Dealing with Lanky Plumerias: How to Fix Long, Bare Stems

Plumeria plants are renowned for their vibrant blooms, but sometimes they grow in a way that’s less than ideal. If you have a tall, leggy plumeria with long, bare stems and few branches, don’t worry—this is a common issue that can be fixed with some careful attention. Lanky growth can be the result of low light, insufficient pruning, or certain genetic traits. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to correct this growth habit and encourage your plumeria to develop a fuller, more balanced form.

In this article, we’ll discuss why your plumeria might have grown tall with few branches and offer practical solutions, including topping, notching, or even grafting. We’ll also highlight the best time to perform these interventions and emphasize safety precautions, such as handling plumerias carefully due to their sap.

1. Why Plumerias Get Lanky: Common Causes

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why your plumeria may have grown long and bare. There are a few key reasons why plumeria plants can develop lanky, leggy growth:

Low Light:

• Cause: Plumerias naturally prefer full sun to thrive. If your plumeria is grown in low light conditions or too much shade, it will often stretch toward the light source, resulting in longer internodes (the space between leaves and branches) and fewer branches.
• Effect: This leads to a bare, elongated stem with minimal lateral growth.

Genetic Factors:

• Cause: Some plumeria cultivars or species are genetically predisposed to grow tall and spindly, with few branches. Plumeria rubra, for example, can develop this habit if not properly pruned, as it often grows vertically before branching.
• Effect: This is especially common in young plumerias that have not yet been pruned or shaped.

Lack of Pruning:

• Cause: Without regular pruning, plumeria plants may not develop new branches, as the plant focuses its energy on vertical growth.
• Effect: This leads to an unbalanced plant with tall, bare stems and fewer flowers.

2. Solutions for Fixing Lanky, Leggy Plumerias

Now that we understand why plumerias grow lanky, let’s look at some practical solutions to encourage more branching and compact growth. The goal is to help your plumeria produce new side branches and stop it from growing too tall or spindly.

1. Topping the Plant: Cutting the Main Stem to Force Branching

One of the most effective ways to fix a lanky plumeria is to top the plant, which involves cutting the main stem at the top to force new growth and branching. By cutting the growing tip, the plant will naturally respond by sending out lateral buds, which will become new branches.

How to Top a Plumeria:

• Cut the Main Stem: Use a sharp, clean tool (such as pruning shears or a pruning saw) to cut off the top portion of the stem. Make the cut just above a healthy node (where leaves or branches emerge).
• Leave a Healthy Node: The node is where the new branches will emerge. It’s essential to make the cut just above this area to encourage side shoots.
• Timing: The best time to top your plumeria is after flowering or in early spring, when the plant is entering its active growing phase.

Benefits of Topping:

• Encourages lateral growth for a bushier, fuller plant.
• Helps prevent the plant from growing too tall and top-heavy.

2. Notching: A Strategic Way to Force Branching

Another technique to encourage plumerias to branch is called notching. This involves making small cuts or grooves into the plant’s main stem at specific points to trigger new growth.

How to Perform Notching:

• Make a Small Cut: Using a sharp knife, make a small horizontal incision about halfway through the stem. This should be done just above a healthy node to encourage new growth.
• Timing: Like topping, notching is most effective during the plant’s active growing season (typically in spring or early summer).
• Leave the Plant to Heal: After notching, avoid additional cuts for a few weeks to allow the plant to focus on branching and healing.

Benefits of Notching:

• Promotes multiple branches from a single point on the stem.
• A gentler alternative to topping, which may be better suited for trees with a thicker trunk.

3. Grafting a Branch onto a Bare Trunk: A More Advanced Solution

For plumerias that have grown with a bare trunk and no branching, grafting a branch onto the main stem can help jump-start branching. Grafting involves attaching a healthy cutting or branch from another plumeria to the trunk of the original plant.

How to Graft a Plumeria:

• Prepare the Graft: Choose a healthy plumeria branch that has several buds or a growing tip. Cut it to the appropriate size, ensuring it fits cleanly onto the trunk of the original plant.
• Join the Cutting to the Trunk: Use a sharp knife to make matching cuts on both the grafted stem and the trunk. Carefully attach the graft, securing it with grafting tape or plant ties.
• Seal the Graft: Cover the grafted area with grafting wax to prevent moisture loss and allow the union to heal properly.
• Timing: Grafting should be done in early spring when the plant is actively growing.

Benefits of Grafting:

• Encourages branching from a bare trunk.
• Useful for plants that have not branched naturally or those that are leggy due to poor growth habits.

3. Safety Tips for Handling Plumerias

When pruning, notching, or grafting plumerias, it’s essential to handle the plant carefully to avoid injury from sap and ensure the plant heals properly.

Safety Precautions:

• Wear Gloves: Plumeria sap can be irritating to the skin, so always wear gloves when handling the plant, especially when making cuts or working with the branches.
• Use Clean, Sharp Tools: To prevent the spread of disease and make clean cuts, always use sterilized pruning shears or a pruning saw. Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution.
• Be Gentle: Plumeria wood can be brittle, especially when it’s older. Handle the branches and stems gently to avoid snapping or breaking them during pruning or grafting.

Conclusion: Fixing Lanky Plumerias for Healthier Growth

Fixing lanky, leggy plumerias with long, bare stems requires a little intervention, but with the right techniques like topping, notching, or grafting, you can encourage the plant to develop more branches and a fuller structure. These methods not only improve the appearance of your plant but also encourage healthier growth and more abundant flowers.

Remember to prune and pinch plumeria regularly to keep them growing in the desired direction, and always be mindful of the best season for pruning to minimize stress on the plant. By following these steps, you can ensure your plumeria stays vibrant, balanced, and ready to bloom beautifully for years to come.