I too am EXTREMELY SENSITIVE to poison ivy and recently broke out in a similar rash after being careless while propagating my all time favorite plant, the philodendron micans. I also suspected that had to be it so I took a fresh cutting and dabbed the sap several times in my arm and didn't wash off for a few hours. Somewhere between 12 & 24 hours later, I started feeling that familiar itch and watched as my test patch gradually spread out the size of a dime and rose up with the little tiny bubble pattern I'm used to seeing with poison ivy rash. THIS SUCKS! I'm in the middle of battling it right now and in my research found this helpful article. I also read another helpful tip that said the sap from these plants can somehow penetrate through standard medical gloves so thicker gardening type gloves should be used when propagating and caution should also be taken when refreshing propagation water. I plant to purchase some thick, SOLID rubber gloves that can easily be thoroughly washed. NOT those gardening gloves that have a breathable section at the back of the hand and wrists! You should also clean the tools you use and the work area. Rubbing alcohol AT LEAST 70% grade is known to be effective for cleaning tools that have come in contact with poison ivy so I plan on implementing that. As well as never shortcutting again by taking rushed cuttings and not doing the basics like laying out a protective mat and immediately washing my hands afterwards. I lazily let my NUMEROUS cuttings drop to the floor (CARPET!) and I know I didn't wash my hands right away like I normally do. A couple hours later I laid on this floor in a tank top and got a mild rash a day later across my upper back and shoulder area as well as my ear lobes which I believe is from handling my earbuds right after propagating my favorite plant. PLEASE MAKE MY PAIN WORTH IT AND LET THIS BE A LESSON TO YOU... PUH-LEAZE!

Andrew, Yes the neighbors moved as hell have no fury like a scored/pissed plumieholic. After the plumie tossing incident and report to the city about an illegal nursery, the neighbors decided they were going to build a patio structure. Well you better believe that she was watching and noticed there were no permits. Once the neighbor completed the patio maybe a week or 2 later, as to let them enjoy it so they would know what they were missing, she called the city and reported the illegal structure. You better believe the city came and knocked on his door. The neighbor got fined/cited and had to tear down the illegal structure. I believe that is when the neighbors had enough and put their house up for sale, supposedly it sold in a matter of weeks. The neighbor was a retired Highway Patrol officer or cop (cant remember). This was years ago and told her at the time she better watch her back, law enforcement can be worse than the criminals as they have the power. Even after they moved I was told she kept getting reported. I know though she stopped selling on Ebay and MPG, and only sells on her FB Page. Well I received a 911 call from my property manager today, she told me she was out in the front shaking out her front door mat when this guy random scary looking guy opened the gate and just walked on the property aka trespassing even though there are 2 very blatant signs that states "Private Property No Trespassing Or Soliciting, Plants are not for sale!!!!" The Prop Mgr said she informed him he was trespassing and he needed to leave. I was told she was very scared and he just ignored her and kept on looking, then he asked about the plumerias asking if cuttings were available. The prop mgr yelled at him again and said she was going to call the police, then he walked away to the sidewalk and kept staring at the plants. I was told she pulled her cell phone out to dial 911 and told him he was on Cam being recorded and pointed to the camera, then he went to his car and drove off. The prop Mgr was pissed at me stating if the plumies were not there people would not be trespassing and bothering her. So again is it the plumerias at fault or the rude, selfish idiots that do not give a s#i%. Here is the sign that is posted on the first panel of Wrought Iron at the beginning of the drive way: This is whats on the closed gate, there is a kingdom hall that trespasses all the time so I had to include them lol: Who much more clearer or ruder must the signs be? I am in the process of getting a new taller gate that only opens by key or combo. Because of someone being rude I had to rush down to the South Bay and call wrought Iron people and now spend money for a new gate all because someones too cheap to use their money to just buy plumies on their own. This post was edited by freak4plumeria on Tue, Jul 9, 13 at 20:30

Ali, I agree with Roxy that, without a picture, it is difficult to tell exactly what is happening. There are several possibilities. With the tropical downpours, if the new soil does not drain quickly, the roots may be rotting from excess water in the pot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom and that the soil drains quickly. Another possibility is black tip fungus because you mention the tips are getting darker. Black tip causes the tips to turn black and die. If not stopped, it will kill the plant. There are sprays and systemic treatments for black tip and other fungus problems, but I don't know what may be available to you. Check the stem. Does it feel firm, or soft? If it is soft, you may have stem rot. You could try cutting the plant back to firm wood if the soft area is well above the soil. Hope this helps. Good Luck. Mike

Red spider mites... I would use Bayer 3 n 1 to take care of the problem or use a neem oil / alcohol/ Murphy's oil soap mix with warm water. If you want the recipe, I'll post. You need to treat again after two weeks to kill eggs. Good luck!! Laura