Amelia, I just put mine in potting soil (John uses top soil but I wouldn't recommend it, lol) and root them on concrete or pavement for bottom heat. During the winter I just stick them in a window sill and only water after the first time a tiny bit when they are bone dry until they get roots and start leafing out. If you get any freezes you need to grow it in a pot. They can handle it pretty cold with protection but not freezing. John's lived on the pavement all winter with no damage at the shop until the last freeze when it got in the 20's and it got buurned on the top. Had to chop it off where it turned black. They are very easy once rooted. Just don't overwater while they are rooting. Once they are established I give them the same care as outdoor potted brugs.

I pot them the same as I do Brugs. One part soil, two parts Perlite. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and put it about 3-4" down in the mix. Water heavily to compact the mix, and the water comes out the drain holes. Place in a sunny spot and do not water again, until the leaves start growing.... real leaves, not the little claws. I usually don't water again for 2 or 3 months! The heat, rather than water, will promote root growth. If it shrivels, during this process, I would give it a little sip of water around the perimeter of the pot and mist it a little. I've only had to do this with a couple of cuttings, though. When you've got about 4 good sized leaves, start fertilizing at half strength. By this time, It will probably be root-bound, or close to it.

Here is a noid cutting that I potted on July 5, of last year. Its been sitting in the same spot, in my driveway, all winter. The inflo started coming up a couple of months ago, and the first flower opened yesterday. The photo is from this morning.

Good luck
Bob

{{gwi:471410}}
{{gwi:471411}}

I do the same thing as Bob but I use a mix of half perlite, 40% well draining potting mix and 10% pumice for rooting. I'm in a much cooler zone so I have to use a heat mat for rooting unless it's summer. The people on the plumeria forum are really nice and they are as addicted to plumies as the brug folks are to brugs. It's just early in the season. Just wait about a month. There's some super helpful and knowledgeable people there, especially Bill (Tdogdad).

Yes... I meant to mention that Karyn. Bill has been back and posting great advice, for a few weeks now. Slowly, some of the familiar names are beginning to pop in. They kind of take the winter off. They will never match the Brug forum, but they are a great, friendly group. I started there, before finding this forum. Wait till you see the photos that come on-line when the Plumerias start blooming. It's amazing!

Bob

Bob have you ever seen any of Bill's DVD's that he's made of his plumies? He sent me one a while back. His garden is so beautiful. I believe he made or is making another DVD.

Exactly perfect info Bob. I hope Albert reads this. I have been in such a rush I can' stay on but a minute.

I never have, Karyn. I didn't know that he made any DVDs. I'd love to see it.

Bob

I do basically the same thing but 1 part perlite, 1 part potting soil, 1 part coarse sand(building sand. Sometimes I put some pea gravel on top to hold it better if it is a large cutting or branched etc. I never used the sand until the first time I was down at Stokes Tropicals in LA and saw they had thiers rooted in straight sand. I like a little more substance than just sand but it works.

My plummies are starting to really wake up now. I put them outside a few wks ago and so far have found 5 inflos yippy!

You have to be really careful with the pea gravel. If it gets too hot and the gravel is against the stem it can burn big time. I had stems burn more then halfway through due to the gravel. Now I use pieces of styrofoam and brace them between the stem and side of the pot. It's not attractive but it works. Once they've rooted I use stakes if necessary.

Hi there...

You will love growing plumeria!!! I live right next door...in Texas! I live in zone 9 and all mine are in pots. My large ones overwinter under a covered patio snuggled in a corner for a wind break. My smaller plants I agree with Karyn & Bob... Bill (Tdogdad)is an excellent person to learn from!!! In fact, do a forum search under Tdogdad and you will find some very good information that he has posted over the years...then you could use the 'clip this post' option on this forum to store any advice you find that you can use. He gives an excellent tutorial on rooting cuttings in clear plastic bottles!! I always use it with the exception of the 'pumice' which is not available in the Houston & surrounding area. :( Anyway..Bill knows his stuff!!!! He does have a BEAUTIFUL collection of plumeria!!!

One last thing...the people on the plumeria forum are VERY NICE PEOPLE--we are just coming out of the dormant/semi dormant season so not much activity over the last couple months...but my plumies are just starting to wake up...so the forum should by rockin shortly!!!!

Good luck!!! Yes, Spring is here!!! :)

~Mary Jane

Bob's advice for rooting will work well for you. As for pots vs ground, I'm in zone 9 (suburbs of Phoenix) and I have mine in pots and they stay outside unless we're dropping to 25 degrees or lower, then I'll bring them in. I know people here though who do have them in the ground. I'm going to try one in the ground this year, see how it does. I figure the few nights a year we get too cold I can wrap them in christmas lights or something to keep them warm.

I have never had any success rooting them, but I grow lots of them from seed. They take 3 years ( or more) to bloom, but they are worth the wait. I have a few seedlings if you want to email me.
Linda