How to bag root plumeria

Recently, I wrote about how to grow plumeria from cuttings. After you've taken the steps to remove the branches and allow the wound to seal up, you're ready to plant. Now it's a matter of deciding how to plant them.

This decision depends in what you intend to do with the trees once they're planted.

If you plan to keep some and add to the landscaping around your home, then simply find a spot with good soil that gets a lot of sun and plant the cutting about three inches deep in the soil.  Lightly water, and then only water when it looks dried out.  "Wet feet" will cause your plumeria to rot. 

It's very likely that you will have more cuttings than you plan to use around your home.  If this is the case, you might consider bag-rooting them to prepare them as gifts or for selling at a yard sale.  It's very simple to bag-root your plumeria, and it saves a lot of space because you don't need a pot for each cutting.  

Materials needed:
1.  Plumeria cuttings
2.  Plastic sandwich or food storage bags
3.  Rubber bands
4.  Potting soil

Steps
1. Fill the plastic sandwich bag with potting soil
2. Insert plumeria cutting into moist soil
3. Seal the bag around the base of the cutting
4. Place the bag in the sun (preferably on warm concrete or another warm surface)
5. Let nature do it's work

You don't need to water the cuttings.  Potting soil is already moist when it comes out of the bag, and that will be enough moisture to to the trick.  If the cuttings stay warm (don't try this in the cooler months), you should see roots forming in about a month.  If you anticipate rain, get the cuttings under cover.  You don't want to go through all the trouble of preparing the cuttings, only to have them rot.

Growing plumeria from cuttings is a great way to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day, and is a great chance to teach your kids (or yourself) something about plant growth.  Have fun bag-rooting your plumeria, and let me know how it goes!

Cheers!