Hi Veronica and every one else...I have several plumeria (ok 10 is not several but anyway). I am sad to say that I have lost a few this year...from the overwintering process. I kept them in their pots in the garage last winter and I am guessing that the soil was to damp. They were rooted cuttings from very early last year. They started leafing out beautifully, then really quickly the branches went soft and that was it. Now after reading everything above, I am planning my over-throw of the living room this winter...
Kathy
Plumeria from the Gambia
Hee hee Kathy! Once they get big over-throw is RIGHT!
LOL Kathy.
The leaves are turning green and starting to grow.. The buds fell of, thanks to the mealy bugs that are disturbing the plant all the time. They already killed the growth/leaves on the other branch.
Welcome Evert!
Spray the mealies with 50% alcohol / water and gently wipe them off with a Q-tip. ;)
Clare I was thinking that maybe he had the unrooted cutting first bloom syndrome LOL!
They rarely bloom true without roots.
However it changed so much as it aged that I tend to lean towards the branch from another tree poking through the tree he wanted.
Michael, I think, with the first bloom syndrome, the cutting does not have all the energy it needs initially to produce all the colors so flowers can come out white or faint or partially, but it's not genetically possible for a yellow plumeria to produce a red flower even if it is the first bloom. I think you are right that they branches were probably crossed with each other. I do think Evert's red flower is very pretty:-)
Did you read Roberts post about my 'uk' that was thought to be a Som-Raya?
Hes pretty convinced it could actually change colors to one.
He went into all the genetics of it.
It bloomed white and yellow this year.
Yes, I did. He said pretty much the same thing, I think -- that yours just bloomed white because the cutting didn't have enough energy to produce the colors needed for the flower. I'm not too sure that that is the case with yours, but it is possible. Brad is such a stand up guy to send you another. You may end up with two! You'll have to report back to us what color it blooms next time, and then we'll know for sure. Did you see Kukiat's Som Raya in his album? It is take-my-breath-away stunning. I think we've talked about the possibility that Som Raya may be Firestorm or vice versa.
We did discuss that possibility and I got heat for mentioning that possibility.
Too close to home during an auction. E-Gads!!
I certainly dont blame or harbor any suspicion twards the seller of my Som-raya and I didnt want names to come up. (Whoops)
But yes he is a great vendor and I certainly think that my money was well spent even if it doesnt change its a real beauty and smells like powder. I will be buying more from himas my health improves and I return to work more.
Whoops! I've done a few whoops myself. I think I mentioned how closely Firestorm resembles Som Raya during the auction for Firestorm too. Oh, well. I'm big on free speech even it it does affect commerce. We all know that Brad is one of the most reputable vendors out there, and mistakes do happen sometimes when one is dealing with importing goods from other countries, and we're not even sure that there is a mistake; so all is well:-)
8D
Clare and Michael,
After seeing Kukiat's Som Raya, I also began to wonder some things.
Michael, it might be so, and it might not. I also have a couple of my other plumies bloom white that weren't supposed to be--these were in my personal collection! I wrote my seller in Thailand and it turns out that he had bought some cuttings he was short on from a Thai supplier that apparently needs to be closely watched. Seems the guy tossed in a few whities for "good measure", is what i think. I don't think it is a widespread problem, based on the fact other people's have bloomed correclty, but, in the event some problems do happen, Joerg has graciously agreed to replace them to me as needed, and I, in turn replace them to whomever. Like I said before, it is only a few, and, they also seem to have only been in the very first shipment from Thailand, from which you got one of your Som Rayas. You also got another later on--it should be okay--if not, I will replace that one as well. :-)
Dealing internationally involves a lot of nail-biting and, at times, blind trust. LOL I am just glad that I can at least vouch for Chris's Oz stuff 100% without giving it a second thought!
Brad
You're the best, Brad! These things are bound to happen as a normal part of business:-)
Brad I have never doubted your integrity. ;^)
I have always contended that you are a top seller and have my highest confidence.
If someone was offering the same plant as you at a much cheaper price..
Id still come to you because you are trust worthy.
That is priceless! ;^)
Yes these things do happen, and overseas makes it hard to correct, however, we may also end up with the better end of the bargain at times LOL!!
This particular bloom is quite nice and I havent seen any like it so far.
The scent is a gently and subtly sweet powder.
The mild kind of scent that I need due to my asthmar..
(FYI ===> 'Asthmar' is a reference to 'Asthma' from Lord of the Flies.. Piggy had it. :^P)
Undoubtedly Chris is fantastic and her Plumies are to die for!!
