I have several plumeria in pots and it seems that as soon as a new leaf forms and opens, a leaf at the bottom yellows and drops. Is this normal?
Plumeria do normally lose some leaves, and it sounds like your plant still has plenty of leaves so it is probably fine. Yellowing and loss of leaves can be caused by over- or under-watering or by insect infestations so do check whether either of these could be occurring.
What should I be doing with this plumeria (tree) that continues to outgrow the trunk to support the leaves?
This tree is probably not getting enough light, so it has become spindly. Can you find a way to give it more light, such as placing it near a south-facing window or giving it an extra lamp?
Meanwhile, you can prune it back (cut off the top, leaving just a few leaves) to encourage more bushy growth instead of just one stem. Or, you can cut off the entire top section and root it to re-grow a shorter plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/houseplant-troubleshooting.htm
My plumeria is about 3 years old. It bloomed the first time last spring. We got it from a cutting 12 inches. Now it is about 3 ft tall. It is a big Y shape and I would like it to have more branches, be more bush like. Will pruning take all the flowering for the spring away? Will the plant split into more branches where I cut it? I'm using phosphorus fertilizer to ensure high phosphorus for blooming. It bloomed in the spring but hasn't since. Why? It is outside getting 6+ hours of sun. We had a nice hot dry summer, 90 and more since July. I water every 1-2 days depending if it rained at all. Suggestions on how to keep it blooming longer? Thanks, Nicole
I am not sure why your plumeria didn't continue blooming during the summer. It sounds like you are following the correct steps to promote blooms. Some varieties may flower only in spring. By now, your plumeria would be done blooming in any case.
These articles provide some advice:
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/weekly_Q&A/f&b_22.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-does-not-bloom.htm
Follow the advice in this article for pruning. Simply remove part of the two long branches to promote more bushy growth from the bottom.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
I do think pruning would reduce flowering next year, but it would be worth it in the long run.
I purchased a plumeria cutting at a garden show about 6 months ago. When I brought it out in the spring, it sprouted a few green leaves and then nothing since. The stick is still hard and there is no evidence of root rot, but there hasn't been growth in months. Is it dead and am I wasting my time?
Is your plumeria receiving full sun? Plumeria enjoy as much sun as possible and need 6 hours of sun at least, preferably 10-12 hours to grow vigorously. Indoors, this can be supplemented with grow lights.
If it is receiving plenty of sun, and you are following the other guidelines for growing plumeria found in the articles below, I am not sure what the problem is. It sounds like yours is still capable of growing, so perhaps it just needs some time.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep489
What could be causing leaves to turn slightly yellow? Used Epsom salt earlier in the season. Any other suggestions?
If the weather is beginning to turn cooler in your area, this could be the cause. Plumeria naturally goes dormant during winters, even in quite warm regions, and its leaves will gradually yellow and fall off.
Other possible causes include overwatering or poorly-draining soil in its pot, or a mild infestation of spider mites:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm
I have a plant that is on its third year. It was a cutting from a friend's tree (plant growing in ground to over top of roof and at least 4 ft wide.). It was at least 4 ft tall with a "y" trunk and 3 shoots off y. Each branch was at least 2 ft tall. This year, 3rd yr, it started flowering. Then one of the other branches started growing a flower stem. Then the plant lost strength and the branches feel weak. They still look good green, not shriveled, just slightly limp and, therefore, we had to brace tree. Is this normal when they bloom? Is there something we should look for?
Plumeria have some specific watering and fertilizer needs during their active growth period.
These articles will help.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/how-to-fertilize-plumeria.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
I planted a Plumeria tree (height of 60cm) in my garden 2.5 years ago. I trimmed any side shoots and staked the tree with bamboo in hope of developing a strong healthy tree with a single trunk. The plant grew to a height of 200cm with spindly trunk of 160cm and a ridiculous diameter of 5 cm. I was hoping the day will come and get rid of the stake. But, unfortunately, the tree still rely on the support. Is there is any solution or ideas I can do to make the tree strong and withstand on its own? Thanks.
Certain staking methods promote strong trunk development, while other methods can actually weaken the trunk. See the diagrams in these articles about proper staking and guying techniques. If the stake with your tree doesn't look like any of the diagrams (especially if the stake is placed right against the trunk, or if it is attached so that the trunk cannot naturally move with the wind) it is probably doing more harm than good.
If so, change your method to one of the proper staking/guying methods shown, and your tree should begin to strengthen. Then, remove the stake as soon as the tree can stand on its own.
http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2008/12/staking-and-guying-trees-best-materials-and-technique/
https://www2.tntech.edu/tlcfortrees/mulching_staking.htm