at the end of each branch. I'm ecstatic to report that they are all three bursting out of dormancy now that we've had a few days of upper 70s and low 80s here in southeastern North Carolina. This was my first ever successful experience rooting anything other than cacti, succulents, and Gardenias. Since the figs, I've rooted woody pepper cuttings, tomato, and "Lemon Leaf" from a florist bouquet all with this hormone and soil technique. I'm also now overrun by Weeping Willow cuttings in soil and water, and I'm seeing great signs that my Privet Hedge cuttings are rooting in soil with hormone. I love your channel!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's so great to hear! Glad you're finding all kinds of success with plant propagation. Have fun with it.

[@MikeFloutier]

Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU Mike. A year ago I thought I’d take a few fuchsia cuttings to put along my bare front wall, thinking it would be quick and simple. I quickly found I was out of my depth BUT I found your delightful channel. Now, a year on, I’ve got a goodly batch fuchsias, 4 wonderful roses and I just put the first of my Jalapeño pepper seedlings outside for their first hour’s hardening. I thought I had a half hour job BUT, thanks to you and guys like your friend Jason (FVRF) I find that, at the age of 67, I seem to have a new hobby. Thanks Mike, you are such a blessing! 🌹 🌶 💐🍾

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's awesome, Mike! It really is fun and easy once you get out there and make it happen. Good for you man! Have fun in the garden this spring.

[@justin1730]

Last Winter, my dog broke a tip from Chicago Hardy fig. It was ~1.5" long and 3/16" thick, but I stuck it in the ground beneath my Shiro plum tree-no hormones . It grew into a 10" whip with absolutely no care at all. The soil was loamy slow-draining silt. The biggest issue people have with rooting cuttings is too much water. If your cutting it rotting, it is too wet. The optimum moisture level for root growth is drier than most people think. Root growth is fastest when the plant is becoming thirsty, and there is just enough moisture in the medium to keep the roots from drying out. No need to grow roots if there is more moisture than the plant needs. If you saturate your medium, you need to let it dry properly between watering. If your clones rot after they root, try replacing the medium with fresh. Instead of packing the medium into the cup, try tapping the cup against the table/bench to fill the gaps. It is less damaging to the young roots when transplanting. Poke a small clone hole in some plastic sheeting, and use it to cover your cups. It promotes even moisture, allowing the medium to get drier between watering. . Fungus gnats do not grow unless the medium is too wet. Mold does not grow unless the medium is too wet.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sound advice, thanks

[@marklackey5130]

Looks simple. The cutting sacrificed the upper part of itself and reprocessed the chemicals & hormones in that upper part that is dying off to stay alive and produce roots & upper growth. Love your videos! I started rooting & cloning with my Dad when I was 5 years old in 1955. We had a steam heated greenhouse back then and I have farmed all my life and done extensive grafting projects on my own, like you and learned mistakes & experience. Rooting some of my own Fig & Rose plants to keep busy. Keep up your good work and keep posting the videos!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Mark! I appreciate the support. Cool memories with you and your Dad. Someday, I'd love to have a greenhouse to extend my season.

[@fredetosh]

Great video. And, I am currently starting about 20 fig rootings and NEEDED the info!! Thank you!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help, Fred! Good luck with your cuttings.

[@donnagarcia1884]

Good day Mike .. nice to see your rooting fig a success .. planting is like full of surprises and need to wait 'till I see them starts to sprout .. they looked adorable when they show life and my patient waiting is pay off . I loved watching those planting in your garden ... Have a bless day .. cheers

[@MikeKincaid79]

You too, Donna, thanks for hanging out here on the channel!

[@elparaisodedenis]

Great job my friend, a lot of greetings from Serbia !

[@iedwanwidyanata6682]

Thanks mike, verry helpful. That was all my problems growing fig cutting

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem Ledwan. Glad it helped.

[@fortheloveofhogs6769]

I’ve done that with my final holly tree cutting that’s left. The leaves went really brown but not dead, I’m sure... I think😉. But I think the leaves are getting greener, even now it’s spring it’s still very very cold rainy and windy outside here in uk. I’m not touching it, even though I really really want to check for roots... but no I’m not. I’m leaving on my windowsill until the weather’s a lot warmer🤞🤞🤞😊. Thank you for all of your wonderful tips and videos

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome! Glad you've found your patience, lol.

[@wordvendor1]

Wow, exciting! Checking mine today!

