Why Plumeria Seedlings Don’t Match the Parent: Basics of Plumeria Genetics Growing plumeria from seed can be an exciting venture, especially for those looking to experiment with new cultivars or create unique hybrid varieties. However, one common realization for beginners is that plumeria seedlings don’t always resemble their parent plants. Whether you’re hoping for a […]

Inheritance of Color: How Plumeria Flower Colors Pass to Offspring Plumeria plants are celebrated for their stunning flower colors, ranging from bright yellows and pinks to deep reds and purples. But how exactly do these beautiful hues pass from one generation to the next? The answer lies in the genetics of the plant and how […]

The Genetics of Fragrance: Why Some Plumerias Smell (and Others Don’t) Plumeria flowers are famous not only for their beautiful appearance but also for their fragrant aroma. The sweet, tropical scent of plumeria is one of its most captivating features. However, not all plumeria varieties produce strong scents. Some are fragrant, while others may have […]

Understanding Plumeria Genealogy: Reading a Cultivar’s Family Tree For plumeria enthusiasts and breeders, understanding the lineage or family tree of a cultivar is essential for predicting its traits and understanding its genetic history. Just as we trace human ancestry to understand the traits that get passed down through generations, the same applies to plants. Whether […]

Mutation and Polyploidy: Rare Genetic Paths to New Plumerias In the world of plumeria breeding, most new cultivars are created through deliberate hybridization—crossing two plumeria varieties to combine their desirable traits. However, not all new plumeria varieties come from intentional crosses. Some come from natural mutations (sports) or chromosome doubling (polyploidy). These rare genetic processes […]