My 20 year old plumeria was badly damaged last fall. Had to store it outside. (Normally kept indoors over the winter) Tried to save it by covering with plastic and putting Christmas lights inside plastic to keep it warm. It burned the trunk. This summer the outer bark peeled off. You can see in the photo these small roots? growing. Also the bottom is growing like crazy. Can I cut the trunk at the damage site and replant it? Thanks so much! I love the tree.

Was the whole plant stored outside during winter? I am surprised that it even survived that. The first picture of the trunk looks dead. But it does seem like roots are forming. Is that part low down the main trunk? cannot figure that out? And is the upper part with green leaves current picture? If so you cutting it at the damaged bark portion can be rooted. But it is quite large. I think a better option will be to air layer it. Look up air layering if you are not sure or ask here and I can provide some instructions on it.

wow winter in new jersey, that is a survivor...

We normally bring the tree inside for the winter but it was getting too big and heavy. Pictured below is the area with the red arrow that has the damage, plus the roots (?) coming out and new growth at the base.




Should I just cut the trunk below the damage and replant?

You definitely need to do something or you will lose the top. The top is struggling and probably using up the reserves in the stems. You can try to root it as a cutting. There is a good chance you will succeed. I would remove some of the leaves -say leave two on each end and all the flowers. I will also suggest to remove some of branches to reduce the burden and increase your chances. You will need to support the bug plant very well so that it does move in the slightest bit in its new pot. Bury the trunk at least 6 inches in a container with soil mix. I think you will need a 3 gallon container to start with. Keep it out of direct Sun in a sheltered spot.

Thanks soooo much! I don't need to let it callous over before planting? Thank again —and again.

My bad. It would be better to callus it. In my mind I was thinking all the tissues around the damaged part may be dead. But it it may not be. Perhaps some small part is still alive and so it would be better to leave the cutting to dry out and callous. Couple of days should be good enough.

I would personally try to air root it. Just tie a bag of soil onto the damaged area with the roots. You can leave it growing as is, and wait until you see a good set of roots in the bag. Then cut it off and repot it.

@TeamCll Air layering was first suggestion too. But bianca seems more comfortable with the cutting route.

I only suggested air layering so that you can continue growing as is. If you cut it off and reroot, you'll have to strip off 95% of its leaves so it can focus on forming roots as opposed to sustaining lots of leaves. Whatever you're more comfortable with, go for it!

Thanks soooo much! I don't need to let it callous over before planting? Thank again —and again.

That's going to be a very large cutting. You're definitely going to have to stake it to support it. You should let the bottom dry out, yes. I know people who swear by just sticking them in the ground right when they break off. Without letting them callous over. They also have a pretty good success rate. I usually dip mine in root hormone powder and let sit for about 3 days in the shade before planting.

Very good advice, I have rooted a couple without letting callous over but your odds are better if you do let them sit for 3-4 days before planting. I've done root hormone and without. Both have done well. Just takes practice😎