How do you get plumerias to look more like trees instead of long, tall, and gaps in between?
If your plant is too tall and has wide gaps between where its leaves emerge, it may not be receiving enough light. These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/established-plants-leggy.htm
We have been growing a Frangipani plant indoors since May of this year. It was originally just a dry stem we brought home. It budded after a while, much to our delight, but the stem then started to tighten and darken. This has continued to progress over the months and now 3 days ago the leaves have begun to wilt, see photos attached. A second stem we had, never budded and was rotten from the inside out with maggots when we eventually pulled it up and looked at it. It was in a separate pot. Is there any saving this one or is it effectively dead? Any advice and especially any cure would be great fully received. Thanks in advance, Clive
This could be a watering problem, either over- or underwatering depending on whether the soil is drying out enough between waterings. A plant with few leaves will not use very much water and could develop root damage if the roots stay in wet soil too long. Also, an underwatered plant with wilting leaves will perk up after watering, while an overwatered plant will not.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
There is a chance that the other plant was killed by a disease. In case that's true, make sure the soil and any plant material from the other plant has been removed from the area and any gardening tools used on the other plant have been sterilized with a 10% bleach solution.
How deep and invasive are the roots of the Plumeria tree? I planted one close, about 6 inches from a water pipe and the house. I also planted one on the opposite side of the walkway to balance them. They are about 1/2 - 2 ft. tall and they are just cut branches from another plant. I'm renting and do not want to cause any damage. Any help or direction would Greatly Appreciated. Thank You, Julie
Plumeria is hardy in zones 9 through 11. If you have planted your Plumeria into the ground, make sure you are in these zones.
If you are in a colder zone you will need to keep a Plumeria in a container, to winter it over in an indoor location.
Plumeria roots are shallow and fibrous, they should not be a problem in the ground.
Here is an article with care information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
About 4 inches of the tips of the branches were damaged by freezing temperatures. It is now warming up, and I'm not sure if I should trim the ends and how far down to trim them. I had another Plumeria for many years and the same thing happened to it, even after protecting it. I pruned it but it did not survive.
Wait until spring (after the last chance of frost in your region) before pruning to avoid any additional frost damage. Once it's spring, you can prune the tips back, removing the damaged portion until you see healthy tissue inside the branches:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/pruning_frost_damaged_plants
Should I take the leaves off whilst waiting for a cutting to harden up?
You should remove the leaves on the bottom half of the cutting. The leaves on the top half can be left on, or you can remove all but the top pair of leaves.
Why have my three trees all gone the same way, two in the ground and one in a pot? The main trunk seems to split and you can see what I think is the core of the trunk. They are not watered only in hot weather. Any books I have been able to read never show any plants like I have. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Margaret
From my research the stems of Plumeria splitting in some fashion is normal.
It can be caused by rapid growth, excess watering, sun scald or exposure to extreme temperatures. It also can be more common in certain varieties then others.
Unless you see soft spots on the trunk, there is no concern.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/growing-plumeria.htm
How far back can I cut my Plumeria plant? It is currently about 10 feet tall. Can I cut it back to four feet?
Here is a link with information on care and pruning.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/plumeria/plumeria-pruning-info.htm