Newbie plumeria question

I got a cutting from a tree recently on a trip to california. The lady just broke a branch off for me. It is a short branch with 4 small tip branches on the end. I just stuck the broken end in a pot to root. Do I need to cut the tip branches off and root them too. Should I root the main stem in water? I have only ever done this from a straight cutting? Do I need to trim the leaves off too? Thanks for any info. Tanarae

Tanarae, definitely trim the leaves off but not the branches. If you have already stuck the cutting in a pot to root, then it will probably root that way just fine. Sometimes, bigger cuttings root even faster than smaller ones. Here's a good link: http://www.plumeria101.com/cuttings101.html

Thanks soooo much Clare, I am not new to gardening but to plumies I am. I appreciate the input. I was sooooo thrilled when she gave me the branch. Her tree was in full bloom and absolutely stunning. Yellow flowers with white edges. Just took my breath away. Gave me zone envy for sure since I am in 7b but I have a large greenhouse and a nice art studio to overwinter plants in. Whippeeee I sure hope the cutting takes off. I will trim the leaves first thing in the morning. Thanks for the link and the info. Tanarae

Tanarae, congrats on your lovely cutting. It's always great when people are so willing to share. When people come by my house and admire my plants in the yard, I always offer to give them cuttings. Sometimes, I even have rooted ones to give away.

Your plumie will be very happy in your greenhouse this fall and winter. You will want to put it in there when the nighttime temps drop into the 40's or even sooner. Remember that it takes 90 days to root a plumie, which means that your cutting should have the start of roots at the end of November, when it starts to get cold. You may want to put your cutting on a heating pad inside the greenhouse so that the extra heat will help the rooting process continue. You may also want to move it into the greenhouse a little early to take advantage of the warmth inside of the greenhouse.

Trim all the leaves, but you can leave the small ones at the very top. If you cut them with scissors at the base, the sap won't bleed as much as if you were to remove them at the base. The little stubs will eventually fall off.

I am also a newbie to Plumeria--just got a rooted cutting from a VERY generous person here. Now...how do I take care of it. I am in upstate SC zone 7/8. It's leaves are a bit wilted from the travels. I potted it up in Miracle Grow potting soil, watered and set out in the yard where it will get full sun most of the day. How do I take care of it over winter? What to feed it it's first year both now and over winter?? Thanks!! Bonnie

Hi Bonnie, congrats on your rooted plumie! It should stay outside and get established in its new container before you bring it inside for the winter. I would move it inside or to a greenhouse before nighttime temps drop below 50. (Depending on your comfort level and on microclimates and on the maturity of the plumies, some let them stay outside until temps drop below 40.) You just want to protect them from freezing temperatures since these are tropical trees. Since you've put it in MiracleGro soil, which has fertilizer in it, I wouldn't give it any additional fertilizer, but you can give it some supplements like Superthrive, Spray 'N Grow, etc. Fall is usually when one stops fertilizing and starts watering less. Spring is when you will resume fertilizing. Here are some links which will answer your questions about winter care and fertilizing:

http://www.plumeria101.com/general.html

http://botanictreasures.com/psa/PCB.pdf/plumeriacare_bulls.pdf

Thanks for the info!! Now I know I need to put this wonderful goodie into a different pot or it will soon have root rot!! Luckily I have a black plastic 1 gallon pot empty so I can do this! Bonnie

Repotted as soon as I got home yesterday and now one leaf yellowed and fell off. Other than that it looks better!! Hopefully I will NOT lose it over Winter and will have the pleasure of seeing it bloom in Spring or Summer next year!! Then I will add to the collection. Plan to buy a few more--different colors. Bonnie

Hi Bonnie! I just pulled off a few yellow leaves off of mine. Most of my seedlings are rootbound in their five-gallon containers and want a bigger one, but they will have to wait until next year. I'm glad yours is looking better. You will NOT lose it over the winter! Think positive:-) And we will all have the pleasure of seeing your flowers in the spring or summer next year. (Hopefully you have a digital camera so we can all see!)

Yes I have a digital camera but the local public library only has floppy drive and my computer has dvd/memory card. The library I am at now though I noticed has a memory card drive so good to go!! Bonnie