[@MikeKincaid79]

How did they look?

[@nataliewatson3850]

I just started a fig cutting! Thanks for the fungus gnats and temp tips!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad I could help, Natalie!

[@MrsGreenThumb]

Hello from Canada. Thankyou Mike so much for sharing your knowledge. I really enjoy experimenting with seed and cuttings. One more things I love recycling containers lol.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like we love all the same things!

[@robertdurkin7596]

Mike.. You're wonderful gardening worker, Good care of beautiful plants to growing up in pots, very interesting video !😁😁👋🌿🌿

[@commentz-1]

Great informative episode bro. Thanks for yor tme.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep

[@helenachase78]

I air rooted mine , very easy !

[@busker153]

I fully understand your "give it time" secret. It is the secret to my cooking. I do nothing that should be remarkable, but I cook my soups/stews/???'s (lot of stuff in a pot with seasonings...always random) low and slow. Very low heat for all stinkin' day! LOL And my wife raves about it! I do too! LOL It really is amazing. Time is the love gramma put in it!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds really good and makes me want to make a good pot of slow cooked chili.

[@gromageindustries6745]

That one had to be a success. A big fig limb fell of a tree in a garden I work at, it was growing through a gap in some wire so was about a 3rd thinner as it was being girdled, it was the point that it broke. Above this point there were all little roots forming, I've now brought it home, it's about 6 inches thick and 2 foot long like your big one, I'm gonna propagate it! I think it's still early enough in the season so roots will grow. I'm in the UK. I love your videos. Thanks Mike, all the best man👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good luck!

[@gromageindustries6745]

@@MikeKincaid79 Hey Mike thanks man🙂 You use a high percentage of pine bark in your rooting mixes, my concern when using such a large amount would be over acidification of the medium, especially as it looks like its starting to break down also. What are you're thoughts on this?

[@jimmartinez3743]

Thanks David for information about fig cuttings very useful advice..I definitely plant some fig cuttings this morning and put some root hormones on bottom that has angle cut.. I'm see what happens like you say patients again thank you.. Jim San Francisco Ca

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's the number 1 secret, patience.

[@truthofthematter9409]

I took cuttings from my Rose of Sharon, panicle hydrangeas and Salvia last fall. Stuck them in some outside pots I had bulbs in and left them alone all fall and winter. All but one cutting is leaving out and rooted! Woo hoo

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sweet!

[@anugrahelzaeira4223]

im back for fig things, lets go!

[@camicri4263]

I am trying to root some fig cuttings too. Thanks for the great video! Hugs🤗💜🤗

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, Camelia! Let me know how they turn out.

[@camicri4263]

I sure will Mike! Hugs

[@ticktock2383]

I successfully started short cuttings (about 2-3 inches) in two inches of sand in an open plastic container. Took when dormant in March and placed on top of refrigerator. They have formed roots!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's so awesome! Thanks for sharing that.

[@truthofthematter9409]

Watched a video about propagation of plants a few days ago. So many had questions that the creator did not answer at all so I sent an entire comment section to your channel!

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, thanks for your support. I try to answer as many questions as I can think of in these videos but never get to the end of them.

[@truthofthematter9409]

@@MikeKincaid79 I don't believe there's been a time that you've not answered or responded to my questions and comments. Thank you

[@ronmarshall4223]

Mike, that’s the video I needed. Thanks. Ron

[@MikeKincaid79]

You got it buddy

[@ronmarshall4223]

@@MikeKincaid79 FYI, so , I’m in Arizona but I’m in zone 6b/7a show low area. Do you know of any cold Hardy fruit trees for this zone. I think I got the fig cutting ok now for this zone, I hope. Just a question? Thanks again, Ron

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm familiar with Show Low, been there myself. I'm in 8b so I'm a little rusty on cold hardy fruit trees but I'm sure apples and peaches would do well there, and probably cherries as well. Oh yeah, and pears.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b Hi Mike, 👋 I just watched your "All About Figs" and I would love to get a fig started. I've heard Marssaile is an excellent variety. I did grow Celeste and Brown Turkey back in the 90's, but the ants were always 1st to the fruit. Nice video 👩‍🌾👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Peggy! I was just out working on my figs today. The weather is finally starting to come around (for a little while. we're still in for more clouds and rain). Feels good to be outside and working with all my plants again.

