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scotty0613

If I trim, do I have to wait another year or two…

10 years ago

For my plumeria tree to re-bloom?


My plumeria is about 6’ tall and the three extended branches are about 5’ long. I want to cut it back so I can get a smaller / fuller tree. Each branch has three additional branches. (see image)


If I cut each 5’ branch back about 3 to 4 feet, will I have to wait another 2-3 yrs before the tree (not cuttings) blooms again?


Thanks,

Scotty

Comments (9)

  • 10 years ago

    Im located in S. Florida and my tree is facing North.

  • 10 years ago

    Last early spring I cut about 2/3 of the branches on all my plumies and they didn't bloom last year but are blooming now, which is 2nd year. I did have blooms b/c of the 1/3 branches I left intact. Next spring I will cut those but I will have the other 2/3 of the branches blooming, so all OK. I am glad I cut off the branches b/c this year they don't look nearly as gangly as in the past. I live in Houston area, z9a

    scotty0613 thanked bossyvossy
  • 10 years ago

    When should I cut the branches... today, after they bloom again this year or next spring?

  • 10 years ago

    I did it in mid march, when I first took them out of garage. When I've tried pruning fall into winter, I get rot damage in the cut area so no longer do it then.

  • 10 years ago

    So, your saying wait until the spring?

  • 10 years ago

    Scotty, what I am seeing is a tree starved for light. It's bending to try to get more Sun. Is it possible to move this entire tree? It would thank you!

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Yes, I am saying wait til spring but also totally agree with jedoba that it looks like it is starved for sunlight and that's what may be causing the legginess. You can start by moving it into more direct sunlight to see if it slows down the legginess. My plumies and in full, brutal sun, and at this time of year I water daily. Lack of sunlight aside, I do have plumies with long arms despite being in full sun. So, it could be both factors.

    I think it would be safe, as an experiment, to cut ONE branch about 6" from main trunk and see what happens. My guess is that you will get 1-3 new tips. There is still plenty of hot days to come so little risk of rot, unless we get a rainy spell.

    scotty0613 thanked bossyvossy
  • 10 years ago

    I agree with both suggestions.

    Scotty at South FL you have a longer growing season, so you still have time to cut, callous for a week and root. This time of year when we get afternoon rains, I've been rooting mine in a covered patio that gets sun but not rain. I have keep the potting mix (equal parts of potting soil and perlite) moist but not soggy wet to prevent rot. If you can keep bottom heat that would help your rooting process. Then I leave it alone and Wait for four sets of fully opened leaves before watering it. Spring is the best time to root, you get major development in a matter of couple weeks because the plumerias are in active growth.

    scotty0613 thanked Gigi Plumeria (FL 9A)
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