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Hollow stem flowering

15 years ago

I have two plumeria branches in pots that were taken from a plant that split down the middle last year. The stems are firm at the bottom, but feel hollow at the top. One has blooms on it and the other is leafing out. How can this be? I have been very careful not to over water, but recently have given extra water to see if they will "plump out" but they haven't changed. Maybe I didn't give enough water? I didn't soak them, just gave a little extra. I don't want the plants to die, and it would be very hard for me to cut off these tops that are looking so good (even tho they're hollow). Any ideas?

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Comments (2)

john_luvs_frangipani
15 years ago
A picture would be nice...but without one, I would say just continue to do what you are doing. If one is blooming and the other has leaves, they sound okay. Have you given them any fertilizer? Plumeria are pretty hardy plants. Best of luck with them.

John
Nikki
15 years ago
Terrisofla, I have the same problem with a few of my cuttings, they shrivelled up even though I mist them twice a day. This one in particular was spotting an inflo and I let it grow for a couple of weeks but the top just below the tip is hollow and getting more so by the minute, so I decided to cut the inflo off, but its still hollow, itt does get plenty of sunshine...any help or input is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

{{gwi:1159559}}

Nikki T
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Hi vvon I would not worry too much, IME it's what Dahlias do when they get a certain size. Mine always have hollow stems, and I just cut shortly above a node or junction. I never lost a plant because of a rotting hollow stem. I think that wasn't valid advise To my knowledge hollow stems are to be avoided when taking cuttings, but that means you need young shoots. So enjoy your plants, and if in doubt keep taking pics in case you need to analyze/ find a problem somewhen later. Have a great Dahlia season, bye, Lin
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