[@Iloveorganicgardening]

Thanks for the informative video Mike! I wish I had seen it last week because I just put 60 JH Adriatic cuttings in the ground and I scraped the bark on them. We'll see how they do! Patience pays off for your little guy!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, that's what it's all about. Wow, 60 of them. That's a lot of figs, lol.

[@c.e.m7535]

Love your videos Bro🎉

[@MikeKincaid79]

👍

[@LAyangfamily]

Hi, Mike, thanks for your informative video and detailed explanation. I really like your talk way and video style, because some people especially for beginners are still struggled with how to root fig cuttings, they are still confused with some details and tricks whether they need to do it or not. Interesting, in January this year, I did some overwintering fig cuttings rooting experiments without rooting hormones, it is pretty easy for me to get roots and new leaf sprouts in a humidity chamber. After I got pretty decent roots, I transplanted them into a relatively big containers and put them in my porch for one week (no direct sunlight) to reduce transplant shock and get used to new environment. Now I already put them on my balcony (half shade and half sun), some of them look pretty good and healthy, but still some of them look kind of a little bit wilted especially for leaves. Kind of I did not do anything wrong, but still wondering why? I am going to post them on my KZbin channel later and share with your guys. Next time you might make a video specially talking about transplant shock for rooted fig cuttings. BTW, Mark, as you inspired me by your previous video, I made some MONEY by online selling my extra plants (I propagated plants), I am really happy with this, not only for money itself but for my acknowledged valuable work. Thanks, Mark.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great job! Sometimes is feels good just to have people want the things we create and the money doesn't even matter.

[@LAyangfamily]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks, Mike. Keep it up.

[@JJ-gx3ir]

wrap the exposed half of the cutting in parafilm :) it wont dry out... since i started doing that id say i have a >90% success rate.. Another method ive used was start them off in a cup of water, when it starts to root i put them in some really wet medium (since i figure they are already used to a very wet environment) that also seemed to work, BUT they slow down drastically once you transfer them from 100% water, the water method is good if youre desperate and only have green cuttings :D ive rooted a bunch of green cuttings that way.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've tried parafilm in the past but got more rot with it. Maybe it's my climate but the parafilm promotes bacteria and fungal growth under the film. I'm glad it's working for you and I know a lot of people use it with success.

[@farmmom7140]

I love this video! Great job Mike . Can't wait to see the update.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Coming soon!

[@davidmcclellan9959]

YEP AND THANKS YOU MIKE LOVE DAVID

[@cpnotill9264]

Thanks Mike for video! Great experiment with the clear cup and no hormone. I have 2 baby figs on my fig tree in upstate NY and thrilled about that. I use a piece of willow smashed in water for rooting hormone and it's the bomb. Love your videos and passion for your craft. 💚👍🌱

[@MikeKincaid79]

Love seeing those little figs start emerging. We're slowly warming up. Thanks for watching.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mike, this video was extremely helpful, so thank you! I ordered two 30 oz. containers of mosquito bits from Amazon a few weeks ago, which arrived early last week. My daughter told me that a friend uses them on seed-starting trays. Now, I'll use them on my indoor rooted cuttings as well! Years ago, I had a friend who made sticky traps by using yellow posterboard spayed with some sort of adhesive. Mike, have you or any of your subscribers made DIY fungus gnat sticky traps? I want to make some, but I don't know what to use for the adhesive. If anyone has made them or has suggestions, I would appreciate your input. ~Margie

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've never made them myself. I just buy them. You can get them really cheap on Amazon if you look for the generic ones. I got a pack of like 50 of them for 10 or 20 bucks if I remember right. A pack like that will last for years.

[@mariohernandez-wg6fb]

Wow Mike !!!! You have green fingers ......A luky man ...... ah,ah,ah,ah,ah .....

[@MikeKincaid79]

The harder I work, the luckier I get, lol

[@mariohernandez-wg6fb]

@@MikeKincaid79 I see that !!!!!! .....you are the Best !!!!!! ......

[@mariohernandez-wg6fb]

Hi , Mike I want to ask you a question , Do you have the Giant Photo Plant ? ....

[@kristinalasic4439]

Thank you Mike every advice is very helpful. LET'S ROOTING BEGIN 💪

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes!

[@rgrnature]

Man, you have been kicking out the videos recently. Good video as usual. Have 625 celest fig cuttings I am patiently waiting on. They are leafing out now. Not sure if they are rooted yet. Time will tell.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Holy cow! 625 celeste! I hope you have a buyer. That, or you know a lot of people who like figs, haha. Good luck and let us know how they do.

