Hello everyone,

I had my plumeria for over 3 years now and I just noticed that the base of the plant is getting mushy. I read on the internet that it might be stem rot. I dug it up and I can't see any visible root rot. The stem at the base has a mushy layer, but then the core it's not mushy at all. Is this stem rot?
I live in southern California, so pretty dry in here.

Thanks for your help!

Maybe a light case of stem rot instead of root rot? Does that part of the stem get wet often when watering?

Yea, that's likely since it was the part near the soil.
Should I just do some surgery and try to re-root?
Leaves have been growing veeeery slowly this year (I still haven't got a single full leaf and it's been high 70s to high 80s for quite a few weeks now), then I noticed that the plant was getting a little mushy at the base

Yes, I would try that. Cuttings should be 12–15 inches long (if possible) and approximately ½ inch wide (or more). If any leaves are present on the cutting, you can remove some or all of them to reduce transpiration(too much moisture loss through the leaves). Allow the cutting to dry so a callus forms on the cut end (maybe in for three to five days???). Sink the cutting base about 3 inches into an already moistened container with a very well draining potting soil (like cactus mix). Do not water for the first 5-6 weeks while the cutting is developing roots (to prevent rotting). But, begin to water lightly when new leaves begin to develop. As new leaves become fully developed, resume "normal" watering. The potting soil in the container should stay moist but not wet.

You can certainly try and cut till you see clear no decaying part, and let that area callus, before sticking to a dry gritty media, so it can try to regrow new roots. But be patient, it takes time. Position in part sun/shade till it manages to show a new well formed leaf again, before you can resume watering. I do not know how much will be left on your cutting, if it is enough energy for it to go for, but always worth a try. It may still try and catch up.

Update: I cut my plumeria and definitely found it rotting inside. Unfortunately the main stem is gone, but I got 3 nice branches out of it of decent size. I'll let it callus for a few days, then follow your directions. Fingers crossed and thanks for the help!

Good luck!