I live in San Diego I planted my plumeria in the ground and they are doing great. My problems with it are that the plants are top heavy, and the wind has bent them over so they don't stand up like they did. Can I just trim them back 18" from the ground and if so when is the best month to do it?
Winter, and early spring are the best times to prune Plumeria. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
I have two plumerias in the ground, one six years old and one seven months from a cutting. They were doing great. After Irma's soaking rain many of the leaves have turned yellow and are falling off. I know plumerias don't like wet feet so assume that's the problem. I also assume they'll revive. Is there anything I should be doing? We are on a barrier island in NE Florida. Subsoil is essentially sand so is well drained. They say we're in zone 8.5, not as hot as inland Florida, not as cool as Georgia.
Plumeria yellowing leaves and leaf drop is usually a sign of too much water. Irma caused much stress on people and plants, I hope this plant's damage is all that you and yours dealt with in it's wake. The only thing to do for the plumeria is give it time to dry out and settle back in to the normal routine. Keep and eye on it for secondary fungal diseases which can affect stressed and water logged plants.
I have a rooted cutting, 2 years old, and it is still just a single stick approximately 40 inches tall. It has had flowered before. How far back do I cut? Do I cut above or below a leaf? What do I use to seal the open cut? I live in Central Florida. Thank you. Linda N Cannot upload photo. Can you help without photo?
You can prune them in winter or early spring before any flower sites would start to appear.It doesn't matter a whole lot if you prune above or below a leaf, but I do prefer to go just above the leaf, typically.
I would apply dolomitic lime to the soil, as well, so that you can be sure your pH is correct.
Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
Hi, I live in UK and have grown a couple of plumeria plants. As our climate is not suitable for them outside, I have them in pots indoors. I see references to using lights to prolong their light exposure, to encourage them to flower. Can you advise on what sort of light (colour) would suit them best? Many thanks, Ian Gauntlett
Indoor gardening is my passion, and I have an entire tropical garden to prove it. These would never grow and fruit in my area naturally. I can definitely assist you on this issue. The best light you can obtain will give you full spectrum, just as the sun would. That being said, a combination of Metal Halide, and High Pressure Sodium bulbs, and separate ballast to run each will be your best bet. That brings about heat issues as well.
Alternatively, with the LED industry becoming more and more tuned to the indoor plant world, the technology has gotten to a point where it is quickly becoming the best lighting solution. I myself use the KIND LED fixture in 750 watts for a 5x5 space. This is by far the best way to go. But there are many ways to go about this.
Thank you BushDoctor. Very helpful. I have found a site that sells several varieties of LED lights, which look a useful solution.
After the plant is finished blooming, do I cut the flower stem?
You can if you would like, but it isn't completely necessary. There are times when you would normally prune the plant if you wanted to wait until then. If you just want to rid of the dead blooms, then it is ok to cut these off.
Here is an article for more information on the care of these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
I have a 20 or so year old that just blooms more and more each year. I live in Tucson AZ, and I have to keep it in one spot during the summer. It's become a little monstrous and I'm wondering how low can I cut it back when the last blooms fall? OH! sorry, I'm Debbie, and I could use some help if anyone is willing to talk? Thanks, D.
These can, actually, handle some pretty heavy pruning. You will be fine to cut back pretty hard. This article will give you much more detail: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
Plumaria plants what is the temperature when you should bring them indoors? My second question is can they survive in a plastic greenhouse?
Plumeria can be damaged by frost, so you should bring them indoors before the predicted first frost in your area. A plumeria could potentially survive in a plastic greenhouse, but it would depend on the temperatures in the greenhouse during the winter. The temperature should stay above 55 degrees for the plumeria to stay healthy, and should never drop below freezing in the greenhouse. Also make sure it doesn't get too overheated in the greenhouse (such as on sunny days in spring).