[@rgrnature]

I have a few nurseries that will buy from me. Will be advertising them on Facebook and Craigslist as well as selling on eBay. Not sure if they all will sell... They were free, all I have in them is a few hours of time. If I cannot move them all, I guarantee I can move enough to make a good profit.

[@michaelgregory8636]

Love all of your videos. Question: How can I start shrub (not tea) roses from cuttings?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Same method as my tea rose videos.

[@jimmartinez3743]

David, If you have anymore suggested for me to try out with fig cuttings please let me know thanks.. Jim

[@aliobaidi88]

Thank you for your videos. can you make one for pomegranate?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'd love to. Now I just need to find a pomegranate.

[@davidr9883]

I've found in checking my test this year that I left out all winter is the more perlite the better. Sadly I messed up checking my blue juniper cuttings. I just did not expect that many roots or that long in just 6 month.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They grow as soon as we're not watching them.

[@djbeard22]

Good day Sir can you please try a way to grow trees from pine tree cuttings love your videos helps me a lot regards DJ

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I've gotten lots of requests for that and need to get started on it.

[@brianschreech]

Re: Gnats, a layer of perlite prevents gnats from 'burrowing' into the soil. Works for regular house plants, in my experience.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, I've heard people do this with sand too.

[@debraarizona4809]

I agree with your theory about why small fig plants die. This happens to me and I keep trying and trying.🙃 I'am still here in Phoenix. The cuttings dry out fast and I pour water on them to keep soil moist, then they droop, tiny leaves fall off and I pull up the cutting, and roots are gone😒 Mike please guide me to grow a successful fig cutting, you make it look so easy.🤗🌵🌞

[@MikeKincaid79]

In Phoenix, you may need to start in a large pot and have a pan of water underneath the pot to keep a constant supply of moisture to the cutting and roots until it gets a nice size. There are many people down there that grow figs in your area so I know it can be done. Don't give up!

[@debraarizona4809]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks you Mike, you give me hope!!🌞

[@mashafasha5796]

Fungus gnats are only a problem when you overwater. If you let the top of your soil dry out completely before watering again, they’re no problem. Also the drought and wet season cycle is good for fig root health. The roots actually want to be deprived of moisture to an extent to be truly strong and healthy. The area of the world figs came from, it only rains in fall and winter, and have a hot drought like growing seasons. This means they are accessing water from deeper in the ground. Thus meaning most of the roots of these trees are probably only barely damp half the year. Im no scientist, but something to think about. I tend to have success when I take into consideration the native origin of the plant you’re growing helps. Mimicking the geographical conditions of the plant helps you understand what the plant needs. Cheers.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I think that's true once they are established trees but I've found that the rooted cuttings and young trees have an insatiable desire for water.

[@healergeorge]

I rapped the top half of my cutting in paraffin tape and put a Coke bottle over the top. It now has the top bud producing leaves. I do not know if it has any roots. I did cut off half the bottom at an angle and scored the lower stem once. But it is not in a clear pot, so I don't know if there are any roots yet. If it keeps growing, I will assume there must be. I bottom water and put a little bit of water at the top too. I let the bottom dry out for a few days before I water it again. I hope it continues to grow well. This cutting was a free replacement for one I bought from Italy, which did not root last year.

[@Robert-cd2ht]

Don't use a coke bottle only use a ROOT beer bottle for best results.

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL @ Robert Richmond

[@terryjohnson6392]

Hi Mike I took 2 cuttings from a fig tree to see if they root I've tried before and they didn't make It seen another channel and they said to wrap your potted cutting in clear plastic for 2 weeks and then take them out the plastic is to hold moisture in. I see on 1 new leaf buds trying to form.

[@MikeKincaid79]

There are many ways to root figs. Just stick with one method that you find the most interesting and useful for your situation and get good at it.

[@terryjohnson6392]

@@MikeKincaid79 thank you mike.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

Very true some cuttings just take a lot of thyme. Enjoyed the video . One day I will fig ure out how to get a fig tree to stay alive for me. Lol grim reaper of fig trees and raspberries. For some reason I can't grow either one of those. Think I finally figured out how to not kill succulents. I just forget about them and they love it 🤣.

[@TheRainHarvester]

Do you plant them in full sun? What zone ?

