I think my 2 small, containerised plumerias got too cold outside last winter and all 7 tips are now dry, shrivelled and black. The stems are still plump and green. Will it resprout fresh growth on it's own (from the tips or lateral buds) or do I have to cut it back? All advice welcome and appreciated.
Ouch. Sorry about that. You might actually be in Zone 9 and not Zone 10, especially if it freezes in your area. I agree with what Hetty said. New branches will come up from the green wood if you have green wood left that isn't damaged.
Phew, I'm so happy! Thanks for the advice. I already have "Safer" fungicide so I'll get to it straight away.
As to my zone. I'm in the Burlingame hills south of San Francisco and was told it was zone 10a from my zip code. I didn't see any frost this year but our house is on the North-west side of a slope so this probably creates a colder microclimate. I must take that into account when choosing and positioning plants. I'm very serious about "right plant, right place".
Califrnia Brit: I am in Half Moon Bay, just down the road from you and also had this happen to one of my Plummies this last season. Guess it was just a really cold one. So sad... it was hard for me to cut her back, as I've never had to do it before. Sigh.
Well, I cut off the tips and saw a brown ring (infected phloem?) on the stumps. On closer inspection, just above soil level, the trunks were not as firm as the branches higher up. Does this mean the infection has spread? Is it time to compost (Nooooo!!!!) my poor plumies?
The part of the trunk that I can see looks okay. That branch may not make it. I wouldn't do anything at this point except to cut off the obvious rotten brown stuff. The plumeria will push out branches at the top of the good wood whereever that may be, and then later, you can cut off everything above that. You may even get branches from below the soil line if all above it is cold damaged.
There was a freak freeze here the winter before this last winter, and there was much damage and death, but some people had some luck and had some come back so you just never know. Here's a link to some excellent pictures: http://www.mauiplumeriagardens.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10074&hl=damage This plumeria nursery is located in Southern California and got hit hard.
This message was edited Apr 7, 2008 9:39 AM
Thanks Clare. Good link with good info. I wonder how they are doing after such devastation?
Can you help with cultural info too? I think I need to repot. Last time I think I used a very sandy mixture but it's so long ago now I forgot the details. What do you use for your plumies and how do you feed them? I suspect they will need an extra boost to recover from the big chill.
ABarker - let us know how your pruned plumie progresses.
Hi CABrit,
There is a sticky thread at the top of the Plumeria group, that Clare wrote, that contains all the info that you are looking for and then some.
Most people use a mix of soil and drainage material such as perlite. I personally use 1 part potting soil to two parts perlite for cuttings. I use a potting soil that has sand and perlite already mixed in for my rooted plants, which is Kellogs brand.
Most people are now using a even numbered slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote or Dynamite. The number will be 13-13-13, 15-15-15, or, 20-20-20 with micro nutrients. Such as Iron, zinc, sulfur etc. Just follow the label as far as rates go. I hope this helps and again you should check out Clares sticky for more detail.
Davie
CABrit, Davie answered your question about fertilizer, but to answer your other question, the nursery you asked about is doing fine now. We didn't have nearly as cold a winter as that record-breaking one thankfully.
It sounds like you are long overdue to repot if it has been a long time. I use Sungro's Sunshine Professional Mix #4, but any good well-draining potting mix will work. At Home Depot, Scotts is good, and I know some people use Supersoil with Perlite mixed in. I've even used MiracleGro on occasion.
