I am very new to growing Plumeria, but not to growing plants. I have managed to keep some of my caudex-forming, winter dormant, (Cyphostemma, Bursera, Operculicarya) plants growing successfully in my Zone-7/NYC climate, which at times can be dull and dreary throughout the winter months. Summer temps usually reach into the 80s and 90s F, with periods of dull, rainy weather, and the growing season is fairly short, late May through early October. Really only hot from July-September.

Love, love, love the fiery, goldern-orange-red/apricot-yellow blends as found in the varieties like "EMBERS" and "KAPALUA", but can't afford the prices for cuttings. I still want to try growing a glowing, golden-orange Plumeria and was wondering if anyone can tell me some specifics regarding "KALEINANI"... e.g. is is an easy grower, prolific/sparse bloomer? Does it root easily from cuttings? Is this variety a robust grower? Is it prone to insect infestations from spider mites, mealy bugs, etc? I ask because some plants are like magnets for these insects.

About how many years from rooted cuttings to seeing some flowers bloom?

I plan to purchase and root some cuttings, then grow them on my back deck throughout the summer months, in full, blazing sun, and heat. I will plant these rooted cuttings into large 5-10 gallon containers, filled with a quick-draining, gritty mix, consisting of aquarium gravel, Turface-MVP and Repti-Bark/Pine Bark Fines. Watering and fertilizing (organic Espoma Iron-Tone) will not be problem, and plants, when they go dormant, will be placed into my warm, 65*-70* F, sunny kitchen, until the next growing season comes around. Will these Plumeria stay dormant at these temps if watering is kept to a minimum?

I cannot imagine that growing Plumeria will be anymore difficult than growing other succulent plants. To prevent rotting out stems and roots, watering will be at a very minimum during the dormancy period, but growing mix will be occasionally misted to provide some moisture at the roots to prevent dehydration. Would this growing strategy be correct?

Also....do the vivid colorations, especially within the golden-orange varieties, develop only in intense heat and sunlight? And can you recommend a true golden-orange variety that is NOT so sensitive to sunlight and heat? Are there any reasonably colorfast, orange varieties?...that don't cost a small fortune?

Any suggestions for this new grower will be greatly appreciated.

Frank