I am completely unschooled in the culture of Plumeria. I purchased a cutting recently ( I didn't get to pick it ) at a local home and garden show from a questionable vendor. It looked like a shrivelled up old man with longitudinal ridges in the stem but it was firm and I wasn't in the mood for arguing so I brought it home and planted it as he said. My question is, I have only watered it once on planting and there appears to be some leaf growth starting at the top but still very small. Should I start watering it yet? The ridges in the trunk appear to be getting longer but the stem is still pretty firm. How large should the leaves be before watering? I have tried plumeria many times before and have ALWAYS managed to kill it within the first couple months of having it. Assuming it lives that long, what is the best temp for over wintering in doors? What is the lowest temp they will tolerate for their storage? I have since learned they like it DRY in the winter. Any words of wisdom or pearls of knowledge would Greatly be appreciated!

Brian, I am amazed you were able to purchase a plumeria cutting in your part of the world. This is a tropical tree!

Having said that, it could live provided you give it heat and as much light and sunshine as you can.
I would not water yet, if it is very dehydrated mist the stick occasionally. When you have some good leaves (and a picture would help) go ahead and start watering.

Overwintering indoors is a matter of keeping it frost free and dry. They go dormant and will not take up any water at that time.

I would like it if you could keep us posted on the progress. I admire people who grow this in climates that are not terribly suited for tropical trees!

Brian


Yes that will be fun to see how you are doing and i agree with everything she said (she has thought me 90%) of what i know. I think you are in the hardest stage you want to water and you think its got to have water but follow the moderator she knows best and yes pics please we love pics!!!

mike

I have some pictures now and will upload them a little later.

Cool! I agree with Hetty. No water or you will be sorrrrrrrrrrry. But you already know that. Give that baby as much full sun as you possibly can.

Carol

Here are a couple photos. Not great pictures but I think you can see the ridges in the stem clearly.
Begining new leaves.

Ridges in stem. Still firm and not at all squishy so I know it isn't rotten but does this have a chance to root and grow?

Yes it does!

i have a few like that and with the sign of new leaves and the stems not rotten i think you make it just fallow Dutchlady advice

I've received many an eBay stick in that condition. They all make it - as long as you don't overwater. It'll be fine. You are already 90% of the way because you already have leaves started at the top. Yay!

Carol

what did you buy on ebay and why did you buy on ebay? there are a ton of people who will hook you up here with good sellers??? just curious?

mike

Mike - I'm with you! I'm one of the folks hoping to join your Crown of Thorns co-op! The plumeria I purchased on eBay was way back in 2005 and 2006. No worries - you are my supplier now.

ok I do sell on ebay but i have had family friends and myself get rooked and there is not much you can do about it. I had 100% satisfaction rating and one person bought a knife sharpening kit from me . i paid for 5 pics and had a pic that showed a crack in the case and i stated it was used a lot I am a CHEF it was 189.00 new i sold it for 20.00 he bitched and complained files a thing with ebay said that one of the pieces was warn out (it was! and i said it in the ad!) but i do everything i can to make people happy. I ordered a new case 10.90 and a new piece that was worn out 5,95 and paid for shipping to him 2.95 (amazon) you know he gave me the lowest rating you can give someone AFTER the new pieces came to his house!!!! i made i figured by the time i paid eBay -.58 thats right i paid .58 to sell the damn thing. i still am po-ed about it took my rating down to 96.8% and i tell you if i am buying off eBay that is a red flag to have 96% rating.

Im thrilled you say im your supplier BUT CAROL i worries more about you buying off eBay then buying from me or anyone else. Ask anyone on this site that knows me I think of ATP as my family and i HATE to see anyone get ripped off!!!.

do you think the prices are ok for the plants?
mike

Oh Mike I'm so sorry. It is too bad that some people treat other people that way - just take advantage of kindness and good will. What a shame. It sounds like you went more than the extra mile for the buyer and they still didn't appreciate it.

Have you posted the prices for the Crown of Thorns? I'll go take a look. Your prices for plumeria are more than reasonable!

Carol

yea all prices are below the pics

now im a true beleiver of you cant please everyone all the time but its in my blood and i work for Walt Disney World so that should say it all.....do anything and everything to make a guest's day/stay the best it can be ALL THE TIME!!!

mike

Thanks for the info! Now I don't feel like I'm wasting time and space with this cutting. I'm keeping it dry now but obviously it will start to need water, how do I know that time has arrived and can begin to water it? Will it need any fertilizer in the first growth period and what is the minimum temperature they will tolerate for their winter dormancy? I've always wanted a plumeria since I went to Hawaii wayyyyy wayyyyy back in 1976 and all attempts to grow them have failed and I now know I killed them with water when they should have been dry. But I won't make that mistake again.

Dutchlady1 or Chef Mike, do either of you sell cuttings? You have so many varieties. My choices at the home show were yellow, red or white. No names no descriptions no nothing. Have you ever sold cross border?

Oh YEAH - ChefMike has a BIG plumeria co-op on the Co-Op forum. Here's a link The thread "New TROPICAL CO-OP- Plumeria, Adenium, Hibiscus, Orchids, Bromeliads Chefmike" in Classifieds and Group Buys forum

Carol

thanks Carol

Brian you have tree mail

mike

Thanks Mike!

A quick update on my dehydrated stem cutting. I've been following the advise given and it is coming along really well! The guy told me it would flower but there are no sings of that. I'm happy that it's alive and growing.
The stem has filled out a bit.

Nice new leaf growth.