Question
Hi,

I count on your proficiency to help me out with some expert advice related to Plumeria cuttings.

I hav bought 2 Plumeria cutting: One white with yellow and another one red. I have read a lot of advice relating to their potting.

I've used a mixed soil: 1/ regular soil + 2/orchid soil + 3/ perlite.  

I've cut the 2 cuttings in 2 with the intention to be sure that I will have survivors, I've put each piece in Atonik substance for 15 min, also i've put some special substance to the top of the cutting in order not to dry the top after the cutting and then planted.

Also, at the end covered with 1/2 plastic bottle in order to create an safe and warm environment.

I put water just once since planting.

This happened 1 month ago.

3 days ago i took out the plastic bottle and leave them in the same place - at my office near the window, untouched by  others and at a 26 Celsius degree temperature. Those were the conditions for a month.

Today, I've discovered that the cutted half from one plumeria went dry and they still have no root.

Would you be so very kind to help out with some advice to let me know what shall i do to help my plumerias to get roots once and for all.

I am delighted to have them, I saw a lot of Plumerias but I cannot accept not to succeed growing mine.

Thank you very much.
Kind regards,
Mihaela Banica
Romania

Answer
Hi Mihaela, you are reading way too much into the rooting procedure for your cuttings: after they are cut, they need to be left out of soil until the cut calluses over, (usually about a week..) then they are placed in a vermiculite/potting soil mixture and watered, allowed to dry out somewhat, then watered again, you need to keep the mixture between damp and dry for roots to eventually form, they will not form if the soil base is dry. Keep the container out of direct sun until you see growth commence from the top, then it can be moved into direct sun. You may cover the cutting and container with a plastic baggy, with a few holes cut in it, to keep the soil from drying out too quickly, but maintain a somewhat damp soil base, not wet, not moist, just not completely dry. Nick