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

@@TheRainHarvester they've been in full sun they've been in partial sun. Zone 8A . I think it's because I have heavy clay and only a couple inches worth of soil before you hit bedrock. So it like floods them and then dries up . I think I have to build more soil before I can really grow trees well.

[@TheRainHarvester]

@@theoverworkedgardener5648 that sounds like my condition too. Central Texas white clay limestone. I have trouble with figs too. But I planted into a raised bed (fig on my latest gardening video), so maybe I'll have luck?

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

@@TheRainHarvester yeah I think Dallas is pretty similar

[@amysnipes4245]

I SO get the time and patience. It took 2 1/2 months for my tumeric to break dormancy... tearing my hair out and fretting the whole time. 😂

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, you sound like me!

[@alboggs7561]

I going to use sand in the spring I live in Gainesville GA

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's an easy material to come by.

[@RRaucina]

Is coco coir suitable as a rooting medium in figs? For making drain holes in Solo cups, a small soldering iron works great and does not leave any sharp corners where splits will start. Also you can do 5 or 8 at a time.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, you can use coco coir for rooting figs. Many people do.

[@dallasstokes6636]

Are you putting the 2 gallon pots in indirect light or shade?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I like to keep my propagation projects in an area that gets as much overhead skylight as possible but no direct sun.

[@bradguest]

Question: I started some cuttings Jan 3. Some have roots, though smaller than the ones in the video. But no leaves or even green buds. I used parafilm and 80 degree bottom heat. They are firm in the pot but just nothing has happened up top. Keep being patient? I don't think there is any rot. Note, others I did put on leaves fine.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I personally don't like using parafilm on these because they are hardwood cuttings and it can invite rot. I know a lot of people use it though and with success. Are the cuttings inside or outside? Almost 3 months, they really should be showing some signs of rooting but now. I'd be worried that there is rot at the base of the cuttings. You may want to check one out and see.

[@suray1985]

Hello Mike, what soil did you used?

[@MikeKincaid79]

finely ground fir tree bark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISzfYKCg72HepY

[@rauljimenez8132]

Mike, do you think Parafilm Grafting Tape would have prevented the top section from drying out?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't like using it because it invites rot

[@cynthiaornelas4903]

Would you please give an example of the best potting soil? You mentioned using one without nutrients. Thank you!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Here's a video that's all about rooting medium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m327eaxqdplgrs0

[@themandan9400]

That's incredible. I went to my neighbor's acre yard and snipped one large Mango branch. I saved ten small 9 inch branches. 6 of those I placed in a paper towel drenched with Mycorrhizae, top to bottom (inside a plastic bag placing them in the fridge). The other 4 I snipped bottom portion and dipped with root powder. I stuck them in a ground by my Apple tree. 5 weeks later... I found one if the branches missing. I flipped because my wife pulled it out. (Frantically, I searched in the garden and found it tossed inside another mint growing pot.) I scanned the branch and it look extremely weird. I mean, the damn Mango branch was still alive, but no roots. The bottom portion was warped and drying out. But a inch upward, the branch was very much green. I was shocked. 5 weeks and still alive. So I tried another technique. Instead of root powder, I grabbed my wife's gynormous aloe Vera plant leaf and smothered it all over a scrapped bottom portion of the Mango branch and separated it into a singled out pot. Let's see if Aloe Vera does anything.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'd be interested in hearing how it works for you. It's amazing how resilient plants can be.

[@themandan9400]

@@MikeKincaid79 My thoughts exactly. My wife always tell me, "You don't have to buy all those chemicals (referring to plants). Just cut and stick them in clean dirt. It'll grow without it." But, when I feed my plants and they're blasting up and growing beautiful, she'll say, "What are you doing? How come your trees and plants are huge?" I'll reply, "The chemicals are only created to keep the trees and plants growing. Sometimes, the dirt gets weak and the plant robs nutrients faster than gardeners know. The potting soil, regular topsoil, and yard soil can loose a lot, fast. This us why you don't over water your plants." She waters her plants everyday, but cultivates her soil. She can actually sense when her soil is failing. That's when she steals my plant's environment. The soil makes a big difference how fast and big a habitat gets.

[@ryan-reecekershaw3902]

I made 50 fig but all of them have like this hair roots

[@CleverPup]

Update on the reaper please.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Doing good, I'll get around to it soon.