I feel priveleged to have met you and have the opportunity to purchase these from someone Ive gotten to know rather than just a name on Evil-Bay >8^z
Regarding Som-Raya and Firestorm... I saw a pic of her (FS) that showed a bouqet 1/2 in the sun and the other half was slighty coverd by another trees branch and leaves.
The blooms on the shaded side were quite Like Som-Raya and I attribute the difference in all the pics of Som-Raya ive seen to light and heat. We all know what an incredible difference those 2 elements make in the development of colors.
It could also be that one is the seedling of the other couldnt it?
Which one was higher on the mountain? 8^D
I was so overwhelmed and WOWED at all the Nationally available varieties when I join MPG in NOV 04.....
Then came Chris' and Noams varieties... I was BLOWN AWAY!!
I am forced to draw a line and select which varieties I like the most and still leave room here for brugs and adeniums LOL!! as well as seedlings and my own hybrids to come!
I need a bigger house with a huge yard so I can put up that 100FT X 45FT GreenHouse!
Someday.... This will be my new dream ;)
Then Ill buy everything Chris and Brad offer!! LOL!! WUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA...!!
HEY LOOK!! I laughed real hard and didnt cough!! Im geting better!!! WOO-HOO!!! 8^D
This message was edited Oct 2, 2005 9:25 AM
Brad, one of a Thai seller (who I know for a long time) told me that a Westerner came to get Som Raya from him and other sellers in the market early this year. That might be him.
Kukiat
Hi Kukiat,
It might be him if he was a German. He has a small nursery in Chiang Mai which he started a little while back, and this is where he has been planting his own trees. He does most of his selling in Bangkok. He also sells a variety of tropical plants . In a couple of years he won't have to buy as many plumeria cuttings from other sources any more. It seems that some people in the market can be dishonest and one must be very careful when dealing with them. Of course, this type of activity happens everywhere in the world, which is unfortunate. I do know though that my seller over there is a very hard working and reputable person.
I know that he will work hard to be honest with me and is already arranging to send me several plants to keep just in case any more of the ones he got at the market for me turn out to be white again. A seller that would do this is truly a wonderful person to do business with!
He does have one variety that comes from a tree to which he has exclusive rights. He calls it Chiang Mai Rainbow. I have been selling this one for him here in the USA and it is always the correct plant because he cuts them himself. The flower smells like lemon-spice and is quite unique. I love it! I am sure you have seen something similar as you live in Thailand, but here in the USA this is a very interesting find! I have attached a couple fo pictures from you of Chiang Mai Rainbow.
Brad
Here's another picture--sometimes the orange center shows more.
Brad, Chiang Mai Rainbow is the one to keep for sure. It is beautiful.
You know I bought some of US cultivars from several Thai sellers, many of them were fake. Finally I quited and looked for reliable sources in the US in stead.
Thai growers/breeders are hard working persons and always among the best in the business. Adenium, tropical fruits, orchids are some of good examples. You will find more and more new and excellent plumeria cultivars originated from Thailand.
I hate to say (but I am not reluctant to do) that... some Thai sellers spoil the whole thing. As expected, they put Thai reputation on plumerias on the line as they did to other things. I know some Thais may read this and may dislike what I wrote. But I think I am doing my best as a Thai citizen on flighting against dishonesty.
On the bright side, Thailand has many good things to offer to the world. New excellent plumeria cultivars will continue to amuse the world for many years to come.
Kukiat
This message was edited Oct 4, 2005 12:27 PM
Thanks Kukiat for your thoughtful reply. Yes, there are some amazing varieties in Thailand. I can't wait to get my Jack's Purple from my friend who is getting it from her collector friend who lives in Bangkok. If it wasn't for your picture, i would never have known about this one!
Yes, Thailand has given the world much and will continue to do so, I am certain.
By the way, i LOVE Thai food! We have a local place here called Thai Basil where I love to eat. I love the Thai style whole fish with vegetables and herbs, and, of course, the Pad Thai.
Brad
Brad, I love that Chiang Mai Rainbow flower. It is awesome! I am so glad that I have this one.
Kukiat, it is good of you to tell the truth about some Thai sellers. Brad is right that there are good and bad sellers in each country. There are dishonest sellers here too so it is important to know who the good ones are to buy from and who not to buy from. We help each other in this regard when we can. Fortunately, we have some good ones here in the U.S. too like Brad, Florida Colors, and HawaiiSandy. If you ever want to check out the reputation of a nursery or online seller, go to the tab above called Garden Watchdog. It lists sellers which are rated by thousands of members and is a good indication of a seller's reputation.