Malestroms Plumeria Grafting Successes

This is an old thread, but in answer to your question, yes, you can graft different cultivars onto an existing large tree; however, it may be difficult for the graft to take for a couple of reasons.

First, newer (green) wood is best because it is actively growing during the growing season, and you need that active growth for the root stock and scion to form a union. Large trees tend to have older wood which may not make the best root stock. A young tree would be the best root stock if you were to graft different cultivars onto it.

Another consideration has to do with growth habit. That multi-grafted tree that I have above that was grafted in 2006 with 11 different cultivars is now a much bigger tree here in 2011, and the growth habit of each of those cultivars is different, making for a very awkward and uneven looking tree. A few cultivars that are grafted on it are taking over while others are slower-growing and/or more compact and are hidden. I have realized that it is best to try and match the growth habit of the different scions for the best result.

The eleven different cultivars don't bloom at the same time either. I think maybe I've had three blooming at the same time on average.

I have several multi-grafted trees, and I've come to realize that I almost prefer to keep one cultivar to one tree for the best health of the trees, but that is just my preference.

Here is the multi-grafted tree today. Right now, there are three finishing up with another two or three inflo's still coming in. The ones blooming are Jeannie Moragne, Jana's Curly Pink, and Peach Glow Shell.

This message was edited Nov 9, 2011 11:29 AM

This was in July, when the yellow on it was taking over:

I remember the first one you did thought it was very cool they have that problem with fruit trees graft 3-4 different to 1 tree nothing seems to have the same growth habits. And you end up with odd lopsided trees I would just prune still think its neat

Hi Dana! Yeah, I will definitely do some pruning next year on that one, and I may even take a few cultivars off and just have six or so. I agree it's neat:-) It does look especially nice the first year before it has a chance to grow at different rates.

This was in 2008 when I had Kauka Wilder, Samoan Fluff, and Pacific Pearl on the root stock of Marion B. The Marion B. grew very slowly and was soon over taken by the others. I have since taken off all the scions except Duke and Peachglow Shell so that Marion B. can grow some, but Duke and Peachglow Shell will probably come off next year.

I always thought this was perfect for the ones in trailer parks no room but want them all. As good as you are at grafting I would have done a bunch I think there would have been a bunch of takers.

hi clare! hi dana! how refreshing to see this pop up.

i had fun grafting this summer and water rooting.

I've really really enjoyed reading this thread and looking at all the different types of grafts. After talking with my friend Vicki and watching her graft I tried grafting 2 small tips. I will see in the spring when they wake up what has happened if they were successful. I did something really silly 2 months ago and still not sure if it will take or not but the grafted part is firm and the top has leaves coming out. Looks healthy but I'm not ready to take the tape off yet. I grafted a Dwarf Singapore Pink onto an Indonesian Rainbow and all still looks good! Unfortunately I didn't have anything else to graft the DSP on to. Anyway I want to read and learn as much as I can about grafting for next year. Thanks Clare and Michael for all the valuable lessons and pictures!

This message was edited Nov 13, 2011 8:22 PM

Okay so here is the graft that I did approximately 2 months ago. I grafted a Dwarf Singapore Pink onto an Indonesian Rainbow. As you can see the DSP already has leaves coming out on both branches.

That looks good, Carolyn! I wouldn't hesitate to take the tape off soon. If you unwrap it carefully without jarring the union too much, you'll be able to see if the union is strong. You can always re-wrap it if necessary. You just don't want to leave the tape on too long as the tissue beneath it eventually becomes brown and rots if left on the union for more than a month or so.

I just waned to say that this is a wonderful thread with great information.

Going to try grafting this summer and when i saw this thread and all of the advice as well as pictures... It made my day!!!

Thank you to all that have contributed...

I hope that this thread continues...

Take care,

Laura