Starting Fig Cultivation In Malaysia.

Cultivating Fig in Malaysia is an expensive game. Ever since I wanted to start on Fig 2 months ago, I had been trying to get some cuttings to start off. Getting cuttings from Malaysia is rather pricey (personal opinion). Also I feel that most are moving from cuttings to air layering. As with roots and leafs, it is even more pricey. Some are moving to potted plants, the bigger the plant, higher the price.

Black Mission.

LSU Gold.

Was thinking of keeping the cost down as I wasted to start off with some cuttings to expedite the incubation time. So I look into bringing in cuttings on my own. Brought in a couple of batches, some were good, most are not. Things to consider while bringing in on your own.

Black Jack.

Seller,
A reputable seller should knows how to handle the cuttings, packaging and shipping. Depending on where it's from, shipping takes a long time. An experienced international seller would had all these issues sorted out. Unfortunately it's difficult to find.

Time of buying,
Depending on where it's shipped from, freshly cut budding cuttings are important. Some sellers cut and store the cuttings. Early part of the year is a better time to buy as the trees had just came out of dormancy. Some better seller does tell you, no not this time.

Shipping,
Look into shipping cost. There are EMS, International Mail and etc. Courier is the fastest, but cost is highest. You'll need to work out between cost & speed. Being in East Malaysia is even worst as all shipping has to go to central for custom inspection, then ship again to East Malaysia.

Portugal.

Another major factor is that being a newbie, I just don't have the experience of taking care of Fig, let alone sick Fig. Some batch arrived DOA (dead on arrival), and you don't even have any chance of nursing it.
Other risk as customs confiscation, lost in transit....& etc.

My opinion is that for a newbie and if you don't want to over spend your budget, just try to get 1 locally, a potted growing plant. Even with a high cost (since it's just 1). Play & learn with it. Get the cheapest that you can find.

For me, I choose bringing in on my own, it is fun, adventurous and a very good challenge. A great experience. Yes, you does end up using more funds but then the joy & grief  outweighs it. Moreover you get to go on a fantastic journey. As with all hobbies, be caution, it is ADDICTIVE. Just do it at your own pace and limitation.

More FIG.

Had found more sources for FIG from overseas, but have to stop for a while, get these planted first.

LSU Gold Fig.

 LSU Gold is a huge bright golden fig with amber flesh that is tender and very sweet. It is a vigorous grower. LSU Gold produces large flattened green figs that ripen to greenish yellow, yellow, or yellow blushed with red. The flesh is pink to amber and is very sweet with excellent flavor.

Made an order for LSU Gold Fig. Unfortunately it was held up while in transits and arrived 1 month later.

Great packaging.

Zip lock bag, individually wrapped.

Packaging were great. Paper shred, zip lock bag, each cutting individually cling wrapped.

Unfortunately, most are dried and the heat had caused them to fermented. Soak them over night in clean water.

Dead cutting, dried & woody.

I still see some green in the skin.

Rotted tip, dried cutting.

Next day, I cut off the rotten part. Clean off some of the sealing wax. Planted them on the raise bed next to the avocado cuttings. As I shall be away for the next 10 days. Don't have any expectation for this batch as 6 of them are real dried. The other 4 may have a tiny chance.