Two Plumeria, same splitting trunk

18 years ago

Aloha,

The photos will show 2 of 4 plumeria cuttings that I started in March, 2007. These 2 started behaving the same, almost from the very start, thru the first blooms, and their splitting trunks. They both rooted very quickly, grew tall in a hurry, started blooming within weeks of each other this year, split into 2 tips at the inflorescence, and, at some point began splitting at the base of the trunk. They are not of the same variety, btw, although the flower characteristics are very similar.

Here are the two, side by side (the 2 on the left).

The first, I am referring to as Polynesian Red, after researching for an ID.

The second is a noid pink. Help out with the ID if you can, btw. Thanks.

Any ideas on why these 2 plants, out of the 20 that I own, are doing this? The splits seem to be healing well, so it may not even be a big deal. I think the similarities of the 2 plants are very interesting.

Mahalo,

Bob

Featured Answer

Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Reviving this 10 year old post. Are you still with us, Bob? I'd like to know what happened at the split over the years. By the way, I think we have the same NoID pink.

I have one that is doing the same thing in terms of splitting at its base but it's only one split and there is no brown. It just happens to be the one that grew tallest quickest. There are zero rocks in my pots ... just fast draining succulent mix with 50% perlite. I'll edit if I can post the pic.

Maria Elena

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Comments (8)

cambodja
18 years ago
Hello Bob,

They sure look pretty and healthy, and are growing nicely! good for you!
...exept for these splits...

I'm no expert AT ALL but maybe the pebbles cause too much heat around the trunk?!?! Maybe move them a little. However, I see pebbles with the other 2 plumies as well?

Hope they wil not suffer from this!!
Someone experienced will come in and help you soon!!

Good luck!
Martina
tdogdad
18 years ago
That type of splitting is caused by sunburn or by an exposure to freezing temperatures during winter. I have several from frost which I fill with cedar colored DAP tub and tile sealant. If you are in a very hot area the rocks are a major problem as they cook the stem. Remove the rocks for about a couple of inches around the stem and replace with pumice or dry soil. Bill
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funinthesunincl
18 years ago
Bob,

I think part of the problem with the two is, as in your own words, they "grew tall in a hurry". Clearly from the photos---their tender young bases are 'scalded' by the heat/sun and the rocks placed right against the plumeria stem. As with kids, I would say different varietes are more subseptible to this. You happen to have two with the same 'genetic disposition' prone to this.

Clear the rocks!!!!!!

Otherwise...they look So HEALTHY!!!!!!
lopaka_mikale
Original Author
18 years ago
Wow! 3 for 3 on the rock theory. So I will pull the rocks back! I started using the pebbles to stabilize my freshly potted cuttings. It works well. I like the look so much, that I continued using them after the plants are established, and even transplanted. As a matter of fact, I've got these pebbles in most pots, for a variety of plants, in my yard.

So what do all of you use to stabilize your cuttings?

Mahalo nui loa,

Bob
Melodi G
3 years ago
Hello, my Plumeria trunk is splitting too ? Anyone know what I can do to help it. No rocks here. It seems healthy-ish… Maybe I overwatered or could it be a sunburn? (that side gets the most sun) It’s been in the same location since I planted it 2+ years ago… Would appreciate advice 🌺.
Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
3 years ago
I believe it’s related mostly to tissue swelling during periods of heavy rains / excess water. I say this because it happened to one of mine during a particularly rainy season. The same happened to a few echinopsis cactus, as well. Just watch it to make sure it heals well and rot doesn’t set in. A little fungicide powder will help.

Here is an article to consider.

https://thefloweringgarden.com/why-is-my-plumeria-trunk-splitting/

Jim Little ”Intense Rainbow”
HU-998211789
2 years ago
Mine are split like that also i have no rocks but we have had a lot of rain i thought maybe id over done the fertilizer but no matter the reason can it be fixed i dont want to redo 60 or more i had a huge aussie pink that was hit by a storm so i have cuttings rooted from small trees to a foot lone