Question
QUESTION: I had a ficus tree for 28 years - growing in a big pot in a sunny window in a
NYC apartment.  It developed scale 6 months ago - I tried treating it -
unsuccessful - finally discarded the tree.  I took some cuttings from the top
that were not infected and put them in a jar of water about 2 weeks ago.  They
have sprouted roots!!! There's also some algae growing in the jar (I changed
the water). Can I now put these cuttings in soil? If so, what kind? How big a
pot?  And will they take root and grow - in time - into a nice little ficus tree?

ANSWER: Hi Susan,
Thanx for your question.  You did the right thing by clearing the jar of algae and putting in fresh water.  Wait until the cuttings have a substantial root system before putting them into pots.  Once they have developed a sustantial roots system, plant them in a pot that is deep enough and wide enough to accommodate their roots comfortably.  Make sure all of the roots are covered with soil.  Water but make sure the soil drains freely and the pot doesn't stand in water.  Use a 12-12-12 fertilizer about every 10 days on the plants.  Your trees should become established in 3-6 months.  Make sure they get diffused sunlight and the growing area is kept at about 75癋/24癈.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the above information. Another  question. There are little white
nodules all over the submerged "twigs" - especially anywhere roots have
sprouted. Do you know what this is? I rinsed the roots in lukewarm water
when I cleaned out the algae, but the white stuff doesn't come off ... maybe
it has something to do with the algae ....?   Also, I tried rooting 6 cuttings -
3 have really started to sprout - the other 3 , nothing but these white
bumps. I separated them today, and cleaned out the algae again. Do you
think there's any hope for them - or are they just "Late -Sprouters"?  I also
stopped keeping the jars in direct sunlight, which is difficult, since all my
windows face  South and the sun comes in all day. I wish I knew how to
attach an image - I'd send a picture. Thanks for all your help.

ANSWER: Hi Susan,
Thanx for your question.  It sounds to me like the white nodules are places where there is a lot of celluar activity in anticipation of a root coming out of the structure.  Can you send a picture?  I'd say keeping the jars out of direct sunlight is best.  You can keep them under 40-watt shop lights in another room and they should root just fine there.  I would give the other three cuttings more time to root.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom -
This is the 3rd time I've tried sending pictures - don't know how to do it! I
give up! (If I figure it out I'll send them later).

I still haven't potted the cuttings (wanted to send you pictures) - the roots
are a mixture of white and brown - I hope it's not too late - they've been in
water SO long!!!

The cuttings are about 7 - 9" high (including the roots, which are about 3 -
4" long).

Questions:
1) Is it too late? Are they water-logged?
2) Is a 6" pot big enough?
3) Should I put more than one cutting in a pot, or maybe 2? or 3?
4) The roots have sprouted high up - can I cut off the remaining "twig"
where no roots sprouted, or will it "shock" the poor cutting?
5) At the local plant store where I bought the soil the owner gave me some
of that spongey stuff they use to anchor flower arrangements. He told me to
dice it up and mix it with the soil to aerate it. What do you think?

Thanks for your help. I must get this done before it's too late.
Susan


Answer
Hi Susan,
Thanx for the additional information.

Questions:
1) Is it too late? Are they water-logged?
No, I don't think it is too late.

2) Is a 6" pot big enough?
I'd go for an 8 or 10 inch pot for each cutting.

3) Should I put more than one cutting in a pot, or maybe 2? or 3?
One per pot.

4) The roots have sprouted high up - can I cut off the remaining "twig"
where no roots sprouted, or will it "shock" the poor cutting?
For now, I'd just leave it alone.

5) At the local plant store where I bought the soil the owner gave me some
of that spongey stuff they use to anchor flower arrangements. He told me to
dice it up and mix it with the soil to aerate it. What do you think?
I don't particularly care for that idea.  If you water your plant regularly, you don't need to worry about this unless you have a potful of clay.

I hope this helps.
Tom