Fast Growth Fig Method.. Is this Normal?

[emi93m]

Below is a pic of 3 starter PJ Figs I placed on a rock and planted following the fast grow method article using gravel layers and half a bag of Dynamic - you know what. Three days later 80% of the leaves wilted and have fallen off. I know I have not over watered or under watered them and they are very healthy starters I have had for a few months with good roots for there size! Any Ideas if this is normal?

Regards Mick

[Brian]

perhaps you have burned the roots with that much fertilizer.

[Luke308]

I re-potted my P J Figs a few weeks back, and they dropped all their leaves, but they are coming back nicely now. I potted mine in 60% cow dung 40% gravel which I read in an old bonsai Australia magazine (1983 i think) as recommended by one of the Koreshoff's (Dorothy I think) don't give up on them , but just keep an eye on them. good luck

[Hornet]

i've only tried 2 figs using the fast grow method, within a few days both lost all their leaves, stems withered and they both died. If you want to save them i'd take them out now and put into regular mix and see if they make it

[Craig]

Mick, how many roots did the cutting have, how healthy were they , did you follow the steps in the thread, it shows a 15 step system, where in the 15 steps does it say to use a gravel layer/layers?, where does it day to plant straight into Dynamic lifter?, you should have established your seedlings in the pots, fertilising with both slow release and liquid ferts and then after that start introducing the dynamic lifter, as already stated you most likely burt the shari out of the roots

[craigw60]

Its better to move trees into big pots gradually so they fill the pot quickly, most plants hate wet feet which happens if the pot is too big. Its also better to feed them once they have established in the pot, I have used that much fert on my figs but only once the pot is full of roots and the tree well and truly established
Craigw

[t-rex]

For me I have not bothered with the "fast growth method". In 12 months I had fig cuttings over 20cm tall, with multiple branches and 15-20mm dia trunks using nothing more than general purpose potting mix with sphagnum layered on top of the soil. At a guess i'd say I will be training them within 3 years of them being propagated from a cutting. I keep them moist/humid at all times and take them out of the <10 temps outside, no other special treatment. Very easy.

[bodhidharma]

I have used that much fert on my figs but only once the pot is full of roots and the tree well and truly established

The same with me. I have used this method once the tree and root systems are established with very good results. A tree with tender young roots would get fried very quickly. Still, it is a learning process and that is what you are doing right now. Dont think the process does not work but get some established figs and try again. There are no real short cuts from cuttings. It still takes time.

[Bretts]

Mick, how many roots did the cutting have, how healthy were they , did you follow the steps in the thread, it shows a 15 step system, where in the 15 steps does it say to use a gravel layer/layers?, where does it day to plant straight into Dynamic lifter?, you should have established your seedlings in the pots, fertilising with both slow release and liquid ferts and then after that start introducing the dynamic lifter, as already stated you most likely burt the shari out of the roots

There are two different methods posted on this site basically called fast growth method. I think the one referred to here is the one posted by Graham which grows the figs in almost 100% DL + some blood and bone.
Figs will throw their leaves at the drop of a hat when stressed so I would not panic, they may bounce back fine. There has been a few deaths using this method but when I followed the instructions carefully mine did not miss a beat.
There are many variables such as age or aftercare apart from watering that could give some clues.
Where they in direct sun/part shade before and after the process, was it a hot or overcast day when this was applied. All important info to refining this technique.
I will update the thread with my latest observations and link here.
Good luck

Edit: thread updated
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