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Odd Plumeria, needs cutting

9 years ago

Ok pros and semi pros! How would you cut this, and when? I've never had one so widely branched. All my others I've cut made nice "Y"s or 3 branches. Should I wait until fall? Central Texas, zone 8b.

Comments (16)

  • 9 years ago

    I think you have a variety with thin, lanky arms. I don't think pruning will correct that growth pattern. But should you decide to prune, doing next April or May.

    User thanked bossyvossy
  • 9 years ago

    Thanks! It looks so weird! So do you think if I cut it leaving a few inches of each arm those will grow multiples, or keep looking like this? Also, it's hard to position and not fall over.

  • 9 years ago

    It will likely grow anywhere from 1-4 new branches at the cut point but they will be more awkward, lanky branches. Not being in full sun will contribute to the lankyness so evaluate its present location and move if necessary. I had one like it and finally gave up and gave it away. I dont suggest you give it away. I encourage you to do selective pruning and decide for yourself if you like its new shape. This is the kinda thing you need to learn first hand.

    User thanked bossyvossy
  • 9 years ago

    It gets about 6 hours full sun, hot sun! It's just a weirdo I guess. I may just utilize it for getting cuttings! Lol

  • 9 years ago

    I would probably have tried to train the two branches more upward at an earlier time. It may not be too late though. Just try to apply some upward pressure a little at a time. You don't want to break them off.

    User thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
  • 9 years ago

    Thanks, I thought about that, but way too late. It may end up ugly, but I might try a cut and graft. What do y'all think? Have you tried that?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It might give you blooms as soon as next summer if you don't cut it. I don't think it's too late to try to train them upward. My opinion.

    Not sure what you mean by 'cut and graft'.

    User thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
  • 9 years ago

    I was wondering if I tries to cut at least one of the branches and graft it onto the other in a more acceptable position. But I will see how pliable the branches are for bending and taping. Thanks!


  • 9 years ago


    Yay Dave, exactly what I just did! It's a start, and a gentle tie, and in a week I will tighten more. Here is a comparison. Very slight but I didn't want to break them.


  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Nice work. I think that is the best option.

    User thanked the_first_kms2
  • 9 years ago

    Thank you, it certainly was the easiest and safest option!


  • 9 years ago


    my plumeria is growing outward and dont want it to take up walk way. Should I cut the branches off and see if it would grow like a normal tree? Any advice?

    User thanked Linda Kirwan
  • 9 years ago

    Linda, I think it's a beautiful shape. If your concerned about the sidewalk side branch encroaching the walkway, wrap it while it's young and green with gardening tape to another branch or stake so it will bend more upward as it matures and the trunk gets taller.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I agree with Lori. Start training it now so that it does not encroach.

    User thanked the_first_kms2
  • 9 years ago

    Update us when it starts to change. I'm leaving my taped until spring. That might be overkill but it's working great.

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