Windex! I'm sorry, but I admit that it did make me chuckle! :-) I never would have guessed that in a million years. Wow. Do you mean to say you wash them from head to toe with it? I read one of the threads on water rooting from Gardenweb and saw your diagrams. Those were great visuals. The success rate and huge reduction in time have me very intrigued. I have a few cuttings that have been in cups since last August, and I still don't see any roots. It might be time to try something new. THANKS AND SMILES :-D 2 YOU!

Wendi,
Yes Windex (just like in My big fat greek wedding where the father used windex for everything) lol. The classic blue colored Windex, read it years ago on a forum somewhere, smells better than White Vinegar..lol (vinegar is an antibacterial and kills fungus).
Good luck on the rooting.
Cheers

Fantastic contest!! Wendi, big congratulations! Those cuttings are beautiful, and the big one looks like it has a branch that grew from an inflo, right?

Good eye, Jen! I didn't even notice that until you mentioned it.

I have always prayed not to be a witness to a crime because I would not be able to give any info. The info I would give should be considered sketchy at best. lol

Thanks, Jen! Moonie - too funny! Yes! The largest cutting, Emerson's Pink Nova has branched and has 8 tips with inflos on each tip! The large cutting next to Emerson's is the UHO. It has inflos, too. I'm trying to get the guts to water root them all today. I have a big jug of vinegar for washing and cups ready. Superthrive, too! Wish me luck! I have never water rooted before, and I hope that I don't mess this up!

PS - James, I just couldn't bring myself to use WIndex! Gus the Greek would be ashamed of me! Lol!

Hey Jen!!! Hey Mona!!!
Wendi,
You dont need a jug of vinegar..lol I just put the vinegar on a wet paper towel, make sure its wet, then wipe the cutting down. I then rinse well, make sure you rinse. With the windex I do spray it on straight then wipe it down and rinse also. Important part is to RINSE, then wipe down with dry paper towel and let air dry.

Hi James. Ohhhhh! That's how you do it! Maybe I should stick to the mix! Ha ha! ;-D

Okay, I think I've got this now. Wipe down with vinegar. Rinse off. Dry off with paper towel. Air dry. Put bottom 2-3 in. of the cutting in Superthrive water. Change the water everyday or two. When I see popcorn, pot up. Keep the soil moist by watering every 7-10 days like a normal rooted plant. Does that sound okay?

Am I correct in thinking that I can leave the inflos on?

Mahalo! Wendi

Wendi,
Thats it. Look for popcorn or swelling of the bottom like a callous. Then pot up. Sometimes you might see a little root forming, its better to pot up before the roots show. Only water the water rooted cutting that were potted up once its dry on top, maybe 1x a week or 10 days or so, better safe than sorry, depends on temps, humidity, etc. Keep the inflos on since your water rooting, also they are large cuttings so it may work well. UHO without heat or lots of sun does not pop in color, to get the orange and reds in it you need full sun and heat. Once the inflos grow and you see buds you may also want to put the UHO plant agains a wall or fence to get reflected heat to get the coloring. Emmers Pink Nova will show the white halo around the eye once it gets going, in the beginning, first couple of blooming cycles you may not see the white halo unless its hot, then even if its cool you will still see the halo.

Good Luck

Thanks for the advice, James. Here they are!

Cleaned with vinegar and left to air dry...hands smell like pickles! Lol!

Fingers crossed! Thanks again for everything! I hope I can root them!

Wendi..
LOL... Oh I forgot to mention I always wear gloves..hahahahahaha.
Whenever I deal with plumies, cleaning them, etc.
I love the last pic, motivational... "Let's do this", looks like they are working out..lol
Great pics of the set up.

Just like you I water root inside a garage, no heating pad, not too much light.

Good Luck and let me know when they root.

Cheers

Now you tell me about the gloves! Lol!

I got the buckets at HD. I liked the quote, too - was hoping the cuttings would be inspired to root. :-)

Thanks, and I'll update when there are changes.

James- I was changing out the water just now, and all of the cuttings look fine except for one. It's not looking so good. Should I recut it, and try again? Thanks! Wendi

Wendi,
I would recut it. Which one is that... Bonnie Fox?

It's the "Maybe a Purple Jack." It was slightly darker after the wash, but nothing like it is now. Bonnie Fox is behaving so far. :-) Thanks. I will recut it.