[@michaelf756]

Hey mike, have you ever tried rooting trees such as pear? I know, you are supposed to air-layer/graft for pear trees but I've got the greatest little pear tree in my backyard that I've been trying to root cuttings for forever. I know I should probably just get some rootstock but maaan I just thought it would be so fun to grow a full-on clone of the little guy. Seems to rot even when I only watered it once and kept it in the dry indoors, kinda bummed about it really

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've never rooted a pear cutting but air layering them is a great way to do it if you don't have a good root stock. I have some videos about a Bartlett pear that I air layered if you're interested. It was about 3 or 4 years ago. I still have the tree in a 3 gallon pot.

[@michaelf756]

@@MikeKincaid79 Yea I saw you had some luck with that, might have to try doing that when the tree wakes up, I also haven't tried softwood cuttings yet. Two good projects for the season, thanks :)

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I want to do some one-node tests to see if fungus gnats or other problems occur. I have had some do what this one did or the top half dies and the rest of it does fine. I stopped rooting cuttings where more than half of the cutting is out of the soil. They tend to do better.

[@MikeKincaid79]

We're on the same page. I like your test idea.

[@rallekralle11]

i took a bunck of hardwood cuttings of all kinds of things recently. hope they get going. how much sun would you say they should be getting?

[@Robert-cd2ht]

None! No direct sun and Mike recommends placing cuttings on the north side of a sheltered building with plenty of bright sky. He made a video on that.

[@rallekralle11]

@@Robert-cd2ht thought that was specifically for covered softwood cuttings

[@Robert-cd2ht]

@@rallekralle11 Either way the hardwood cuttings need to root first, if they leaf out the sun will dry them out.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, I spout off of the "north side of a building" thing when it comes to softwood cuttings that are covered. Hardwood cuttings can be in full sun (definitely uncovered) but I think it's safer to have them out of the full sun so they can wake up more slowly and not dry out too fast.

[@PlantObsessed]

Timly video. I have last hears fig in a 5 gallon pot. I swear itis dead. I will try to be patient.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Be patient, you never know. I have a valuable fig 'La Bourgeoise' that I thought had completely died through the winter about 2 years ago. I almost threw the whole thing on the burn pile that spring. I never got around to dumping it and in a few months I was surprised to see a massive amount of new growth coming up from below the soil. It grew massive and strong branches that year and is still alive and growing well today.

[@christinan3983]

Hi. I'm a new gardener. Does your greenhouse let in rain or just help block some sun and wind?

[@MikeKincaid79]

No rain, just blocks sun and wind.

[@toniwardell1933]

👍

[@Micky4life]

When is a good time to start taking cuttings? It went to 80 yesterday. But goin down to 29 in a couple of days. Should i start before the plants wake up or wait?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I like to take them just before they wake up. If you have them on a back porch and on bottom heat then they should be protected enough to withstand a day or 2 of freezing temps.

[@anugrahelzaeira4223]

2:49 : Where did you buy that shiny thing, bro? lol

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's just a thin plastic deli cup that I got at a local restaurant supply store.

[@larawines4875]

Do you have an upon this one?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I wish I did but I ended up planting this one out in the orchard when it was just too young. I thought I could get away with it but it was too small and didn't survive last winter in ground. It did grow well through the summer of 2021 but I should have left it in the hoop house another year until it got bigger. I guess there's always more changes this winter and I've got a ton more branches on that fig to take cuttings from.

[@skyangel6336]

I know this video is old but I propagated a turkey fig by just putting it in water Ok I have roots growing out the sides of it on both sides but the part where I cut it still hasn't grown roots....What should I do? Should I leave it in the water until it grows roots from the bottom too? I did cut the bottom at an angle like I do other things but did I need to cut it straight across instead?

[@MikeKincaid79]

It should root well either way. Figs are pretty resilient. I'd get it in soil as soon as you can.

[@eyeone2]

Would it be better if you have placed the 16 oz bottle to keep it in a semi greenhouse moisture like u do for rose cuttings?

[@MikeKincaid79]

No, high humidity for hardwood cuttings invites rot

[@larawines4875]

@@MikeKincaid79 so just bottom heat for hard wood?

[@edenvilloso1272]

Thank you Sir, as you have shown in this video I come to understanding that propagating fig tree or any fruits tree , it need a little older branch unlike those flowering plans

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, very true

[@georgiapeachnut2490]

What is the name of your soil medium and who is it by?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I just use fine fir bark. Here's a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISzfYKCg72HepY

[@clmtdmmjcmm4489]

What’s the source of your plastic cups?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Wally world

[@suemerritt1679]

My fig tree starting to leaf. zone 8A. Is it too late to root a cutting? Thank you.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nope. I did a video about this last summer and successfully rooted a handful of figs after they had fully leafed out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXXPdpdppt96nrs

[@Hammer_OJustice]

If I don't have access to pine bark, can I use some mixture of peat moss & coarse sand?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, that should work just fine.

