What Do You Do With a Plumeria Cutting?

Optimal Cuttings

• Plumeria cuttings are taken any time of the year, although early season cuttings are more successful, according to the Plumeria Society of America. Prime plumeria cuttings are thick and at least 12 to 24 inches long. The end that was cut has a clean cut and dried sap. The plumeria cutting has no visible pests or diseases and was taken from a healthy, disease- and pest-free plumeria tree. The leaves that were on the plumeria cutting at the time of removal have fallen off.

Plant Plumeria Cutting

• Fill a shallow pot that is at least 6 inches deep with well-drained, sandy soil. Dipping the dried, cut end in rooting hormone may help it to root faster, but this is optional. Plant the plumeria cutting 3 inches deep in the soil. Stake the plumeria cutting, or provide some other means of support, if needed. Water the soil so it's slightly moist but not water-logged about one week after planting. Water sparsely throughout the rooting process. Place the cutting in full sun. In the extreme heat, place in partial shade and gradually move to more sunlight.

Rooted Plumeria Cuttings

• Plumeria cuttings can take anywhere from one to two months. Once rooted, the plumeria tree grows leaves, and a slight tug is met with resistance, which indicates that the plant has rooted. Transplant the plumeria tree before it becomes pot-bound, but use caution as to not disturb the delicate new root system.

Plumeria Culture

• Plumerias thrive in full sun, and once established are very drought-tolerant. Refrain from overwatering plumeria trees to prevent root rot. When watering, avoid rust fungi by not getting the foliage wet. While in the active growing cycle, fertilize plumeria trees every three or four months with a high phosphate fertilizer like 10-30-10 or similar. Wait to water plumeria cuttings until at least eight months after establishment. Unhealthy plumeria trees are susceptible to pests like borers, scale, mites, caterpillars, beetles, thrips, and whiteflies.