Plumeria Pruning Update 2021

My 7 ft. wide pink plumeria tree outgrew it's space this spring and had to be heavily pruned. I cut off eleven branches minimum 12" or 30 cm long to 30" 76 cm. I show the new growth on the tree and of the rooted cuttings giving step by step instruction how to propagate.

[@eleanorkerr5709]

Interesting info about the beautiful pink plumeria. I am lucky to be able to enjoy the vista of your garden whenever I am walking by. It was gorgeous this morning. 💐

[@GreenDragan]

So nice of you Eleanor. Always nice chatting, summer mornings can be magical. Cheers.

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Great to see the new growth Dragan

[@GreenDragan]

One of my all time favourites. Amazingly fragrant!

[@gregslaski6956]

One of my favourite exotic trees to grow. Good job dragon 👍🏻

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you Greg, glad you liked it.

[@grammydianneandgt3411]

just found your channel and really love the way you explain things.

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelscott8896]

This was perfectly descriptive. Thanx for the help.

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@raton_garden]

Wow so beautiful planting. Good job. Nice choice 🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much!

[@vivianallen9772]

Excellent video. Short but sweet. I love these kinds of videos when I’m rushed for time, but need information.

[@GreenDragan]

Awesome, thank you for watching!

[@reneereads310]

Great video! Thank you! 🌸

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much Renee Reads!

[@sandorspalms]

Yeah really impressive how they are so easy to propagate! I had a small cutting I received this past spring and it has grown to a good size! Great video Dragan 👍

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you Sandor. It is one of my favourite exotics.

[@tuloko16]

@@GreenDragan question: i have a cutting started. Its about 6months since planted, and it’s growing very well. When/how can i prune it to grow more branches? I want it to start branches low. The roots seem pretty well established, and has been putting out at least 2 new leaves/week. Would it be safe to cut off all the green grouth to make it branch? Do they have an “active growing season” like other plants/should i wait until it has passed?

[@GreenDragan]

@@tuloko16 prune your plumeria when it reaches a height you want. At this point it will start branching to look fuller. Cheers.

[@selvychristy1965]

Really good video❤️

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you Selvy, glad you liked it.

[@touhlantujhawj8827]

Thank you for sharing the excellent video..👍👍

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@zakkzzy]

simply brilliant! I think I should sink my pot into the ground next year to increase chance of flowering.

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you Adam! Repotting next spring with in an HP mix with 20% manure will ensure maximum growth. For now water and fertilize as needed in a full sun location to build the plant up before winter dormancy. Happy gardening.

[@vidyayinirajendra5383]

Just superb

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much!

[@lovethegarden.kumariyeline4835]

Tq for sharing useful tips.

[@GreenDragan]

So nice of you!

[@MasBeb]

Really good video.... 💖👌

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much! Cheers!

[@EWForbess]

Thanks for the excellent video! We got our first plumeria ever last spring. It was a Y-shaped plant about 18" tall, but each of those two branches grew over 3' over the summer and fall. It is now in the garage going dormant for the winter. What we are unsure of is when to cut it back. Should we do that in late winter or early spring when we bring it back out, or would another time be best? Our average last spring freeze is usually late February or very early March here in south Texas. Again, thanks for all the good information!

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much E.W. Forbess! I prefer to cut it back when it starts to put out new growth. As the weather warms those cuttings can be rooted if you want more plants. Happy gardening.

[@rickduyck3583]

Great video! When overwintering is it best to bring into the house? I see you do not have them in a mini greenhouse. Do you think I could keep them in a cool greenhouse (35-45) ovr winter? Thanks!

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you Rick Duyck. All of my plumerias are brought indoors for the winter. I do have a greenhouse attached to the house, where I over winter my tender tropicals. Plumeria can be stored in a cool frost free place so long as they are kept DRY and have ample light even though they are dormant. 35 degrees may be too cool. If you wrap the plant(s) with a string of C9 Christmas lights overnight, they should be fine. Cheers.

[@exgascans02]

I have a pink plumeria tree and it didn't bloom fully like last year. We did have a freeze over the winter which is rare in SW Florida. We bought the house last year so I didn't know what to expect. I'm in zone 9 so I think I can cut the branches in Sep-Oct. Do I have to dip my shears in rubbing alcohol before cutting? I just broke of the hollowed, dead ends. Thank you

[@GreenDragan]

Yes. You can prune branches at any time. Cleaning your tools is a good idea so as not to spread disease.

[@KM-ix9km]

I found your video looking for information on my plumeria. It did but drop its leaves (it lives inside during winter). It’s still small, two feet high no branching. Should I remove the leaves?

