Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Plumeria = My thumb turns black, 1 by srbowers66

srbowers66 wrote:
I have succesfully rooted numerous small pieces that I thought a total loss (broke off accidentally or during storage found on the floor of garage etc.) I just let them sit during the winter and then insert into soil in spring (only and inch or so into soil). I think the temperature is crucial though. I never bring my plumerias out of hybernation till the temp has been above 70 for a week or two. I usually see growth when the temp hits 75-80 for a week or so. Luckily I live in Houston and have almost no problem raising plumerias. I have 5 over 5 feet tall and have only bought 1 plant in the last 10 years. Mostly I just trade with friends and plumeria society aquaintances. I really feel sorry for you losing so many precious plants; but I think that you should consider letting your plants hybernate during the winter and just do not water at all unless you see the stalk shrinking more than half. I uproot my plants and just set them without dirt in the garage and don't water at all all winter. My (attached) garage is cold but it doesn't get too cold in Houston, so I don't heat the garage; so humidity is ok even in the winter (we have wet winters). I think that my 20 years of growing experience doesn't help you much because our climates are so different. For example, I put my plants in the garden this last weekend and expect growth to begin soon. My neighbors never even took their plants in. Try joining the local chapter of Plumeria society and gain whatever knowledge is available from other growers in your area. Best forum is Plumeria Assoc of America. PS I have found that the Florida plants are much more hardy to changes in moisture and cold than the cuttings I have brought back from Oahu. *Pic is a variety obtained from a Houston grower I won at a Plumeria society meeting and is now a registered var. Tahitian Sunset. I have had it for 7 yrs and it has gone from 6 inches to 7 feet.