Now What?

ohiobruce

ohiobruce

Well-known member
I'm a little over 5 weeks with my fig project and this pic is my current state.
Starting Friday, I'll be on break for 16 days.

So, do I need to give them any water now to make it until I return? If so, how much, a teaspoon? Tablespoon?

I have a 10ml syringe with a long, heavy needle and plan on injecting it through the plastic bag.

Also, should I include a weak dose of fertilizer?

Edit: They are in 24oz cups and the mix is 3 parts peat, 2 parts DE, and one part pumice.
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20251217_164154300.jpg
    PXL_20251217_164154300.jpg
    131 KB · Views: 46
Last edited:
Consider bottom watering. I let my young rooted cuttings sit in about half an inch of water for about 30 min. I keep refilling the bowl with water to maintain it at half an inch or so until the level stops dropping.
As for fertilizer, no more than 1/4 strength at first to avoid burning of young roots. I usually start with bottom watering with worm castings tea.
 
Inflorescence said:
I check mine about once a week at this stage. And I give them approximately 2-4 Tbs. It depends on how aerated your mix is.

You can start giving very diluted fertilizer as well.
Click to expand...
Thanks for giving an approximate number. I should have mentioned that they are in 24oz cups and the mix is 3 parts peat, 2 parts DE, and one part pumice.
 
LadyGT said:
It depends on temperature in the room. Most likely it will be cool. Can you have access to your room to check on them?
Click to expand...
They are on a heat mat (78 degrees) and under grow lights. Additionally, I have a mylar space blanket across the top and draped down one side. The other side is against a block wall.

I can get into my room. I was just being lazy and not wanting to drive the 40 minutes each way. But, I've spent too much time and money at this point to let the cuttings fail from neglect. So, I'll make the trip.
 
julie said:
At this stage, when I water, I only put water around the outside of the container to make sure I am not causing the cutting to rot. And I also agree 16 days is WAY too long for them to be left alone.
Click to expand...

I was planning to inject water around the outside at several different points. Sounds like I need to check on them at the halfway point.
 
ohiobruce said:
I was planning to inject water around the outside at several different points. Sounds like I need to check on them at the halfway point.
Click to expand...
No good deed goes unpunished. With all the resources already invested, adding water at the mid-point of your break is worthwhile. Imagine the heartbreak if you did not tend to them for 16 days, only to find the cuttings wilted or dried out upon your return?
 
If they are all rooted, lower your heat mat temp as well, 74° should be fine, even 72°. You don’t want to heat existing roots too much, because you can kill them off. The heat mat is meant to get roots going, it’s not meant to be maintained at that temp the whole time. And it really becomes more about air temp at this point to get top growth going.
 
Opiem10 said:
No good deed goes unpunished. With all the resources already invested, adding water at the mid-point of your break is worthwhile. Imagine the heartbreak if you did not tend to them for 16 days, only to find the cuttings wilted or dried out upon your return?
Click to expand...
That's my favorite saying. Lol.
I'll check on them halfway.
 
Inflorescence said:
If they are all rooted, lower your heat mat temp as well, 74° should be fine, even 72°. You don’t want to heat existing roots too much, because you can kill them off. The heat mat is meant to get roots going, it’s not meant to be maintained at that temp the whole time. And it really becomes more about air temp at this point to get top growth going.
Click to expand...
Will do. Obviously, I still have a lot to learn.
 
To my eye it looks a bit dry now... That aside, 16 days is going to be a very long time for a cutting at that stage of maturity (repeating what was said above). The way I see it you have 2 options.

1) Making sure it's adequately hydrated and wrap the base in a plastic bag and tie off tightly. This might hold on to some moisture but it may still get dry due to transpiration... Perhaps keep the whole thing in a humidity dome like a big Rubbermaid bin. Not ideal

2) This may seem weird, but.... can you take it with you? It'll be a lot easier to take care of it if it's with you. If you're leaving the country that might not be an option but if it's a road trip.... perhaps not that crazy. And, you can be that person who takes their figs with them on holiday.... (I would pay money to see a pic of you lying next to a pool with your figs) :)
 
TorontoJoe said:
To my eye it looks a bit dry now... That aside, 16 days is going to be a very long time for a cutting at that stage of maturity (repeating what was said above). The way I see it you have 2 options.

1) Making sure it's adequately hydrated and wrap the base in a plastic bag and tie off tightly. This might hold on to some moisture but it may still get dry due to transpiration... Perhaps keep the whole thing in a humidity dome like a big Rubbermaid bin. Not ideal

2) This may seem weird, but.... can you take it with you? It'll be a lot easier to take care of it if it's with you. If you're leaving the country that might not be an option but if it's a road trip.... perhaps not that crazy. And, you can be that person who takes their figs with them on holiday.... (I would pay money to see a pic of you lying next to a pool with your figs) :)
Click to expand...
I agree that it looks dry now. It has been in a bag tied tightly around the cutting. I removed it just for this pic to get a clear shot of the roots. I replaced it after taking the shot.

I raided my daughter's vet supplies and came up with a 60 ml syringe. I'll take a gallon of water to school tomorrow and give them all a sip.

One problem I have with taking them home is that I don't have a good warm place to put them and the grow light set up. But I could rig up something, I'm sure.

BTW, I never go anywhere, but if the money is right, I'll get you that picture.... :ROFLMAO:
 
ohiobruce said:
I agree that it looks dry now. It has been in a bag tied tightly around the cutting. I removed it just for this pic to get a clear shot of the roots. I replaced it after taking the shot.

I raided my daughter's vet supplies and came up with a 60 ml syringe. I'll take a gallon of water to school tomorrow and give them all a sip.

One problem I have with taking them home is that I don't have a good warm place to put them and the grow light set up. But I could rig up something, I'm sure.

BTW, I never go anywhere, but if the money is right, I'll get you that picture.... :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...


Ok, OK.... that particular wish isn't coming true soon.... :p

I think even if it's a cool room temp is going to be better than not being there at all. I've rooted cuttings on a south facing windowsill for weeks. It's not ideal but it's better than no light. If you can add some even with a desk or shop lamp that'll help too. Is it perfect? No. Will it be enough for the 16 days? Yep.
 
I see your point. I can easily hang a couple of shop lights above them. Dragging home the heating mat will not be difficult either. Right now my basement is 63°. Do you think I could get away without the heating mat?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top