While we were at work there was a massive storm. We got home to find our Dwarf Plumeria split in its main fork. The wound was fresh and the sap was very wet. So I stuck it back together and gave it support. It seems to have glued itself back together, but I wondered if I need to do something else to prevent it from dying? If not what would the best sealer be to put on the wound?
I did for get to put on there that it has been 2 days since it happened and the plant still is looking that good.
As the break was fresh and you bound it back together immediately, it may heal itself. I have done this with other plants. I have never tried putting a split tree back together with cording but I don't see why it wouldn't work. (I use the stretchy plastic tape found in the garden section) It won't be an overnight fix - this project may take a year before the tree is completely mended and can support the weight of the halves. As your rope won't stretch as the tree grows, watch carefully so the ropes don't cut into the skin of the tree. The support rope holding the halves together above the break is excellent.
If one side or or both starts to die, the experiment is over. But the tree will re-sprout from the old leaf scars below the break. If one side starts to grow and the other starts to die, the tree will live and eventually heal the broken spot.
The only other option is to attempt to start the two broken pieces as new trees. If successful, you then may have three trees.
Good luck!
Daisy
Ditto what Daisy said
Thank you for then responses and I wanted to adjust what I said about me putting it back together. I literally just stood it back up and nether side was broke off. It just split in the middle a little. So the cordage that I put on there is just support it is stuck together by its own strength and sap. I just didn't know what to do because everyone's broke plumerias I see online are completely broke off and this was just laid over a little bit when I found it. Then I saw somewhere that I should grafting paint on the wound to promote growth but I didn't know if that was still good for a tropical tree too?
Thanks for the help
I think you are good with what you did. The problem with grafting and pruning paint is they tend to hold moisture against the plant and can promote rot problems.
Ok thank you so much and I will be posting more pics on here as the adventure unveils!!!
Here is a couple update pics of my Dwarf Plumeria. It has really taken off like crazy. As if it had never split.
I'm glad its doing so well.
