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8 years ago

Both me and my fiance' fell in love with the plumeria after seeing them it in a friends garden. Iv'e been reading and "studying" about the plant, propagation, fertilizer, soil conditions ,diseases, parasites etc. I love growing things, green thumb, however I want to do this right, I know failure is in the mix but I want to reduce that factor as much as possible. I purchase a plumeria at a local Garden center,( I live in 9a region. ) The plant is approx. 3' in height with two branches coming from a long spindly main trunk. OK my question: can I cut the main truck about 2' up and leave in the pot to grow out? I want to cut the two branches from the "V" and make two separate cuttings.

Featured Answer

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

8 years ago

I'm not sure about the problem exactly. Is it too tall? Plumerias grow and bloom in their own time. They want to be trees.

And if you cut it now, you delay the chances of flowers for a year or two. You might wait until it blooms (and then subsequently branches) before you cut it back.

Also, when you root cuttings, those may take three years before they bloom. And you will have more plants that require even more space.

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Comments (13)

saplumeria
8 years ago
Yes, that all sounds right.
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Hello, there is no need to cut although if you do you will have branches pop out the side like described by fireandh2o. Cutting back can make a shorter bushier plant but if your root system is not large when you cut it back it may only put out one or maybe two new branches. I had to cut my plants back because of winter damage other wise they would be giant! Very sad to see them like this. this was the same plant last year all branched out naturaly had 13 tips
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vettech101
Original Author
8 years ago
yes, the plant is tall, and top heavy, I have bamboo posts help keep it up. I think I will just wait until dormancy to cut and let them callous over winter. and start news ones in spring.
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Some varieties grow lankier than others. Look to buy Penang Peach, California Sunset, Divine, and others noted for their more compact size.

Or maybe your's needs more sun and less water. Or pot up to a larger heavier pot.
saplumeria
8 years ago
These plants are pretty amazing. You know you can cut a section of the main stem top and bottom. With no tip or root, and it will find a way to grow roots, and start new stems. I didn't know if it was gonna work, but I stuck it in a pot anyway. Couple of months later it took off. Good luck.
vettech101
Original Author
8 years ago
Will do Dave, I purchased this plant "As is" from a garden center. only one they had, labeled Assorted. Will have to wait for what this NOID is when it blooms.
tdogdad
8 years ago
What 9a region are you in (state, city)(east coast, west coast)? There are a number of things you may want to do depending on if you are planning to keep in a pot or plant in the ground.
saplumeria
8 years ago
Also fertilizer 10-50-10 promotes blooming. When the inflow starts it will usually branch out. Have you been using fertilizer?
vettech101
Original Author
8 years ago
All I had around for now is Scotts Super Bloom 12-55-6 . Iam in South East Louisiana just above the lake. Large pots for now, they are currently in 2 gallon nursery pots.
tdogdad
8 years ago
Dave and Laura are in Virginia and have much experience for that area. I do not know if you get hard frosts in that area but if so I would pick those brains for ways to deal with such. You have the option to cut and then replant the top branches which pretty much means no flowers this year (If they come on your cuttings you probably will have to remove so the plant has the energy to root). The bottom of the cut will rebranch but not flower this season. If you cut a middle section out and graft the top onto the bottom you would have a chance for flowers but grafting is tricky. Good luck.
saplumeria
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Maybe it is just really leggy.

Dave suggested some more compact varieties. I have the divine and it is amazing. It bloomed branched out and three inches later here comes another inflo. So if you like foliage, branches, and flowers you should give it a try.

Here's a link. They are a little pricey, but worth it.

http://www.junglejacksplumerias.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15
vettech101
Original Author
8 years ago
yes it is very leggy and thanks for the link! .Iam sure this has been asked numerous times, but are there any other reputable plummer nurseries that ship you guys/ladies recommend?
tdogdad
8 years ago
Maui Plumeria Gardens, Florida Colors and One Stop aloha

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