I don't have any advice to offer but wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear that people have been helping themselves to your tree. I'm sure someone will post some suggestions for you soon. I've never attempted to root any plumeria over a few feet tall. Good luck.
Karyn

Hi Caz.

IÂm sorry to hear you have been victimized by such selfish and immoral people. This is why many people donÂt allow others to see their gardens or greenhouses. A few years back I had a common inexpensive plant with a great deal of sentimental value stolen off my front porch while it was in full bloom. It didnÂt cost much to replace the plant, but no value can be placed on what the original plant meant to me. I think many people with only a casual interest in horticulture donÂt understand how attached many plant lovers become to specific plants.

On to your questions. If you cut the plant, the stump will grow new branches for the poachers to steal in the future. Why not dig up the whole plant and transplant it? Assuming you are able to dig the plant up, it will reroot, and given time and freedom from poachers may grow again into a balanced plant. Just make sure the new site has great drainage. Bill (togodad) has posted pictures on this forum showing how to provide support for large plants until they can stand on their own.

If you do cut the plant, do not seal the bottom of the cutting. A straight or diagonal cutting are both fine; a diagonal cut will provide a larger surface for roots to emerge from. Seal or place something above the stump to keep it dry and protect it from rot and hope the young branches that emerge will not attract attention for a few years.

STOP THE PRESSES! As I reread what I just wrote, I think the best solution would be to cut the branch and then dig up the stump and root it in a very large pot as if it were a giant center cutting.

Philip

I see alot of that too, even where I live. There is a plant that was growing a little higher than the 8 foot fence it was planted next too, so the branches poked out over the sidewalk. I'd see it when I'd walk my dog, but now I see two or three of the branches hacked off by "poachers."...what a shame!!! It's a really nice tree too (tall enough I'd actually call it a tree...maybe 10 feet high?). Is there no end to what people will do? I see plumeria plants on sale at Home Depot all the time...just doesn't seem right. Haven't had anything stolen/broken from my property yet, but I've got 5 in the ground, most are fairly young though.
--Mark

I am soo sorry to here about all the plumie thieves. I have read that this has happened. I had thought about putting my tree in my front yard when the weather breaks. Now I'm not so sure. Being in Michigan I don't know if people would be that nasty. Hard to say if I have plumie lovers around or not.
Valerie

Landscape poaching is a big problem in this area. Thieves aren't just cutting branches but removing entire trees in the middle of the night. Japanese maples, boxwoods and other expensive plants are the main targets. The usual method is to use a truck, dig around the tree, attach a chain and pull it out then drive off. The homeowner wakes up to find a big hole in their yard. It's weird to think that there's a black market for stolen plants.
Karyn

Karyn, that reminded me...I was on a job interview for an IPM position in North Baltimore. The guy interviewing me told me how frequently people will leave for vacation and come home to find their full grown Princess Trees missing from their front yards. Apparently people can turn enough profit selling the lumber to Asian markets to justify the theft, well at least monetarily to themselves. I just know that if anyone were to try to steal my plants I'd go totally apes*&t.
Peace,
Nate

Nate so would I. I'd never even thought about it until I read the article in the Post. It's a really big problem here, especially in Montgomery County and Northern VA. The only thing I have in the front yard that seems to be a favorite of the thieves is a laceleaf maple. Anything else of value is in the back behind an 8' fence.
Karyn

Sorry to hear of your problem. I have seen here in Australia, where frangipanis grow with out any trouble, people have a notice asking anyone who would like a cutting to knock on the door and they will cut one. This at least regulates it a bit and saves damage to the tree as the cutting is cut rather than ripped off.

Regards

Hi,
I agree on John Dr's idea, knock and ask.

Here because of the surprise freeze that hit our area, Lot of plants were destroyed, some nurseries are not carrying some plants. LOt of people have planted even just different colored daisy plants and came out in the morning are all gone. Sego and other palms too, Feel its gardners getting color for customers. My neighbor had about 6 rose bushes taken the other day, in 5 gallon containers, just lifted up over a 8' fence.

Will plumeria will be offered at nurseries?,Asked out of curiosity at Home Depot, said may not have any..who knows. they might be a target, mine are in the back yard. Its terrible.
Karen B

well large cuttings root quicker than small ones most of the time...and more branches will grow out of where you cut it..

Before you do anything, you might want to take some regular size cuttings and root them. That way you'll preserve your the memory of your grandmother even if you have trouble with the larger operations.

jc