Clean fig cutting???

[Backyard_Fig]

I have some figs that I had in storage for several weeks. I don't see any mold, but would want some feedback on if I should clean with a bleach water mixture as preventative? Will that add more unnecessary stress to the cutting?

[don_sanders]

I generally clean my with a toothbrush and soap and water and then a spray of 10% bleach. Mostly because I am worried about any travelers.

On my own cuttings, I wouldn't worry about it.

[F. Bennett]

Not mandatory, but it won't hurt it. You can even use an antibacterial soap instead of bleach if you wish. I've even used a greenpad to gently scrub the cutting. After just a couple of minutes out of the water, go ahead and wrap the cuttings tightly with saran wrap. The outer wood should be dry, but the ends will be just barely moist, as the they will absorb more water than the outer 'skin' if that makes sense.

[Backyard_Fig]

Thanks for the feedback, it's helpful

[Harborseal]

My opinion is, it depends Mold is generally a bigger problem than bacteria. If you're in a mold prone area or season I use Physan-20 or similar (C-20 is what's sold here) on all of my cuttings if it's been rainy and warm here or if I'm growing seedlings or cuttings and have a warm, moist environment inside. I also sterilize all cuttings from the SE because they're very mold prone. It's the same for anyone who wrapped their cuttings in any kind of 'paper' product. I label each cutting with an oil based paint pen, soak in P20 for 5 min or so, let them dry (I let the cut ends dry, too. the sterilizing agent breaks down over time but if there's any water it will promote mold growth.) then pack them in plastic.

[Dave]

green soap & a toothbrush

[Bluemalibu]

I second Bob's school of thought. I too use a dilution of Physan - 20 to re-hydrate my cuttings. Taking care to sanitize them well, particularly if they have been raised along either coastline, the purview of the dark-side!

Likewise, Physan - 20 is utilized along with Dyna-Gro K-L-N rooting hormone in the water used to dampen the growing media.

[Timbotide]

Bluemalibu I ordered me some Dyna Gro K-L-N. Can I use the K-L-N in addition to applying dip n gro to my fig cuttings? Thanks.

[Bluemalibu]

Tim, I'm about the furthest thing from a horticultural scientist than you will probably ever meet... but I have used the K-L-N in combination with Clonex rooting hormone, and haven't heard any objections from the cuttings yet... ;-)

[Timbotide]

Hey Blue, I should have just asked if you have used both products together and if so what where your results. I just received some awesome looking I-258 cuttings from Fabio and don’t want to juice them up too much. When I say awesome I mean they are nice.

[Rewton]

I used to do this sometimes but now never do. I have not noticed a difference in success rates.