Propagating Figs in a Plastic Bag

Dampen the paper towels or newspaper lightly with water.

Wrap the fig stem cuttings in newspaper or paper towels, keeping the bottom 2 inches of each stem outside the wrap.

Place the wrapped cuttings in a zippered plastic bag. Seal the bag.

Put the bag of cuttings in a warm place. Figs root more quickly in temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Examine the cuttings regularly for roots. When roots have developed, it is time to plant them in cups.

Drill or poke holes in the large plastic cups.

Plant each cutting in a large cup in coarse vermiculite.

Keep the cuttings moist to encourage growth, but do not allow the cuttings to stand in water.

Plant the cuttings in 1-gallon pots when roots are well-developed. Use a mix of 40 percent compost and 60 percent perlite.

Transfer the gallon pots outdoors. Keep them in a shady place, and maintain high humidity until they acclimate. Gradually move them to sunlight.

Plant the trees in 2-gallon pots when roots emerge from the drainage holes. Use a mix of 60 percent compost and 40 percent perlite.

Plant the trees in 5-gallon pots in 100 percent compost when the 2-gallon pots are too small.

Transplant the fig trees in the ground when the 5-gallon pots become too small.