Question
QUESTION: Hi Nick,

I have a plumeria planted in the back yard, coming up on 2 years old.  Until just recently it looked great.  I see what looks like some kind of rot at the base where the trunk branches off unto the 3 main stems. It is literally eating it away.  our other plumeria in the same back yard...no problem

Is this some kind of fungus or rot that can be treated and if so, with what?

Thanks for your help

Larry VanderMeulen

ANSWER: Hi Larry, it sounds like too much water, which can cause just what you are describing, a rot sets in; you may have to cut back to just below the rot to stop the spread. Take stems from the area you cut back and start new plants from them (I will walk you through it if you don't know how). The area at the cut will begin new growth, you didn't mention how big the Frangipani was, hopefully that particular branched area isn't the only branch. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh boy...I just placed a drip irrigation to my rose hedging this spring as they were not getting enough water, and thought I should run one to the plumeria too; I believe in retrospect, that's when we noticed the problem. (I will cap the irrigation tube)

The "rot" is at the base of the 3ft high plant, just 2-3 inches above soil level. It did not effect one of the three branches.  Should I cut it off virtually to the ground below the rot and let it regrow from there, or take a cutting from the plant and replant it?

Thanks for your insight

Larry

Answer
I would take as many 6inch or biggier cuttings as I need and start new plants, and then hope the parent will regenerate growth; roses need to irrigated on a regular basis, Plumerias are at then other end of the spectrum, requiring much less....good luck Nick