About three weeks ago, I began rooting a tiny cutting from a large fig tree that I ‘inherited’ from a family in Brewster, NY. The cutting was very thin—so thin that I initially tossed it onto the compost pile. But then I decided to give it a chance.
Normally, I root thicker fig cuttings because they contain more stored energy, which increases their chances of survival. For this one, I placed it in water and covered it with a thin plastic bag. Whenever I go to the supermarket, I save the plastic produce bags—they’re perfect for rooting fig cuttings. Reduce, reuse, recycle. But I digress.
I changed the water daily and handled the cutting carefully. Before long, roots began forming and growing longer. A couple of days ago, I noticed a tiny green bump peeking from the top of the cutting.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll pot it and hope for the best. The newly formed roots are very delicate, so I’ll handle them with great care. I’ll prepare a mix of potting soil and peat moss, gently adding it to a small pot. I’ll reuse the same plastic bag to cover the entire pot and create a cozy environment for the cutting in its new home.
I’ve decided to keep this young tree and give it an Italian name: Mario Fabrizi.
Keep on rooting!
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