One of the quickest ways to enjoy plumeria flowers is to plant plumeria cuttings. It cannot be stressed enough to only purchase plumeria cuttings from reputable retailers for good quality. Prices vary, and prices don’t always translate to quality. Although the higher prices often reflect well-known plumeria varieties.
One of the great advantages of propagating plumeria plants from cuttings is that the buyer can choose very specifically the plant they want, based on color, growth habits, fragrance, or a host of other desirable characteristics that are present in the plant. A particular. plumeria variety.
Cuttings should be at least 12 inches long and taken from mature wood. Immature cuttings taken from green wood are very difficult to root, although it can be done.
Certain varieties of Plumeria obtusa and some red-colored plumerias are more difficult to root and may take longer to develop their root systems.
Talk to the plumeria retailer about shipping arrangements that will ensure your quality plumeria cutting arrives in good condition, especially during the colder months of the year.
As you await the arrival of your freshly sorted cutting, take the time to obtain all the necessary equipment to properly plant your plumeria cutting.
Before planting the cutting, it is recommended to have all the necessary items ready, including the pot, plant stake, rooting hormone containing a fungicide, ties, and premixed growing medium ready and available.
Depending on the size of the plumeria cutting ordered, it is necessary to have a container large enough to accommodate the cutting and allow room for the roots to develop and grow. A suitable size container is also needed for the stability of the cut.
The potting medium needs to be pre-mixed to provide excellent drainage. Otherwise, the cutting may rot if the medium retains too much moisture.
After filling the pot with the premixed potting medium, water it well and make sure all the water has drained before planting the cutting.
Now is the time to plant the cutting. It is important not to plant the cutting too deep for a variety of reasons. Plumeria cuttings develop roots only at the bottom of the cutting.
The next step is to moisten the bottom of the cutting with warm water, shake off any excess water, insert the cutting into the rooting hormone, and insert it into the potting medium. Add the plant stake next to the plumeria cutting and tie the cutting to the plant stake with ties.
The first step in the rooting process is the development of callous tissue through which the roots emerge. It is essential at this point in the rooting process not to water the cutting to avoid stem rot.
Plumeria cuttings have such a strong life force that they begin to develop leaves and inflorescences without even starting the rooting process. One can find out if roots have developed by giving the cutting a slight tug to test for strength. Any resistance indicates some root development.
During this time, instead of watering the cutting, mist it daily to prevent dehydration.
Plumeria cuttings can root in weeks or may take several months to develop roots, depending on the particular variety of plumeria. Following tried and tested methods is the best insurance for your own success in rooting plumeria cuttings, even the most difficult ones. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your newly grown plumeria plant for years to come!
