Question
My sister-in-law whom lives in Florida, just sent me a some Bird of paradise tree clippings, as well as white/Red/Yellow Hawaiian Flowers (the ones used of lies) and desert rose clippings. I live In Central IL, and our winters are harsh here....I know they need tropical weather... I have two questions...First, do or do I not plant them in the ground? Second, They do not have roots...and I never planted trees or plants that didn't have roots...most of them are 2-4 feet tall. I have no idea how to care for the beautiful presents she sent. HELP!

Answer
Hi Tammy,
Thanx for your question.  The white/red/yellow flowers for leis could be frangipani or plumeria.  The twigs root easily if stuck in warm, moist soil.  Twigs should be no more than 6 or 8 inches long.  The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is propagated from woody stem cuttings.  Make 6 inch cuttings, dip in rooting hormone and put in warm, wet sand.  Keep the bottom warm.  I don't know how fresh your cuttings are so they may not take.  The Bird of paradise tree is Casealpinia gilliesii and is easily propagated from seed.  I would go the seed route.  Can your sister-in-law give you some seed?  Otherwise, make 6 inch cuttings, dip in rooting hormone and stick in warm, wet sand.  About 8 weeks later if the twigs are viable you will see roots.  The cuttings you have are probably not very fresh anymore so it will be hit or miss whether or not they root.  I would mist the cuttings a couple of times a day, keep the environment, especially the bottoms moist and warm.  Once the cuttings have rooted, you can plant in separate pots.  Give them a diluted balanced 12-12-12 fertilizer, keep in a pot that drains well but don't let them dry out.  In the summer, put them outdoors so they can enjoy the heat and sunshine but put them in the shade first for about 10 days so they won't get sunburned.  I hope this helps.
Tom