[@Hammer_OJustice]

@@MikeKincaid79 thanks so much!

[@alboggs7561]

It's me again I going to air pruning

[@Knight-of-Christ]

Fig cuttings don't need rooting hormones. They need heat. I place my cuttings in a moist sterile substrate in plastic zipper bags on top of heat mats with close to 100% success.

[@thegreatoutdoors1000]

2:00 I'm about 12 inches or so

[@brauliaguerrero656]

do you having any ideas on how to root branches from a persimmon tree

[@MikeKincaid79]

Never done that one but I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually.

[@brauliaguerrero656]

@@MikeKincaid79 I got a persimmon for mothers day like 4 years ago and my house is on contract i cant dig her out afraid i might kill it so I was hoping you had any ideas,super sad to leave my tree :(

[@brauliaguerrero656]

@blue jay thanks for the idea ,i took two branches ,one die but the other one is hanging in there. thought you should know:) wish me luck.

[@sonngo8420]

Hi friends, i dont know why my 2 weeks old cuttings have blooming bud but they dont grow roots, can you help me please.

[@MikeKincaid79]

If they are fig cuttings then my guess is that you have them in a warm and humid environment. For hardwood cuttings, I don't like to keep them warm and humid because it encourages top growth before root growth.

[@kengarrett1116]

Hi Mike. I have had great success rooting fig cuttings by taking the cuttings in late winter/early spring, about 6" long, wrap the bottom half in damp paper towel and put them in a zip lock bag, (I think in America you call them baggies), and put them on top of the refrigerator. I put about 8 or 10 in a bag and usually get a 100% success rate. After about 14 days, when they have rooted, I pot them up.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Right on! You can't beat 100%. Thanks for sharing your method.

[@khawarshafi4416]

How can I root a cutting from fresh branches growing out of a three inch diameter fig tree trunk cut from ground level. The branches are barely three feet tall and very thin and totally green from bottom to top. I will be leaving and not returning to the area where the tree is located.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Can you get a chunk of the trunk? I'd try to root that 3 inch piece.

[@marschlosser4540]

Ya wanna hear something funny, chico? I was tip pruning the BT fig and remembered Mike's vids on figs. I was going to watch them, but now you did one here! Yeah, I haven't tried the thick stems, yet. BTW, SUMMER starts on Thursday. Fact is, it already started. Figs are leafed out and making breba, mesquite is leafing out, so far, no leaves on the Li jujube, Dolgo crab, but everything else is doing. Yeah, and the grapes are leafed out, the radishes are over 4 feet tall and in bloom. See ya in the brush come monsoon, hunting oyster 'shrooms!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Wow, that's amazing! We're still a long way from summer. I still need to get my seeds started. Still no open buds on the figs.

[@bartb217]

Destroyed enough cutting with overwatering from the top during dormancy between growth, when it looked the soil was too dry.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, I really think that is a big problem for figs.

[@Mountiemicahmovies]

Can I root fig cuttings in an unheated greenhouse in November zone 6a?

[@MikeKincaid79]

With bottom heat, yes. But then the question becomes, what do you do with it after it's rooted in the middle of January in zone 6a?

[@Mountiemicahmovies]

@@MikeKincaid79 so if I install a heater in the greenhouse I just keep the plants in there until time to plant outside in spring?

[@MikeKincaid79]

You could do that. Might be easier and cheaper to just root them in your house under fluorescent bulbs.

[@yippikiyay197]

Why would the fig go into dormancy after rooting? Would it if you had it under light?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I explained my thinking on this in the video

[@yippikiyay197]

@@MikeKincaid79 I still don't understand why it goes into dormancy after cutting.

[@annieuk4164]

Hi Mike, I really enjoy your channel, thanks for all the super info. I have a request, can you talk about Gerbera daisies? I want to grow and propegate them this year. I'm in the UK

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'll look into it, thanks for your support, Annie, and enjoy your spring!

[@annieuk4164]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thank you, much appreciated.

[@Sldejo]

Wonder what would happen if you instead of vertically, but horizontally planted that stalk? 🤔 more nodes for more chances to root from more nodes? Idk

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, more than likely, and I have thoughts about doing a video on that very idea.

