Hi everybody! Sooo glad I found you guys. I am new (first post). I inherited a Plumeria from my mother which she babied and it means very much to me. It is developing a split at the base and is a bit soft when wet but hard when dry. Seems healthy otherwise although it doesnt bloom every year. Is that OK? Thanks, Brian
Welcome Brian, sadly DG is having some server problems today and the photos are not showing up. Check the DG forum for more info.
http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/dg/all/
Hi Brian and Welcome! I just replied to your dmail. Splits are common and happen due to age, sunburn, and/or dryness. They are normal. Just try not to let water pool in the cracks if possible.
There are things that you can do to help your plumie bloom every year, starting with a regular fertilizer program beginning next spring. Also make sure that it is in full sun in the spring also.
Be sure to check out the FAQ sticky thread as there is a lot of information there on blooming, overwintering, etc.
Here is a picture of a 30-year-old plumeria tree, growing in a container. You can see the splits in the trunk.
Edited to add: well, the pictures still aren't working yet. I'll post it later.
This message was edited Sep 18, 2006 6:09 PM
It looks like the pictures are uploading now:
Wow! That looks like a huge Plumeria! How tall is it? Glad to hear the crack may not be some sort of rot. I'll keep an eye on it. Going to FAQ now. Thanks Clare!
Whoops.....
Brian, that particular split doesn't look like it is due to age, maturity, sunburn, etc. I can see roots down there, I think. When a cutting roots, it often splits at the bottom when more and more roots come out. I would cover that area up with well-draining potting soil or mulch. I think that is the start of the root system from what I can tell. I don't think it is anything to be concerned about, but you can spray a bit of pruning tar on any portion which is above ground after you've replaced the soil again.
Thanks Clare. Sorry about the lousy picture. I'll get some pruning tar. Brian
Would not hurt to spray some Physan 20 in there also :)
Thanks Iopaka, What does that do? Brian ?
its an antifungal
Id dry it there and spray antifungal before using tar or caulk
Thanks Malestrom, Got it done.
