How to Plant Plumeria Cuttings

Plumeria is an exotic-looking flowering tree native to tropical Americas. Grown as an ornamental plant it is often associated with tropical Hawaiian decor, although is does not grow wild in Hawaii. Plumeria is commonly used to provide tropical landscaping near temples and graveyards. Grown in containers, it can be wintered inside in northern climates where temperatures dip below freezing during the winter months. Propagation by stem cuttings guarantees new plants identical to the parent plant. Plumeria roots easily and with a little care may produce blooms in the first season.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife or pruning shears
• Rotting hormone
• Potting mixture (sand, perlite, potting soil)
• Pot or container

Instructions

1. Select healthy branches at least 12 to 18 inches in length for root cuttings. Make a diagonal cut on a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife or pruning sheers. Leave 1 or 2 inches of gray wood intact for best results in rooting. Cuttings with two growing tips make bushier plants, but cuttings with only one tip will do fine.

2. Allow the cutting to dry for several days to heal the wound before attempting to root the cutting. Three days is adequate, but a week is even better.

3. Pour rooting hormone in a paper cup and dip the cut end of the branch into the hormone to a depth of 2 inches. Tap against the cup to shake off excess rooting hormone.

4. Plant to a depth of 2 inches in a pot of sand, perlite or a mixture of equal parts potting soil and perlite. Stake the cutting to provide support and the keep it upright.

5. Water to moisten the soil and place in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist but avoid over-watered or soggy soil.

6. Watch for signs of new growth in six to eight weeks. Transplant to a permanent location once new growth appears and the roots are established.

Tips & Warnings

• Plumeria cuttings benefit from bottom heat when rooting. Placing them on stones in sunny locations speeds root formation.

• Do not dip cuttings directly in the rooting hormone container. This may introduce disease and spread it to future cuttings.

References

• Plumeria Society fo America
• Just Plumerias Plumeria Growers