Cutting plumerias is an efficient and excellent way to expand any plant collection or perhaps even share new saplings with fellow plant parents. But sometimes things don’t work out, and your plumeria cutting may not get rooted.
Although it’s not as challenging for plumeria cuttings to root, there are specific measures one should keep in mind. So, if you’re facing the issue of an unrooted plumeria cutting, you’ve come to the right post.
Today’s article will dive deep into plumeria rooting, so stay tuned and keep reading. We’ll also talk about factors that may contribute to its stagnant growth and guide you through how to improve the cutting &
rooting. Let’s start!
What is a plumeria, and what are cuttings?
Plumeria is a type of plant usually grown in tropical climates. It has fragrant flowers with vibrant colors. Despite being a tropical native, it can still grow outside of it when grown appropriately.
The plumeria plant, aka frangipani, comes from the Apocynaceae family. It’s typically found in warmer regions of Hawaii, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Plumerias are usually small shrubs or small trees with long green leaves and flowers.
The plumeria flowers produce fragrance and blooms in several vibrant colors and smells, including yellow, pink, red, orange, and white. You’ll find that most frangipani flowers typically contain a mix of two colors. Plumerias are also known for their cuttings, which are also used in temples, etc.
Plumeria cuttings are a prevalent technique used in growing plumerias. Plumeria cutting is a technique used to produce clones of the same plant. It involves taking a piece or a cut of the plant and placing it on a suitable soil medium for rooting.
What are the top reasons why your plumerias are not rooting?
Are you having trouble with plumeria rooting? Your plumeria may not be rooting simply due to a lack of patience, as it roots only after 60-90 days. But there might be some more significant issues, such as rotting. So, let’s look into it.
Here are some reasons why your plumerias are not rooting:
It May be Rotting
Your cut of plumeria might not be rooting properly because of overwatering. The soil should be kept dry rather than wet. So, if it’s not rooting or growing correctly, there’s a big chance it may be rotting from the root as the soil has started draining from overwatering.
You’re Not Using the Right Temperature
The correct temperature is crucial for a plant’s growth. The roots tend to grow best for plumerias under 75-84 degrees F. Hence, ensuring you’re keeping your plumeria at the right temp is essential. If you live relatively in a colder region, you can also place a heating mat under the pot to ensure new and better root growth.
It may be Infected with Spider Mites
Spider mites are common dwellers during seasonal times, especially on indoor plants. When infested by these buggers, your plumeria will begin to suffer damage leading to stunted growth. Hence, your plant will not root properly.
There’s Soil Exhaustion or Over Fertilization
Your leaves may turn yellow and drop before it even starts rooting, and the main culprit is usually soil exhaustion or over-fertilization. This is a typical issue that tends to occur during the dormancy period of your plumeria. During this period, you can try to utilize some artificial light to aid your plant.
How can you improve the chances of rooting your plumerias?
Plumeria cuttings failing is, unfortunately, a widespread topic among plant lovers. Of course, getting it right isn’t a 100% technique. However, there are specific measures you can take to improve your chances of rooting the plumerias successfully.
As such, here are some factors to keep in mind while dealing with plumeria cuttings:
Water Sparingly: Successful plant growth is about getting the watering right, especially during infancy. Hence, once you notice some leaves after 4-8 weeks, ensure you water the plant sparingly. Remember, the water should only dampen the soil.
Allow Proper Drying: Before its root development, there won’t be anything the plant can use to absorb the water properly. Hence, it’s crucial to allow the soil to dry appropriately. As mentioned earlier, you should never overwater. So, make sure the soil is dampened once every ten days.
Utilize a Balanced Fertilizer: Once your plant has around 5-6 leaves, you can start feeding the plant. Make sure you’re only using a well-balanced 15-15-15 fertilizer. You can switch to a 10-50-10 fertilizer during spring to enhance branching and flowering.
Look out for the Right Temp: The correct temperature is key to plumerias growth. These plants generally grow well in a temp setting of 60 during nighttime and 90 during daytime. If it goes below 60 at night, the plant will fall into its dormant stage, so be cautious.
How To Save Your Plumeria Cuttings From Death
To encourage better plant growth and prevent it from dying, you’ll have to ensure the aid is humid enough to keep the plant from drying without overworking the soil moisture.
Living in a colder region, you should also be mindful of the temperature drop and rise. You can leave it outdoors during the daytime for those in humid areas. Although you don’t have much to worry about regarding repotting your cuttings, a small pot will be better for the plant’s longevity when it’s an infant.
While watering your plants is essential, ensure you never overwater your plumeria. You can utilize fast-draining mixes such as succulent potting soils to confirm this. Once the plant has started growing, you can start working on applying the fertilizer.
Make sure you’re using the right fertilizer, as it can ensure a longer plant life once your plumeria starts rooting. Before the rooting process, it’s best not to use fertilizers. Instead, you can water it mildly to dampen the soil. Remember, it’s crucial to ensure the soil is kept on the dryer side when it’s rooting.
