Hi, I just received some plumeria cuttings and I am not sure what to do with them this time of year. I am in a zone 7, and we get our first frost about the middle of October.
Is it to late to try to root them or should I just try to store them until spring? The only cool place I have is the refrigerator. My basement is about 65-70 degress. I have a greenhouse, which I will heat this winter to overwinter my palms or other tropicals. Also, I have a hd lighting setup in my basement that I could use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
jasmyne
Newbie to Plumeria Needs help with cuttings
Jasmyne, you should root them immediately! Don't even think about putting them in the refrigerator or waiting to room them! Pot them up in individual black plastic one-gallon containers and put them in full sun on the hottest surface that you can find. Water when the soil looks dry. When temps start to cool off in the fall, you will want to continue rooting them by putting them on a heat mat either inside your house, your basement, or your greenhouse. Added HD lighting will help them to root and grow faster and better. Check out the FAQ's sticky thread which has lots of good information on rooting and overwintering: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/599185/ Here is a good article: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/45/
Thanks Clare_Ca, The information that you posted was invaluable. I put them in my greenhouse today. The temperature topped out a 132 degrees, with the fans and misting system running. I just hope that is not to hot. I had been keeping them under a shade tree, because I did not want to them to burn up. In the greenhouse they are pretty much in full sun all day.
I absolutely adore this tree and have wanted them for awhile. I just don't want to kill them. I have the feeling that these will be my new favorites.
Thanks again for your help.
Jasmyne
Jasmyne, with temps like that in the greenhouse in the summer, you just need to make sure that they are well-watered, and the misting system should take care of that for you. With that kind of heat, they may root very quickly for you. Heat is everything when it comes to plumerias. They can't get enough of it, and it cures all that ails them pretty much! I can easily see why they will be your new favorites. They are mine too.
I am brand new at gardening! First season for me. I Have been hearing about plumeria & seeing the beautiful pics here & would like to know if anyone has seeds are cuttings for trade. I have a variety of other flowers, plants, fruit trees & veggies. But I would love to find plumeria. I think it would go nice with the Moonflower. If anyone is interested in helping me out, I will even pay for postage both ways! Thanks in advance, Michelle