Hi, I have had a plumeria of great sentimental value for three years now. It seems to have been thriving and has bloomed yearly. Today I noticed that it got stem rot so I cut it down severely. I only have the pictured cutting left, which is only about four inches long. I realize that I am asking for a miracle, but I'd like to try and root it anyway. But first I'm not sure what to do with the protruding long stem to which previous blooms were attached. Do I leave it? Do I cut it? Also, the top one fourth of the stem looks truly healthy. Should I cut it down more and plant the one inch segment or try to root what I have? Many thanks!!!

Yes, remove any flowers and flower buds when taking cuttings so the cutting's energy can be used in producing new roots rather than producing flowers. Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free plants, preferably from the upper part of the plant. I have read suggestions of soaking overnight in some slightly warm water if the cutting looks wrinkled but I have yet to try that. One thing I would do with a wrinkled cutting is do a pin prick test in the wrinkled area to confirm that the sap is white. If it is brown-ish then it is rotted in that spot. Wait until the cutting calluses properly before planting in potting soil (1 week or so). You can put it in a per bag if you want. Resume watering when you have planted it and see some leaf out. Not sure where you are located but, if your current weather is hot, I would give it morning sun only when you plant it.

I have 5 plumeria sticks. The tree fell over damaging a branch. I am not sure what to do with them. I live in the Northeast. They have been in the house for 2 weeks. Do I plant them or leave them wrapped in newspaper until Spring.

MissMuffin said: I have 5 plumeria sticks. The tree fell over damaging a branch. I am not sure what to do with them. I live in the Northeast. They have been in the house for 2 weeks. Do I plant them or leave them wrapped in newspaper until Spring.

MissMuffin, the weather in your area may be getting near the colder time of the year so probably best to wait until spring.

I have no experience growing in your zone so hopefully @drdawg can offer advice.

During my 25 years growing and propagating plumeria in Mississippi, I rooted all year long. However, I had greenhouses. So, if you have a greenhouse, rooting can be done. I would bag-root those cuttings, @ MissMuffin. If you don't have a greenhouse, you can still root during the fall/winter, using plant lights and a heating pad. Be sure that you remove any leaf that's over about 3" long.