I am not around Tampa, but I have the tree. It froze half way down the trunk from the 2 cold winters we had and is just now getting to look like a tree again, instead of a stump. It wouldn't be happy if you get freezing winter spells. :o)

I know they like a lot of moisture. So I got a plastic bag and wet the inside then covered the entire plant. I secured it with string to make sure it wasn't too loose. I also poked holes in the plastic to make sure there's proper ventilation. At first you might have to try different plastic covers. Make sure the one you use can hold a lot of moisture. For instance when you put it under heating pad, does it quickly dry out or does it hold moisture pretty good? I would go with the one that can tolerate the moisture. As for the watering, I like to keep it more on the dry side but not too dry... just moist enough to where you can feel a little bit of moisture. It's also good to fill a plastic jug or milk carton with tap water and let it sit for at least 7 or 8 hours then use it (water straight from the sink has too much impurities for plants). This has worked extremely well! I've also discovered that bottom heat is VERY important. For the soil, I would go with more of a gritty mix and use lots of perlite. Though I did use fir bark mulch and that has worked well too. As for the lighting requirements I use a cheap grow light I got @ Lowe's for about $12 bucks. I would keep a careful eye on your cuttings if placed in direct sunlight - make sure the leaves don't burn. You might have to get them adjusted to their new environment and only keep them there a little bit at first then increase the amount of light as they get accustomed to their new home. I've learned through many failed attempts and have become more comfortable with my technique...lol. So you must learn what works for you and what you're comfortable with. Good Luck! Bo

How are they doing Bo? I haven't rooted ylang ylang cuttings but usually I cut big leaves in half while rooting hibiscus, etc so more energy can go into the rooting process and not photosynthesis. Also it takes a long time with most of my cuttings -- like 2 or 3 months. I've been trying to root a michelia alba forever--they are supposed to be extremely difficult to root (easier to air-layer) but I like a challenge lol. Still haven't gotten one to take yet though.

I have grown many Ylang Ylang trees from seed. Someone commented about 3 months! Yes, thats how long it takes, sometimes even a little more, depending on the heat of the days and nights. I make 'furrows' in my pots about 1/2" deep. Place the seeds in them, cover them up and put the pot in the shade outside along with all my others and water them regularly. No point checking them every day as it gets frustrating!!! Sooner or later those little seedlings pop up! I'm not too good at transplanting quickly, so wait for them to be about 6 to 8" before I transplant into another larger pot, each pot then has only one plant. Again, patience is required....Pot up as they grow and after about a year you can be sure they will survive in the ground. They love sun. Grow quite tall, but they can be cut down to whatever size you want them to be, heigh-wise. Just remember NEVER to cut more than 1/3 of the trees height at a time, as it will go into shock and possibly die. If you want to trim it lower, wait a year and you can cut a further 1/3. Hope this helps