Wendi,
Then might be Aurora as she is a bit temperamental. Luckily you still have a for sure Purple Jack also, that was a bonus questionable cutting.

Let me know how it goes after u recut it. Even with the brown bottom, looks like it started to swell a little after a day, usually a good thing.

James

Hi James.

I cut easily to white wood. It didn't bleed latex, though, and I wasn't sure if I should keep cutting. If it is Aurora, she is allowed to be temperamental - lol! In fact, they ALL are gorgeous, so I will deal with a little push back. I guess they didn't want to work out today! Haha! I just reread your directions, and I guess I was so excited to get started, I didn't read carefully. I poured the vinegar onto dry paper towels, not wet. Could this be the issue? If so, should I recut all of them? Thanks for helping me through this learning process!

Wendi

Wendi,
Did you rinse them after you wiped them with the vinegar? Vinegar can actually kill plants if too concentrated, there are recipes on how to make weed killers with vinegar and epsom salts.

Hi James,

Yes. I did rinse them right away with plain water. The cuttings were strong and healthy looking. Hopefully, they'll overcome my pickling. :>) Should've went with the blue stuff - haha. Thanks, and I'll keep you posted.

Wendi

Wendi,
Told you lol :P
As long as you rinsed them it should be fine. At least the cutting should be spotless now..lol

James,

Just wanted to give you an update!

Day 7

Pictured from the top: Emmerson's, Lani (side has dark bumps), Lani bottom, and UHO are starting to swell! No change yet on Bonnie Fox or Purple Jack. The possible Aurora has been cut, and I am allowing it to callous. I'm thinking I might root this one in the mix since she is a little temperamental! :-)

Have a great weekend!

Wendi

Wendi,
I usually will leave in the water to root for up to 3 weeks, 21 days. So far all of them look
good, but the Lani's bottom is really good as its swelling. The bottoms can swell even more, sometimes it ends up looking convex, where the sides bow out. Sometimes there is minimal swelling or curving/bowing. Great job so far.

Hi James,

Thank you! Alright, so two more weeks, max. I just changed the water this morning, and Emmerson's is looking more swollen today! It's inflos still look viable, too! So exciting!

I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but I was wondering if there is minimal swelling and no nubs after 3 weeks, do you still pot up and water on a 7-10 day cycle?

Have a great Sunday!

Wendi

Wendi,
3 weeks is the Max for me, even if there are no nubs or swelling. If there are nubs and swelling you can expect roots in 2 or 3 weeks after. If you have nubs and swelling the inflos are more likely to survive, but if you notice that the cuttings with inflos are shriveling or getting a little dry looking with no growth, you may have to cut the inflos. Wendi, if its not that hot and the soil looks really dry water it 7 to 10 days or so depending. With traditional rooting water is with held until there is roots and growth. Remember hat the cutting is use to a wet, moist environment so it can take a bit of moisture, but do not keep the soil wet.

MAHALO, James!

The small gap on the bottom of Emmerson's has swollen almost shut today, and I think I see a teeny nub forming on the bottom of the Lani. I will stay the course and pot up in approx. 2 weeks!

Thanks again, and have a great week!

Wendi

Hi James!

I think I see some popcorn nubs on Emmerson's, UH, and Lani! :-) Here is Emmerson's! :-)

Also, with this warm weather we are having, I am noticing some slimy stuff developing on the cutting where it is in water. When I gently wipe it off, it looks kind of mossy. Does that normally happen?

Mahalo :-)

Wendi

Hey Wendi,
Your Popcorn looks gr8! I would wash out my rooting cups daily, or every other, but would also rinse off the cuttings in fresh water. I know that some people would put a drop of bleach in their rooting water (the person I knew who did this gang water rooted in a bucket though which is much larger than the cups.). I also use Safer Fungicide spray which is sulfur based (On freshly harvested cuttings after cleaning, I usually spray the bottom of the cutting with Safer Fungicide then dip in Rooting hormone.), even when cleaning the the cuttings that have been water rooting. You may want to try that after you rinse your cuttings off, and dont rub the cuttings as you may disturb the popcorn.
Id might pot up the cuttings with popcorn on the side in the next week, again I usually MAX leave the cuttings in water for up to 3 weeks, but if your progress is that good 2 weeks might be enough.
Looks good Wendi.

