If your weather is warmer outside consistently rather than on your heating mat, I would move them outside in sun to part sun -- provided they don't get rained on, toppled over, or burned by the sun.

We had a rash of rainstorms and I moved mine into my garage near a window for a time -- on a heating mat. In my garage the temperative is around 85 during the day and over 70 at night. So they're still nice and warm. But I'll soon move them out again.

Outside i put them under a glass patio table where they get strong light and protection from rain. It's a near perfect spot except when my daughter accidently waters them or kicks them over !

I would also add that since you are seeing leaves, there's a chance it is starting to root and you just don't see the roots yet. The plants at this point will benefit from added humidity and sunlight, but I'd put them in part sun at first until they are acclimated.

This post was edited by dave_in_nova on Mon, Jun 17, 13 at 10:50

Thanks Dave for your quick response! When you put them outside under a glass table, is the sun strong enough to burn bare stems? That's my main concern (I also have a glass patio table). The extended forecast for here is mostly low 80s and then dipping into the low 60s sometimes 50s. The problem is our house doesn't go above 75 and I really think they would appreciate the 80s outside. But I have always heard one of the most important things is bottom heat. Is that not as important when they're outside?

Kristopher

Kristopher, please learn from my mistake. I think you should put the cuttings in pots with soil, since they have full leaves. Do not put them in full sun, I lost my first batch of newly rooted cuttings last year, but putting them in full sun. The next cuttings that rooted, I put under my bouganvilla so they got dapple sun, they all survivied . This year I planted them in the ground, so they are growing like gangbusters, and think I might even see blooms this year. Barbra

Kristopher, please learn from my mistake. I think you should put the cuttings in pots with soil, since they have full leaves. Do not put them in full sun, I lost my first batch of newly rooted cuttings last year, but putting them in full sun. The next cuttings that rooted, I put under my bouganvilla so they got dapple sun, they all survivied . This year I planted them in the ground, so they are growing like gangbusters, and think I might even see blooms this year. Barbra

I totally agree with Dave. Daytime sun in the 70s should be fine. If temps go into the 80s move to partial sun or put some netting or window tinting above the plant. I do not recommend removing from the bottle until you see plenty roots. Early roots are fragile. Rooting can take several months in less hot and humid weather so be patient. However, your plant needs sun. I find sun in the day and heat mat at night is excellent but be careful moving the plant not to move the cutting. Bill

Hi again,

Our glass patio table allows maybe 75% full sun through it.

It is not near as bright as full unobstructed sun. It's sort of like a greenhouse with open sides. And unless there is a lot of wind associated with a rainstorm, it pretty much keeps them dry.

Once temps get into upper 90s to 100 though, I'd probably move everything to a more shady location...just in case.

I keep them in filtered sun/part sun at best. Mine are under a clear polycarbonate Lean-to.

I agree with others on the temps. anything above 90 or so should be suspect for full sun for longer periods of time.

When I took my cuttings out of the plastic bottles, I just cut down the sides of the bottle. I don't think I lost any of the roots. I know we can do things different here because of our heat, but this works for me. In April, we had a strong wind storm, that broke branches from trees, breaking tips off some Plumeria . I went down and found them laying in the yard, shriveled . I just stuck them in the ground, and all have rooted in record time, with full sets of leaves. The cuttings I put in gritty mix in March are just sending out claws. Figure? Barbra

Thanks for all your advice everyone! As soon as this next storm system passes, I will gently move them outside. One more question unrelated to these cuttings. I was generously gifted two cuttings from someone on the plumeria addicts Facebook page. These cuttings were fresh and there is a bit of a callous starting. I remember reading that you can callous a cutting by sticking the ends in perlite. Is that right? How long do I keep them in perlite before potting them up?

Kristopher

Kristopher - aren't plumie people the most generous!

Or..... they reel you in with a few freebies until you're hopelessly addicted. And we all know what happens from there! :)

lol yes. I'm up to 7 and this is only my first year growing plumeria, the addiction begins! :)

Kristopher