I've noticed on 2 of my plumerias a split/crack that has gone up the stem to the fork of the branches. The split is actually the width of the stem now. On one plant, the branches were so soft, I removed them and they were indeed rotted. I cut these down to healthy tissue; leaving no branches; the stem is healthy. What do I do with this plant now? The other plant I carefully removed from the pot and checked the root system; it appears healthy and the end is firm however the branches are very soft and feel squishy. How should I handle this? All plants are in my home sitting in front of windows where they obtain some daily sunlight. I have also given them a little water. They are not on a heating mat. I did not defoliate; some are losing their leaves naturally; others not. Since the splitting/cracking is beyond wrinkling, is this the first true sign of rot?? How do I avoid this? This is going to be a long winter. Thank ya'll. Rosa
Split in stem
Hi Rosa, some splitting/cracking is just a sign of wood maturing and happens eventually with maturity. There is also splitting/cracking due to stretch marks created by fast growth. There usually isn't splitting/cracking associated with stem rot. Can you show a picture of these soft branches? Squishy isn't good and usually means rot. You may have a plant that is dying from the top downwards. Did it get subjected to freezing temps? This is unusual for a fully rooted plant to do this inside. If you do see rot, you'll want to cut it off and get those plants to a heat pad with supplemental lighting right away in order to save them.
I'll take a picture later and try to post it...not good at this. No, they've not been subjected to cold. I've had them inside the past few weeks with an occasional outing on warm sunny day. I plan on removing the larger plumeria (the one that appeared to have a healthy trunk after removing the branches) from the pot and checking the root system. I don't like what I'm seeing now. This particular plumeria had an inflo on each branch with beautiful blooms this summer---I must be doing something wrong. And yes, it appears to be rotting from the top down--but I have to check the roots to be sure. Again, many thanks Clare.
So sorry, Rosa. Just check to make sure that drainage is good and that it is not sitting in a catch tray full of water. Those are death to plumerias. I think you can save your trunk if you move it to a heat pad and add lights right away.