[@GreenDragan]

No. Allow the plant to grow. It must be happy in its location. Cheers.

[@WandooWarrior]

That was great. Thanks.

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robynlee6120]

I'm very impressed with the amount of new growth. When do you expect it to flower after this pruning?

[@GreenDragan]

Flowering time can vary by plant. But usually by the following year.

[@roxiekelley]

Hi I was just wondering if I bring a couple of smaller starts said I started the spring inside while they thrive through the winter I live in Florida and would like to keep the leaves on them you’re around like in Hawaii if that’s possible

[@GreenDragan]

Yes, absolutely. Keep them in a bright warm location and they will thrive.

[@natje4880335]

Wow! Thank you so much for a great info. I have a baby plumeria that is only 1 ft tall and already has flowers. It has only one main branch. Do you know when will it create other branches?

[@GreenDragan]

Plumeria typically branch following flowering. You can also encourage it to branch by cutting off the growing point.

[@jackiebowen5549]

If you live in South Florida what months are good for pruning. Thanks

[@GreenDragan]

Pruning in Southern Florida or in cooler climates is done when the plumerias are starting active growth in spring. Most plumerias lose their leaves prior to winter. As the days get longer and warmer your plants will start to put out new leaves, this is when you can prune and take cuttings. Good luck.

[@susanbrennan5511]

I’m trying to learn more about my plumeria. I bought it at Walgreens 20 years ago when it was 12 inches tall. It’s been moved 4 times since then and is now 6 feet tall. It’s only bloomed 3 times I don’t understand why it blooms but I adore the flowers and I bought my son one when I went to Hawaii. I also bought myself and my other son one but they didn’t take. How do you get a plumeria to bloom?

[@GreenDragan]

I have found that plumeria cuttings root best during hot weather. Start them in late spring and early summer. To improve flowering add 20% manure to a high porosity potting mix when repotting into a larger container and place in full sun during spring and summer. Water well during active growth only. Happy gardening.

[@grammydianneandgt3411]

what is best soil to root plumeria cuttings?

[@GreenDragan]

I use pro mix HP which has extra perlite to ensure good drainage.

[@johnpratt7599]

Do you have a fantastic channel? I live in Southern California and just started growing a few plumeria. I question in the winter should I remove all the leaves on my plants or just let them go dormant by the way they’re all outside in pots. I put them under the patio in the winter to protect them from the cold and then start putting them back out into the sun around March. Any help would definitely be appreciated.

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much! Plumeria do best when allowed to go dormant naturally. If your climate is mild enough, keep in sunniest location and grow year round or move under cover in a frost free location to over winter, reduce watering as leaves drop. As the weather warms and new leaves resprout place in full sun and enjoy on the patio again. Happy gardening.

[@richardulloa1362]

Would you recommend pruning in mid February? I live in California, would that be enough time for plumeria to grow new branches and leaves?

[@GreenDragan]

Yes, absolutely. Plumerias grow very quickly as the weather warms up. Happy gardening.

[@steverocksoul]

Very informative video Dragon! Is now Late March a good time to prune back a dormant indoor Plumeria? Thanks

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much! Yes, absolutely, now is a good time to prune before active growth begins.

[@Rickstar270]

If you use a single branch for a cutting vs say a cutting with three branches. How does this affect the shape of the tree when it matures in years to come? Thanks.

[@GreenDragan]

Plumeria branching usually happens after flowering and the number of branches produced varies from 2-6 branches in my experience. If you start with a 3 branch cutting the minimum number of branches at maturity will be higher. You can do selective pruning as the tree grows but the final shape of the tree is difficult to guarantee. Happy gardening.

[@Rickstar270]

@@GreenDragan thanks so much for the reply. That’s exactly the information I was after. Much appreciated.

[@CarlGennaro]

is it really important to allow callous over? How long do you give it? I missed that part but caught it when I was watching for a second time. I also have tons of clippings and put them in water till I get time to plant or give away more, is that a bad idea?

[@GreenDragan]

Allowing the freshly cut ends to callus over is key especially in northern climates. This process which can take a week or two, so in my climate reduces the chance of end rot in moist potting soil. High temps are best for rooting. Cuttings taken when plant is well hydrated can sit unplanted for a couple months in my experience if store in a dry location out of direct sun. Storing the cutting in water may cause them to partially root with a greater chance of end rot. Cheers.

[@jacko3423]

How old should it be before you can cut off another for new propagation?

