Plumeria – Keeping Them Healthy
Plumeria are easy to take care of. Many people over the last few years have joined the ranks of Plumeria owners because of thier beauty, frangrance and ease of care. Every now and then you do need to give your plant a spring cleaning to keep it in tip top shape. Follow the tips below and you will have Plumeria Trees to be proud of.
Re-Potting in Spring – That small pot your Plumeria plants were rooted in is too small to keep the plant growing vigorously after the first year or two. Aim for a 10-inch or larger pot for the next several years of growth. Most commercial potting mixes will work especially with the addition of drainage materials such as sand, Perlite, etc. and some extra organic matter such as peat or composted manure. The easiest mix to use in Teas Plumeria Mix or Teas Rose Bed Mix. Another workable mix is 40% Perlite, 40% peat moss, and 20% sand. Also Osmocote 14-14-14 pellets or other time released plant food can be worked into the mix. PLANT YOUR PLUMERIA IN FRESH SOIL EACH YEAR with the stem at the same level it was growing before. You may alternate repotting with “topping up” your pot. This involves removing some of the soil from the top of the pot and putting fresh mix back around the plant in the same pot. ROOT PRUNING THE FINE ROOTS IS BENEFICIAL EACH SPRING IF POSSIBLE. The fine roots from last year will die in the winter. These old roots do not decompose readily and tend to clog up the pot. With a root pruning you can put fresh soil around the larger roots in the same pot for several years—just change out the old fine roots for fresh organic potting medium like Teas Rose Bed Mix.
Winter protection – Plumeria should be brought in after temperatures begin to fall into the 40’s(F). Water them before bringing them inside. YOU SHOULD NOT NEED TO WATER THEM VERY MUCH, IF AT ALL, FOR THE WINTER. Store the plants in a s bright a light as possible. Although they will survive dark cool storage for the winter they will bloom better with a growing season that is extended with bright light and warmth. They will be straighter and more compact with bright light through the winter. Greenhouse conditions would be ideal, keeping the plants close to 70 degrees F. If necessary they can be stored inside by removing them from their pots, shaking loose the soil and storing them in warm attics or closets for the winter. You can remove the leaves, but if you do, give them an extra day or so for the latex to dry before packing them away. After the warm weather has started in the spring, take them out and trim the roots and repot or even plant them in the ground. You can plant them in pots and submerge the pot partially or fully in the ground, making removal in fall easier and promoting good growth in the warm weather. Use Superthrive to help get them going and remember to shade them from intense sun for two weeks when bring them out for the spring/summer.
Pruning: You can prune plumeria at any time using a sharp knife. Be sure to cut at an angle so the cut won’t hold any moisture. The plant will bleed latex sap, but it will stop in a day or so. If you dip the cut briefly in water, it can help it stop flowing. If you think the plant is getting too tall, prune it so the blooms will be at a better height. Your plumeria will just grow more branches and bloom even more. You may notice that some cuttings bloom before they even grow leaves.
Cuttings: Cuttings for propagation should be at least a foot in length. Allow them to dry in a ventilated area for up to a week or longer as needed. Use Superthrive to water the cuttings once they are potted, but make sure they are kept on the dry side and are protected from direct sun. Make a three inch hole in the soil to plant the cutting in. Roots will develop from the bottom, so don’t plant it too deeply. It will take about a month for your cutting to root. If you can provide a warm environment or bottom heat, it will root better. Choose a pot that is 4-6 inches wide and deep. If they are kept too moist or don’t have enough light, the cuttings may begin to rot.
Growing from Seed – Plumeria are easily grown from seed, but the seedlings will not come true to variety. All named plants are cutting-grown from plants with superior characteristics. To grow you own seed, allow the pods to develop and ripen over a period of several months. The seed is explosive so you may prefer to tie a paper bag around it to catch all the seed. EACH POD HOLDS ABOUT 100 SEEDS. Plant them in 3 – 4 inch trays with bottom heat. Use a good soilless mix like Pro-Mix to fill the trays. Plant them about 1/4-inch deep, tamp down, and water gently. They sprout quickly. Avoid over-watering to prevent damp-off. Plant them in small pots after they have at least two true leaves. They will grow quickly and can bloom in about the same time it takes a cutting to bloom.
Plumeria care is easy. Following the tips in this article will keep you plants healthy and more likely to flower.
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