Fig Tree First Aid

[HaychBee]

Hi Guys.

Hoping someone here can help.

I have taken delivery of a young fig tree but upon inspection it appears the tree has taken a beating in transit and has unfortunately suffered what appears to be a fatal injury. A replacement has been sent and hopefully more care will be taken with this before it reaches me. What i'm wondering though is if there is a way to salvage the little fig tree. The agreement is that I have 30 days to return the tree to ensure a hassle free exchange but assume it will just be disposed of.

What would be the best way to give the little fella a fighting chance?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Lardman]

That doesn't look good... wasn't it staked to stop the stem snapping?

You can try cutting it off flush with the damage and see if it regrows from below. It's worth removing the leaves on the top, splitting it in 2 and putting it in well draining compost to see if they root. Was is something special or a run of the mill brown turkey ?

[HaychBee]

Thank you for your swift reply.

I figured it looked a little bleak.

It appears to be a result of poor packing and rough handling in transit.

So the verdict is that leveling it off below the damage will be it's best chance. I figure the roots and stem to the point of the break are fine and that it may very well sprout from the damaged area.

On top of that do you suggest splitting the bottom portion of the upper stem ( of which I will remove) and potting that in the hope it will root? Is that possible?

[Lardman]

On top of that do you suggest splitting the bottom portion of the upper stem ( of which I will remove) and potting that in the hope it will root? Is that possible?

Cut just above the V and remove the leaves - you don't have a lot to lose If you have a look on youtube you'll see people rooting green cuttings in water - that may be a better option.

[HaychBee]

Very true, not a lot to lose!

Nothing exotic, just a brown turkey so money isn't an issue more just the principle.

Thanks for the advice. I'll have a bash and see what results.

[starloc]

I would fold it back into position as much as possible and leave it i have done this with many plants , it will grow from below the break anyway , but if you close the break it will probably bond back together, i sometimes add wax over the joint but not always and most times the top stays growing

[Snoop Puss]

Fig trees readily sprout from the roots when older. If it were mine (and the company wasn't going to insist on me returning it), I'd cut it off cleanly below the break and plant.

Interesting idea to see if the top part will sprout roots, Lardman. They're such vigorous trees and so determined to survive, it could work quite well.