[@GreenDragan]

It is not the age as different varieties grow at different rates. I suggest cuttings of 8 to 12 inches long, leaving at least 18 to 24 inches on the parent plant. The branch can be from last years growth, semi-hard wood not too green. Hope that helps.

[@SSGBRG]

Hi Sir.Very nice Video.I am growing my plumeria indoors in a pot from last 2 years.suddenly few weeks back all the leaves color changed to black and fell down.now no leaves at all.is there anything I can do to protect my plant.pls suggest. Thank you

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you for watching! Are the branches also going soft or becoming black? Is the trunk soft near soil level? I would keep the plant in full sun, do not water till spring, then place the plant outdoors in full sun once warm enough and start watering once you see new leaves. Cheers.

[@annebaade6195]

My plumeria over two feet tall, but only one branch. Should I give it a hard pruning?

[@GreenDragan]

I suggest keep it in full sun, keeping it well fed and watered once it starts active growth in the spring. Then prune to a desired size and try rooting the piece that is cut off. Some varieties will put out multiple new branches and others only one. Happy gardening.

[@annebaade6195]

Thank you for your response 😊 It’s already warm here. It’s got itty bitty leaves at the end. Is it time? So, it’s just possible it’s only one branch ☹️

[@GreenDragan]

@@annebaade6195 if the new growth is an inflorescence (flowers) then it will naturally branch after flowering. If there are only leaves it will grow as a straight branch. Cheers.

[@CarlGennaro]

Best video I have seen so far on Plumeria, looks like you know what you are doing.. one question I think you spelled "Porosity" wrong Right?

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much! You are correct about the spelling. I rushed the export of the video and did not triple check all spelling on the big screen to preview.

[@CarlGennaro]

@@GreenDragan LOL I was thinking maybe a new word for me and it had a different meaning

[@reginemaeareola9822]

Hi there you have a very nice garden do you sell cuttings of your plants I’m interested in buying one of these and brugmansia?

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much 6ixRs! I am located in Waterloo Region. My personal e-mail is [e-mail] for contact info.

[@jerryghoujalou5150]

Can you please let me know if I can winterize plumeriaOutside in the winter zone five please let me know how thank you

[@GreenDragan]

Ah, that would be an unrealistic dream. You would need to have a seasonal greenhouse built for it approx. 10x10 Ft to accommodate a mature tree, proper soil type, winter temps kept between 16-20C , minimum soil temperature about 16C and a sight location of full sun. The cost to heat in a zone 5 winter would be pricey. Happy gardening.

[@jerryghoujalou5150]

@@GreenDragan thank you very much for letting me know I guess I bring it inside I leave it in the Path

[@JamalKhan-hd8ip]

Bro what the name of plant behinde the plumeria plant also tell me name of that red dracenea plant .. tnks

[@GreenDragan]

The green leafy plant behind me is Cordyline Australis, directly below is the purple red plant Hawaiian Ti or Cordyline fruticosa and the dark red plant in the top left screen is Cordyline Red Star. Cheers.

[@JamalKhan-hd8ip]

Tnk u sooo much bro .. lots of love from pkstn .. peshwr .. 👍🙂 hapy gardning ..

[@abdulmominnoyon1103]

Hello I'm from Bangladesh... Dear Dragan l need some cutting of your nice and so attractive plumeria...Please give some cutting...My dear Happy gardening and God bless you❤

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you very much! You have many beautiful varieties of plumeria that I can only dream of in your region. Cheers.

[@KM-bc6pu]

I also prune my plumeria but after pruning just 1/2 brunch are come ...

[@GreenDragan]

Plumeria can be variable depending on the age ,the pot size and amount of daily sun exposure. The plant in the video was about 30 years in an 18" pot.

[@KM-bc6pu]

@@GreenDragan your plant looks great ..Wish my plant also looks like yours My plant is 7 yr old in 18 inch pot.

[@hevelynnanne1117]

Excellent video … can anybody share how to grow them faster 😅 .. i want them to be a big tree😅

[@GreenDragan]

Thank you for watching! The only way to grow them big is to give them full sun and a long hot growing season, water and feed on schedule. Even in the Caribbean islands they are dormant for several months. Time is the only answer especially if they are container grown in a cooler zone. In zone 10 and above plant in the ground and stand back. their growth will surprise you. Happy gardening.

[@hevelynnanne1117]

@@GreenDragan i live in 12 hour full sun all year …. But still feel they growin slow😅

[@GreenDragan]

@@hevelynnanne1117 I would try amending the soil with some manure in the spring and water more frequently as active growth starts up. Some varieties are slow growers and more dwarfing. I have one tree over twenty years old which is just over two feet tall. Cheers.