[@free2singpsalms49]

So you can propagate plants without rooting hormone?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes

[@free2singpsalms49]

All kinds of plants? Does it take longer for roots to grow without it?

[@kicknadeadcat]

First year cuttings just aren’t viable yet to produce a tree reliably. Second year plants are a little better. I have a Chicago Hardy that grew 4ft in a pot the first year with two 1in trunks. Still waiting for something to happen with cuttings. Most shriveled up I have a few left but don’t see anything going on. All the cuttings I bought are growing. My two year old petite Negra are all growing. Just about all my cuttings from various fig plants that are a year old are not doing anything either. My first year VDB that’s in the ground that grew 6 ft before I pinched and it produced 4 fruit still sitting in cups after 2 months nothing going on.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I agree, you can get them to root but not optimal. I love cutting material that is several years old and at least 1/2 inch thick.

[@charleswilder2985]

I think I have gotten too eager, when some have rooted well, and damaged/killed them. I have reached the same conclusion - water sparingly even after they are rooted. Wait until the bark is pretty light-colored, deep in the cup.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You know Charles, the truth is that I don't even really like rooting these things in the winter because of all the problems we come up against with them. My favorite way is to just take some fat cuttings in the spring and stick them straight outside in 1 gallon pots and let them wake up with the weather. So far, my success rate with that method is near 100% and the difference is that they all survive and do well without all the pest and die back issues. More and more I'm trying to get in tune with what nature wants and she sure knows what she's doing.

[@silbianongbah4248]

Hello Mike,no plans to add peonies to your garden , would be wonderful seeing them bloom, here in India they are not available

[@MikeKincaid79]

Eventually I want to create more gardens like that around here.

[@kickonechief7]

My fig looks like a 6 foot bush. No fruit and 4 years oldhelp me pune him. Please.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'd prune it back to 2-3 feet from the ground. Pick the 3 thickest branches and leave them, then cut everything else back.

[@christinasimmons178]

This video is great. But I have a question. Its not a fig, but a bougainvillea. I cut about 20 branches about as thick as this fig. I used rooting hormone. I only got three to sprout. Which is good for my first try I think. But I got one, that just sprouted one branch. Its about a foot long now, no lateral shoots. Just one long stem. What do I do to get more stems to grow to bush out? Do I need to chop the top part off it?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, pruning early will force lower branching.

[@roozbehnahavandiyekta9688]

Does cuttings basically need extra warmth to root? I put them on room temprature without any extra care to keep them warm. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They'll root either way but bottom heat will speed it up

[@dandan1364]

Great content. Could be shorter.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, could be longer too, lol

[@kengarrett1116]

Cut it off just above the node above the the shoot in case the die-back continues down.

[@MikeKincaid79]

The die back area has been walled off and the cutting is looking really healthy and growing well.

[@robertfulgham6916]

I want to find 3 varieties for cross-pollinating. Have you tried planting multiple stems in the same hole? Since they aren’t true trees, there shouldn’t be any issues. I haven’t been able to test that yet.

[@MikeKincaid79]

The varieties I have don't need pollination so I haven't tried this. I've watched videos about doing this with apples and other fruit trees and think it's a great idea if it's managed well with pruning.

[@robertfulgham6916]

@@MikeKincaid79 My understanding is that the figs produce more fruit when cross pollinated with a different variety. Dad said that it should work but I’ve not been able to try it yet.

[@jcgjcg3844]

Two thing's first I watch one little innocent video from Mike Kincaid peeing on his squash. And now KZbin suggest videos of everybody and their sisters and brothers peeing on theier garden. 🤦‍♂️ Second I still want to know how to get my hands on one of your Jim Wilson fig tree!

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, I'll have to keep you in mind for the Jim Wilson. Message me on Facebook at Kincaid's Nursery until I respond, lol.

[@jcgjcg3844]

@@MikeKincaid79 I don't have Facebook I was waisting to much time on it so I deleted it a few years ago.

[@davidmcclellan9959]

HI MIKE YOU WON'T BELIEVE I HAVE 17 CHERRY TOMATOES BABIES PLANTS JUST TAKES OFF FAST I HAD PLANTS 20 SEEDS CHERRY TOMATOES THEY JUST POPS UP FAST LOVE DAVID

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome!

[@davidcrowson4745]

Would you just look at that 🙂