Good morning!

Thanks! That sounds like a plan! Do you rinse off the Safer Fungicide?

Wendi

no i leave it as its sulfur based. Since the Safer is in a spray bottle it's easy to apply. I believe safer also sells a concentrate in a bottle, I personally prefer the spray bottle as mixing it would be more work for me. Hope that helps and its close to potting time for your cuttings. Are you going to bag root or put them in pots. If you bag root leave them in your garage since they are use to it in there.

Cheers

James

Good morning!

Okay! Spray and leave it? Love it!

I'm trying to decide on how to pot them. I haven't been very successful with bag rooting. I tried it once, and the roots fell off when I opened the bag. Darn gravity and I wasn't careful enough:-)! I have been wanting to try it again, so maybe I'll bag them?

If you bag root, you water once, and then leave it alone?

Smiles:-)

Wendi

Wendi,
When I bag rooted the 1x (LOL), I moistened the medium, made sure it was not wet only moistened. I had the same thing happen to me. I was told I should have waited till the bag looked like there was a tight looking root system so it would be like a root ball that would hold the soil. Also was told the soil should be dry when you take the bag off. I am going to bag root again, I'll just have to be more patient and follow directions as my soil was moist when I took my bag off.

James, what kind of soil should be used in the bag?

Hey Virtual Wife..lol
Most people use Coir, but since I personally do not use it I used moistened EB Stone Cactus Mix. I use the sandwich sized Ziplock Freezer bags, you can use what ever you have as people use baby bottle liners or narrow/tall bags for screws and parts from the Hardware store also. I spray the soil till its moist then fill the bag up, then rubber band, tape or wire twist tie it closed.

Lol...thank you virtual hubby! =)

Hey James,

I think bag rooting deserves another shot, but I'm not sure if I want to try it this time. I didn't wait for the root ball to develop either. I guess I got a little impatient. :-)

I think today is potting day. UH, Emmerson's, and Lani don't have nubs, but they do have the popcorn. Would you go for it?

Also, I went to Yamada for supplies to pot up some others that need it. You are right about their prices being the best. Thank you for that reference. Their inventory was a little low, though. I think you must have cleaned them out- haha! I bought all the 10 gal. pots they had left, so I guess I have no excuses left.

Have a great weekend!

Wendi

Hey Wendi,
If they have popcorn and the bottom is swollen then go for it, but remember its suppose to be in the 60s this week. I might wait and do it around the 3 week mark, but you can go for it if you feel they are swollen enough, or have enough popcorn on the sides.

As for Yamada, the areas scary but the prices are great. I got the feeling that they may be cutting back as in the past they had tons of pots, coir, orchid bark and other types, tons of perlite (all the numbers, usually bought #3.), clippers, shears, and Super Thrive is 30%cheaper there...but who knows if they still have it. I use to get my Safer fungicide from them also and from Lowes. I hope they do not close or sell. Every year Yamadas has a orchid vendor put on a seminar and show where you can buy there, great prices.

I bought a 10x20 heat mat on Amazon for 18.99 so I wouldn't have to worry about the outdoor temps for my cuttings, if you have Prime, the two day shipping is free. Plop it on a table in front of a sunny window and you're golden. =)

Here's the link;

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P7U259C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hi James,

It is so cold outside right now. (Sorry east coasters, but when it hits the 60s in Cali, we break out the ski clothes :-)). Thanks for the heads up. I am going to wait another week.

Yamada was great! The prices were low and the workers were very helpful. I hope they don't close either!

Wendi

Hey Wendi,
It's so WINDY, and its warmer here still in low 70s right now. My neighbor's gardener decided to put manure on the front and back grass, 3 acres worth of grass, OMG the smell as the wind is blowing it over to my house, closed all the windows.. With the drought you would think people would stop worrying about how green the grass is. Personally I think it's very rude to use manure.

Have you been to OC Farm Supply? I went once, but I think the prices were not that cheap, but they had a fantastic selection of stuff. For you to go, it would probably be like 45 min to an hour to get there without traffic. If Yamada closes you will probably have to go there.
Cheers
James

Hi James,

3 acres of manure? Eeeeew! That sounds unbearable. I don't like manure, and I never use it. My across the street neighbor uses it and brought a bag over about a month ago. He thought I could use it if I was going to plant some veggies. Something about growing edibles in cow poo just doesn't sound appealing. It is still sitting on the side of the house unopened.

