Why Prune Plumeria?
The Plumeria is a tropical flowering tree native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and parts of South America. It has become popular in warmer climates around the world due to its sweet fragrance and bright colored flowers. In order for a plumeria to flower properly, it needs regular maintenance and pruning. Pruning helps shape the plant, encourages new growth and can help keep pests away from your tree.
When To Prune
The best time to prune a plumeria is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. This will give you more control over how it shapes out as well as avoid stressing out an actively growing plant. If there are dead or diseased branches that need removal they should be taken care of immediately regardless of what season it is.
How To Prune Plumeria
1) Start by removing any dead or diseased branches right away using sharp scissors or shears that have been disinfected with rubbing alcohol first so you don’t spread diseases across your plants.
2) Thin out any overcrowded branches by cutting them at their base near where they join with another branch – this will encourage air circulation which helps prevent rot and fungus problems in plumerias .
3) Cut back all stems to about six inches above soil level – this will encourage strong root development since most new shoots come from just below ground level rather than higher up on the stem like some other plants do .
4) Don’t worry about shaping your plumeria into anything specific- let nature take its course! Just focus on keeping the stem length uniform throughout by trimming any overly long ones short enough for them not overwhelm everything else .
5) Finally, if desired use thinning shears to create an even more manicured look- but make sure these too are sterilized before use so disease isn’t spread among your plumerias!
Tips For Successful Pruning
• Always wear gloves while pruning-this will protect your hands from getting scratched on thorns present along many varieties of plumeria stems
• Use sharp tools such as scissors or secateurs (pruners)- blunt tools may tear at delicate tissue instead of cleanly snipping off branches resulting in distressful wounds that could slow down growth rate significantly
• Remove all cutted material promptly after completing work- leaving old twigs lying around could invite unwanted visitors like insects who might end up making themselves comfortable within less than desirable places inside/around your beloved trees!
