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I think I made a big mistake with plumeria

17 years ago

We were at our home in Florida last week & I found that one of the branches on my plumeria broke off. Since I am very new with Florida plants, I asked a neighbor & he told me to just stick it in water & it will root. I brought the broken piece home to NJ and sat it in water since yesterday. Now I'm reading that I should have left it to dry out? I purchased some root growth and potting soil today. Is it too late to save this piece? Could I possibly try again by cutting off the section I placed in the water & potting it now?

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Comment (1)

tdogdad
17 years ago
No, all is ok. First how long was the branch off the plant. If more than 5 days, you are fine. If just a day or two, just cut the bottom at a 45 degree angle and leave it to dry for a week. Then you can water root it in a solution of water with a few drops of superthrive or B-1 or wet the base, dip into rooting hormone and plant. Water once and then keep on a warm base until it leaves out (1-3 months) It is hard to not water, but the stem has enough water. Mist the top but keep the base dry so it sends out roots looking for water and does not rot. Water rooted plants have some trouble adjusting to soil if they are rooted too long. I have found that if water rooting is only done until the roots begin as a cottage cheese on the bottom of the cutting, then the cutting is planted, there is a higher survival rate. Most people, I believe, just plant the cutting without water rooting and keep the bottom heat on. I have had success at both but mostly just plant because of the number of cuttings I plant. Others will have their methods and successes. Bill
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