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growing at a 45 degree angle (almost!)

18 years ago

Hi, I have a plumeria, growing healthy! And it is in the ground, not in a pot. But ONE problem is that there's so many leaves growing on the top of it, that it's now growing at a 45 degree angle. We have taken off about 20 leaves, so it won't be so top heavy but now there's more leaves growing! We are hoping if we pluck the leaves off, that it will straighten up and grow towards the sky. But we don't want to over pluck the leaves. The tree is about 3' - 4' in length. Does anyone have any advice??? We live in South Florida if that is helpful. Thanks in advance.

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Comments (10)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
18 years ago
Amanda, why not pound in a wooden (or metal) stake next to the plant and tie it up for temporary support? Eventually the stem will thicken and harden and hold its position. I wouldn't remove any more leaves.
amandak
Original Author
18 years ago
We do have a metal stake in the ground, and it's tied in the bottom-middle part of the tree. But right above where it's tied, that's where it has shifted to the right angle and is leaning. We cannot shift the tie to the top part of the tree, because we might break it or split it if we force it to lean towards the sky. The bottom of the tree, near the ground is starting to be very strong and stout, the top part too is strong and not flimsy at all. Should we go ahead and try to tie the top part of the tree to the stake, so it can try to grow towards the sky on its own???
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amandak
Original Author
18 years ago
By the way, if we used rope & bracing, will this help to train the Plumeria to grow straight?????
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
18 years ago
I'm trying to visualize your plant. Is the top growing at a 45Âº or at a right angle (90Âº)? I think if it were me, I'd still try to stake the upright portion. You might not be able to force the top 100% vertically (lest it crack!), but you could at least apply some pressure. Over time it might just grow a bit more upright. At least it won't continue to sag worse and the new growth will grow straight up if you support it.
amandak
Original Author
18 years ago
The tree bends a little above midway. So at half the length of the tree, it is beginning to grow towards the right instead of straight towards the sky. So, I think if we added another stake, we can tie the top of the tree and it can train itself to grow straight. Does that make sense? We plan on taking photos tomorrow, so we can post it here for you. We don't have our camera with us right now, but tomorrow, be sure to check back if you can the next day or so. By the way, we took off the tie from the stake, because we thought maybe this is what made it shift to the right????
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
18 years ago
I think you're going in the right direction. You're right, you'll need to be careful and not force it too much.
calik8
18 years ago
Some Plumeria do grow more horizontal than vertical, I think I heard Aztec Gold does that.
mikeod
18 years ago
amandak,
Dave is right. You should stake the tree to make it upright. Since you are worried about damaging the trunk by pulling it too much, pull it up a bit now and a bit more next week, and a bit more the week after. Little by little you can get the plumie upright.

Another way to do it is to use two stakes, one to hold the entire plant more vertical, and one tied tightly to the vertical bottom part of the plant, and more loosely as you go up. The second stake doesn't have to be in the soil at all. Then, week by week, tighten the upper ties pf the second stake to bring the plant top more vertical. This technique is used by some to straighten curved cuttings and plants to make them straight.

Once you have the plant upright, just stake it as you normally would. I agree with Dave that it's not the leaves that are pulling the plant over, just the overal crown weight, and the ability of the trunk to hold it up.

Mike
amandak
Original Author
18 years ago
I posted photos finally in the "gallery" section. The subject is called "Calling all plumeria Doctors!" Can anyone please take a look? Thanks for your help.
mikeod
18 years ago
Amanda,
I looked at your picture and I think the advice you have received so far is fine. You could also use multiple stakes in the ground around the plant and use rope or something else to tie the plant upright. But I think it would be better to bring it upright slowly so that the trunk is not stressed too much.
Good Luck

Mike

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