Also known as frangipani, plumeria (Plumeria rubra) are lush, tropical trees with fleshy branches and sweet-smelling, waxy blooms. Although these exotic, warm climate trees are surprisingly easy to grow, they can become lopsided or spindly. If your goal is to encourage plumeria branching, thus creating a fuller, balanced plant with more blooms, pruning is the way to go. Let’s learn how to get plumeria to branch.
Making a Plumeria Branch
Prime time for plumeria pruning is in spring, before new blooms emerge. This is the best way to encourage plumeria branching, as two or three new branches will emerge from each cut.
Prune the plumeria a couple of inches (5 cm.) above the junction of two branches. If the plant has grown out of control, you can prune drastically, about 12 inches (31 cm.) above the soil. If the tree just needs a bit of rebalancing, prune higher up.
Sterilize your pruning shears before beginning, using rubbing alcohol or a mixture of bleach and water. If you’re pruning more than one plumeria plant, sterilize the blades between trees. Also, be sure the shears are sharp, which allows you to make clean cuts. With dull blades, you’re bound to tear the plant tissue, which may introduce disease.
Make cuts at a 45-degree angle. Face the angle towards the ground to prevent water from pooling at the point of the cut. A milky, latex substance will ooze from the cut. This is normal, and the cut will eventually form a callus. However, be sure to wear gloves, as the substance causes skin irritation in some people.
Expect fewer flowers the first year after plumeria pruning. However, the tree will soon rebound and bloom better than ever.
Be sure to save the plumeria prunings; it’s easy to root new plants from the cut branches.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners – That They’ll Actually UseStocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
-
Plumeria Repotting Guide – Tips On When To Repot PlumeriasGrowing plumeria in a container requires repotting a plumeria yearly, in most cases. This encourages optimum growth and beauty. Plumeria repotting is not complicated, requiring a gentle touch and clean pruners. Take a look at the specifics in this article.
-
Plumeria Rust Fungus: How To Treat Plumeria Plants With Rust FungusAlthough fungal diseases can happen anywhere, warm, humid tropical regions are especially favorable for fungal growth. Plumeria rust fungus is a disease that is specific to plumeria. Learn more about rust on plumeria plants in this article.
-
Indoor Plumeria Care – How To Grow Plumeria Plants IndoorsYou want to grow plumeria at home but feel geographically disadvantaged because you don?t live in the right planting zone (zone 9-11). But can you grow plumeria inside? What is required for indoor plumeria care? Click this article on to learn more.
-
Moving Plumeria Plants : How And When To Move A PlumeriaPlumeria can develop into large bushes with extensive root systems. Transplanting mature plants may be difficult, but transplanting a plumeria cutting is easy. Knowing when to move a plumeria is also an important aspect. This article will help with that.
-
Plumeria Pest Problems – Learn About Pest Control For PlumeriasPlumerias are colorful and rewarding garden or patio plants. As with any plant, especially when it is stressed, you may have plumeria pest problems. On a positive note, common plumeria pests can be controlled with simple or organic treatments. Learn more here.
-
Plumeria Cutting Propagation – How To Grow Plumeria CuttingsPlumeria is a tropical and subtropical flowering plant that's very popular for its fragrance and for its use in making leis. Plumeria can be grown from seed, but it can also be propagated extremely well from cuttings. This article can help with that.
-
Plumeria Bud Drop: Why Are Plumeria Flowers DroppingIt can be upsetting to see plumeria flowers falling off or buds dropping before they open. This article provides information about plumeria flower drop and other problems with plumeria. Click here to find out why flower drop occurs and how to fix them.
-
Seed Pods On Plumeria – When And How To Harvest Plumeria SeedsSome plumeria are sterile but other varieties will produce seed pods that look similar to green beans. These seed pods will split open, dispersing 20-100 seeds. Click here to learn about harvesting plumeria seed pods to grow new plants.
