Figs are so easy to root almost any mix that does not drown them will give you a high rate of success. A lot of nurseries use a 50/50 mix of fine sand and sphagnum peat moss. It holds lots of water and drains well. Not what you would want to plant a tree in but for cuttings it works very well.

I've rooted hundreds of different species in the gritty mix because I always have bushels of it on hand and it's convenient. It certainly fits the physical requirements for an excellent rooting medium, but still, if I have a cutting or a group of cuttings that is/are special for some reason, I ALWAYS stick to a sterile medium. Perlite, screened Turface, screened Turface with perlite (50/50), or screened Turface with crushed granite (50/50) are my choices for cuttings I consider important.

You want a medium that drains well enough you can be SURE there is not a film of water coating the proximal end of the cutting.

Al

I guess I am lazy, I just stick them in water and they start to root within a couple weeks.

Hi Wally,

How long do you leave them in the water?

noss

I just stick them in a old gallon milk jug place it in the shade and wait until I see enough roots to transplant. This is my first try as I just thought all the instructions I have seen take quite a while and sometimes work. I also find stripping off all the leaves helps. The roots are just nubs so far but I believe that at this stage I could transfer them to soil without much problem or wait a while. Right now I am saving this for our neighbor whom I don't see that often and they don't like to feel they are imposing on their neighbors. I have great neighbors just a little shy but will go ahead and mow my lawn when I am not able. So I keep trying to find plants to provide them in exchange for their kindnesses. For you I think it would be a judgment call depending on your time, soil, etc. If you start more than one you can set up a test to see which do the best under your trials.
Paul

Thanks Paul. That is sweet of your neighbors to mow your lawn and for you to give them plants--Especially fig trees. :)

noss