Could this be a virus or just splashes of color?
Possible virus?
Yes, it's both. A virus causes the splashes of color.
Thanks, Claire. So....should I get rid of it? I'm asking because a friend of mine wants it and I didn't want to give her something we might both regret.
You know, that depends on your comfort level with having a plumeria with a virus. There are some people that are diligent about keeping it out of their collections, and there are some people that like the color streaks and are careful about spreading it to their other plumerias.
If you don't want all your plumerias to have the virus, then it is important to sterilize your cutting instrument before and after each cut. It is transferred through the sap so you have to guard against sap transfer.
If you do decide to give it to your friend, be sure that she knows that it has a virus and can be spread.
Personally, I have gotten rid of all plumerias that have shown signs of the virus. I've had brugmansias, passifloras, and abutilons that have gotten various viruses. The signs are ugly to me, and they affected the health of their hosts so I am in the anti-virus camp.
It's a tough subject to address, and I've gotten attacked for my opinion on more than one occasion so I usually avoid this topic;-) Some people just love the streaking and have paid big bucks for it.
Thanks again Claire. I'll have her read what you've explained and let her decide.
I don't have a "collection," although I do have quite a few noid plumerias, buying a dozen seedlings from a grower going out of business a couple of years ago. I don't think this one is from that group, but from a local nursery.
As always, appreciate your input...
Sandi
That looks like a typical sign of virus to me. Very good advice, Clare!
Update: I explained to my friend about the possible virus, but she insisted she had to have it. ( It does smell wonderful! And she reminded me of a child when they hold a new puppy). 'Said she doesn't have any others, so won't be spreading anything. Secretly, I guess I'm glad I didn't have to destroy it.
I haven't seen any signs of this on any others of mine, but will keep checking.
I have seen ones with a virus some website called it a new hybrid very rare....I don't remember where but had not heard of the virus till after but I was not crazy about it. Then seen them on ebay saying rare but almost every plant on e bay says rare....
I also heard or read it eventually goes away. Is that true?
The answer is NO. Once the plumeria is infected with virus,..... the virus will be with that plant throughout the plant life. But its symptom (like color break) occasionally show up on the petals or other parts of the plant (throughout the plant life). Nowsday, the virused plant with CB is not rare anymore.
Sad...I just visited an nonlinear vendor who is actually selling (intentionally!) a "Vera Cruz Virus" plumeria cutting, (35$),-without mentioning what risk this plant can potentially pose to a buyer's other (possible) plumeria. Not my idea of ethical behavior...Good thing there are other plumeria vendors!
This message was edited Apr 20, 2013 8:39 PM