Cutting Is Growing New Trunk/stem But No Roots

Question

I started a cutting in the spring and after waiting about a month, I planted it. The trunk/stem grew very quickly and it is now November. I had gone to transplant it but there are no roots.

Answer 1

According to a plumeria society you shouldn't water after the initial watering till new leaves have grown, which indicates root development. You also shouldn't move the pot or remove the stem from the soil. Since you did remove the stem, was the tip soft or black at all? If so it is rotting from too much water. (Overwatering is the top reason cuttings fail.) You can cut off the rotting part up to white, hard wood and start again.

Was the stem seeping a white substance? I've read that it does contain a white sap that flows when the stems are cut. Not sure why the top should seep.

If your cutting still looks healthy, I would try again in new potting soil (two parts cactus mix to one part perlite). Moisten the soil before inserting the cutting and don't water again till 2 leaves develop that are one to two inches long.

There is a Plumeria Society in Encinitas, Calif., that may be able to offer more help if you haven't already contacted them. https://southerncaliforniaplumeriasociety.com/