I just started 4 cuttings early spring and to my surprise they all have leaves two of them have about 4 to 5 leaves about 3 inches long the other two are not as developed but seem to be growing. I guess my question is when are they developed enough to be considered a plant and can be transplanted into a different growing medium and be put outside providing the temps are warm enough. I hate to dig them up and look at the roots untill I know they are ready. Thanks.
when are they rooted?
Ted,
since that I just received some cuttings a little over a week ago and it is my first time ever with plumerias, I am going to defer in giving you any advice other than how to tell if they are rooted. I'll let the other more experienced plumeria growers chime in on the other questions.
I think that you are starting or have been growing brugs for a little while now? Well, just like with brugs or any other plant for that matter, you can tell they are well rooted when you begin to see roots trying to make their way out of the drainage hole of the pot. So I would not try to check out the root system. Just wait until that the roots fill the pot, that way you are for sure they are well rooted.
Hope this helps you.
David
Keep in mind the new roots are extremely fragile also.
Repotting wont be a good idea until they thicken up a good bit.
They break off quite easily and then could rot if overwatered before redeveloping.
I recommend using Humic acid to encourage strong root development.
There is a product called 'Soil Syrup' found @
http://www.megagro.com/soilsyrup.htm?source=soilsyrup&gclid=CPSX16io_IsCFRGCGgodCmiibA
I have had excellent results in root development using it.
I did my trial in clear plastic cups and the difference was stunning.
Be sure to follow the directions.
Lots of good advice here already, but you didn't say if these are planted in individual one-gallon containers. If they are, then David's advice is right: wait until the roots have filled the container before transplanting. Plumeria cuttings take 60-90 days to develop a root system so figure out how long they have been rooting, and then you know how much longer you have to go until they are fully rooted.
Plumerias cuttings start to push out leaves as they root. You can have the start of leaves just as the cambium swells but before actual roots so wait until you have several sets of fully developed leaves before assuming that you have roots. Michael is right that plumeria roots are fragile and break easily, which is why you want to make sure that the roots have filled the container so that the plant slides out easily with the root system intact when you do go to transplant.
If your nights are staying about 50, you can put them outside full time now. Otherwise, a little sunshine during the day is always beneficial if you can put tehm outside during the day. If they have been inside for a while now, they will need to be acclimated to full sun over a period of a few days to a week.