I have never been to OC Farm Supply. I rather like driving, so maybe I'll take a trip down that way and check it out. I have been wanting to check out Roger's Garden, too. Have you heard of it?

Well, the three week mark is approaching, and I'll be potting the cuttings this weekend. I was hoping for the temps to rise, but it doesn't look like it will be warming up anytime soon. Fingers crossed!

Smiles to you!

Wendi

Wendi - I hate to say it, but chances are, the veggies you buy at the grocery store were probably grown in cow poop, LOL!

Sunday was the three week mark, so it was time to pot up. Day 23, two days in the sun, and leaves are opening, and buds are developing color on Emmerson's. So exciting to see progress already!

Wendi,
WOW... Your cuttings look shiny, they were matte when I dropped them off..lol They must like you, plus they look fatter somehow. Congrats...

Haha! Must be the Windex! :-D Thanks, James!

Now that I see the procedure maybe a could have saved the multi tipped (10 or more) that didn't survive..,

James,

You were right about water rooting. I can't believe how fast Emmerson's is developing. Just under 4 weeks!

Emmerson's Pink Nova Day 27 (21 days in water, 6 days in soil)

Hey Wendi,
Thanks for the pic, looking good there. Looks like the inflo might make it. Usually it takes couple of cycles/inflos before the Emmersons looks right on in the South Bay.
I hope all your cuttings thrive and bloom for you this season.
Thanks for the update.

Thanks! I will keep you posted as the others develop! It looks like the UHO inflo might make it, too! :-D I hope your garden thrives as well and that you get back to your patch in time to see them in all their glory!

Aw! I wish I was an older member to the plumeria forum and knew the answer! And! was on time for the Fun! Oh well maybe next windy storm xD lol

I'll have the Windex on hand ;) haha

jk jk I wish no Harm to your beautiful Plumies. Especially cuz Karma is a mean mean Girl! Lol

Btw I'm jesse I'm very new to the plumeria forum as I have only been growing plumerias for about a year & 1/2 but I managed to get 8 plumies already and I want more as I'm addicted to them :). I mean who isn't after their first one?! I'm from Orange CA born and raised but currently live in riverside CA.

Btw I would of never thought to root plumeria in water! I thought it would rott. I'm definitely going to try it when I get a cutting. When I bought some plumerias I was given 4 cutting that had a lot of green on them not that mature. I got them to root but it took forever. I put them in water to plump up because they were really soft by the time I got home (they were already kinda soft when I received them. They were free so I took them) and then I put rooting hormone on them the next day and mixed miracle grow soil with perlite and put them in 1 gallon pots with black stones ontop of the soil and watered good and put in direct sun and I did mist the cuttings so they wouldn't go soft again. I did water the soil every few days because in direct sun the soil dried out pretty quick. They did root I recently gave 2 away and I kept 2 I dont remember what Variety they are all I know they were some sort of pink. They bloomed but don't even remember how they look like I was on vacation when they started. now they have 3 branches on them. I feel that I did a good job for my first time at rooting plumeria cuttings. Now that I remember I also rooted another cutting along with those 4. It's a cutting that is very special to me know that was gifted to me by my Uncle when he saw I had just got into plumerias he already had 2 but he had bought some cuttings and he gave me one. When he gave me the cutting it had flowers on it and it was a Y the blooms I kind of remember were 2 or possibly 3 dark colors I remember I liked it a lot. When I first tried to root it I failed and it rotted so then had to save it and cut off and just kept 1 cutting that eventually rooted and now has formed another Y but haven't seen it bloom again. It's very special to me because my uncle has Gone to heaven this past December and he left me my last great gift that I will treasure. Anyways But I will definitely next time try the water rooting. Thanks for the info and I will look forwards in learning much more from you!

It has been awhile since I have had any news to report. June gloom really stalled everything out in my garden. And while the cool weather has slowed things down, I have some good news! UHO has rooted, and it looks like the inflo is going to make it! I left the cutting in the plastic bottle and potted it up. I'll cut the bottle off after it is done blooming.

UHO roots!

There are no visible roots on the others yet, but Emerson's Pink Nova and the possible Aurora are beginning to leaf out, so I am hopeful. EPN still looks great, so I left the inflos. Here is one of them blooming today!