The Propagation and Rooting Guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for successfully propagating plumeria through various methods, including cuttings, grafting, and seed starting. This comprehensive guide walks you through each technique, offering proven strategies to encourage healthy root development and ensure strong, thriving plants. Whether you’re starting with a cutting, grafting to preserve a cultivar, or growing from seed, you’ll learn how to create the ideal conditions for success. With expert advice on soil types, humidity levels, and care routines, this guide helps you master the art of plumeria propagation, ensuring your plants grow strong from the very beginning.
Cuttings for Grafting (Scions) – Plumeria Propagation
Cuttings for Grafting (Scions) – Plumeria Propagation
Selecting and preparing scions (cuttings) for grafting is critical to ensure quick union and vigorous growth. Scions differ from rooting cuttings: they do not require callusing and must be freshly cut at grafting time. This guide covers everything you need to know about scion preparation, rootstock selection, storage, and tracking.
Suggested Scion Length
- Ideal Length: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
- Why Length Matters: Provides sufficient wood for multiple graft techniques and ensures optimal cambium contact without excessive weight.
Preparing Scions (No Callusing Required)
1. Selecting Healthy Scion Wood
- Choose the current season’s growth: firm, semi-mature wood about pencil thickness.
- Avoid wood that is too young (green and flexible) or too old (brittle).
2. Making the Scion Cut
- Use a sharp, sterilized grafting knife.
- Make a clean straight cut, leaving 2–3 nodes on each scion.
- Trim lower leaves, retaining 1–2 leaves at the tip if desired to reduce stress.
Rootstock Requirements
| Rootstock Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Seedlings (Preferred) | Well-established, rooted cuttings with vigorous roots; a suitable alternative. |
| Rooted Cuttings | Well-established rooted cuttings with vigorous roots; suitable alternative. |
Note: Rootstock diameter should be within 1/8 inch of scion diameter for best cambium alignment.
Proper Scion Storage & Preservation
- Short-term (Hours to Days):
- Wrap scions in moist paper towels.
- Place inside sealed plastic bags in a cool, shaded area (~55–65°F).
- Long-term (Up to 1 Week):
- Store in a refrigerator crisper at 40–50°F.
- Check periodically to ensure towels remain moist; avoid freezing.
Re-cutting Scions Immediately Before Grafting
- Just before grafting, recut the scion base:
- Use a fresh, sterilized blade.
- Make a clean, straight cut to expose fresh cambium.
- Work quickly to minimize sap drying and contamination.
Labeling & Tracking Your Scions
Accurate labeling is essential to track cultivar and graft date:
- Labels: Waterproof plastic tags or vinyl labels.
- Markers: UV-resistant permanent markers.
- Information to Include:
- Cultivar name
- Date prepared
- Rootstock ID (if pre-selected)
- Graft date (to be added later)
Maintain a grafting log or spreadsheet with scion and rootstock pairings and outcomes.
How-To: Preparing and Grafting Scions
Step 1: Select & Prepare Scion
- Cut 8–10 inch scion from healthy, semi-mature wood.
- Remove excess leaves; sterilize cut ends.
Step 2: Select & Prepare Rootstock
- Choose a seedling or a rooted cutting with a matching diameter.
- Make appropriate graft cut on rootstock (e.g., cleft, wedge).
Step 3: Re-cut Scion Base
- Just before grafting, recut the scion base with a clean blade.
- Match scion and rootstock cuts for cambium alignment.
Step 4: Join Scion & Rootstock
- Align the cambium layers carefully.
- Secure with grafting tape or Parafilm to seal and support.
Step 5: Post-Graft Care
- Place the grafted plant in bright, indirect light at 70–85°F.
- Maintain humidity around the union; avoid direct sun until healed.
- Monitor for union formation over 4–8 weeks.