Plumeria (Plumeria) is an exotic small tree, native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The plant is obliged by its name to the French botanist named last named Plumyier. Plumeria room also called frangipani. Many flower growers know that this name was introduced by an Italian perfumer, who first used plumeria, or frangipani, for making cosmetics.
Did you know? Essential oil of plumeria, or frangipani, is widely used in the perfumery, as well as in the culinary industries.In nature, the height of plumeria can reach 1.5-3 meters. The main advantage of this plant is inflorescences of large flowers 5-10 cm in diameter with a very pleasant aroma. Flowers have five or more petals and different shades - from white with yellow to red and multicolor. Flowering under favorable conditions is long and abundant. Plumeria can be maintained at home. The main requirement for proper care in this case is the preservation of temperature and lighting.
Cutting cuttings
Plumeria can be propagated. If you want to learn how to grow plumeria from cuttings, then you should understand the features of this method of reproduction: when to make it, how to choose and cut cuttings, and how to take care of cuttings of plumeria.
When to cut
The cuttings are produced mainly during the period when the plant is at rest - this is the autumn and winter season, but you can choose another time that is convenient for you.
Since plumeria is a plant from warm countries, for Successful subsequent rooting is important to maintain a high temperature environment and soil. For this purpose, lower heating is used - for example, in the cold season - a battery on which prepared cuttings are placed on a clean cloth.
What should be
Cuttings taken from the top of the plant, they should not be green, and stiff, gray tint. Already rooted cuttings grow and develop very quickly, so the optimum size of the cuttings is 25 cm.
Did you know? Soap with the addition of plumeria oil has anti-inflammatory as well as soothing properties.
How to cut
The plume is cut at an angle of 45 degrees. It is better to use a sharp disinfected instrument (knife or pruner) for this. A larger number of roots is formed with a larger area of the plant cut. The cut must be smooth and neat, and must also be processed.
Soil mixture for cultivation
Flower growers need to know how to help root plumeria, what soil properties will help the cuttings develop faster. In order to better rooted the cuttings, it is recommended to use a mixture of peat and coarse sand, or a mixture for succulent plants with sand or perlite, which will retain moisture. All components are taken in equal parts. The soil for plumeria for the safe cultivation of already rooted cuttings can be prepared independently, Adhering to such proportions of the composition:
- 2 parts turf;
- 1 part of the humus;
- 1 part peat;
- 1 part of sand.
Pot Selection
For planting cuttings of plumeria, it is recommended to choose a wide pot with a margin, since the plant grows actively under favorable conditions. It is better to give preference to containers made of plastic, because the root system can subsequently grow into the walls of a clay or ceramic pot.
Important! A pot capacity of 2-3 liters will be optimal for planting the cuttings.
Processing and preparation of cuttings
Leaves, if they are on the stem of the plumeria, are removed. Flowers can be left. An oblique cut is treated with a special root growth stimulant. For example, you can use "Kornevin". You should also cover the cut with a fungicide or charcoal powder to prevent rotting of the cutting. After that, the cuttings need to be dried for at least 14 days. For this purpose it is better to choose a well-ventilated warm room.
If you violate the conditions of harvesting or storage on the cutting, you still find signs of rot, you can update the cut and dry the cutting again. Otherwise, after planting such a cutting will quickly rot.
It is best to use cuttings, which have been dried for several weeks, for planting and subsequent rooting.
Planting cuttings in the ground
The first and indispensable component in a plant for planting plumeria cuttings is drainage, because stagnant moisture is detrimental to the plant. Then pour the first two layers of soil: a mixture for succulents and coarse sand or perlite. In the ground with a wooden stick you need to make a hole in which the cutting is placed. At the same time, the cutting depth should ensure its stability, the depth - about 10 cm. If necessary, the support can be used. A third upper layer of soil is gradually poured in from above, repeating the bottom one in composition - that is, it is a special blend for succulents (plants that accumulate moisture).
Conditions for planted cuttings
Pots with planted cuttings should be in a warm room with bright lighting. The best air temperature - it is an interval from +24 to +28 degrees Celsius. Bottom preheating of cutting tanks will significantly speed up the development of the plumery root system. If the lighting is insufficient due to weather conditions or the cold season, it makes sense to provide additional lighting with fluorescent lamps, the power of which should not be below 30-40 watts.
Humidification should occur as the soil dries. Excessive watering should be avoided.
Important! The juice of plumeria has poisonous properties; if it comes into contact with the skin, it should be immediately washed off with plenty of water and soap.
Care of planted cuttings
The plume rooting process takes an average of two to three months. When the first leaves appear on the cuttings, you can begin to gradually increase the watering of the plumeria, and later you need to transfer the plant to a larger container. If flowers appear from the buds laid in the cuttings, they are best cut to give more strength and moisture to the root system for early development. In the future, you can take care of plumeria as an adult plant.
Did you know? Plumeria with favorable development and care will begin to bloom in the same or next year. However, the main sign of rooting cuttings is not the flowering, but the appearance of the first leaves.
Plumeria loves a large amount of bright light. If the lighting is insufficient and affects the plant for less than six hours, this situation will lead to the fact that the shoots of the plant will drag up, flowering will stop, the leaves may fall off.Watering should be constant and abundant, in the hot season you need to water the plant several times a day. Stagnation of moisture will not be if you regularly loosen the ground and if there is good drainage. Water for irrigation should be at room temperature, spraying the plumeria should be done as needed, making sure that the water does not get on the flowers.
Young plants that have only recently been planted by cutting are not fertilized. Later, just before flowering, you can apply fertilizer that contains phosphorus.
Exotic plumeria plant valued for their beautiful flowers - fragrant, large, bright, and reproduction by cuttings is an excellent way to get not one, but several of these wonderful plants with the right care.
