Orange County Farm Supply
1826 W Chapman Ave., Orange CA 92868
714 978-6500
The Role of Fertilizers on Plumerias*
We can safely say that all we plumerias enthusiasts are out to get those beautiful blooms! Besides ample sunlight, Plumerias require consistent fertilizing.
Fertilizers usually contain the primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. They should also contain secondary nutrients, which are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. To complete the mix, fertilizers should contain the micronutrients iron, zinc, manganese, copper, molybdenum, boron, and cobalt.
Plumerias usually like low nitrogen, high phosphorus, and high potassium with all the secondaries and micronutrients. Nitrogen promotes growth and foliage development. Phosphorous promotes blooms, reproductive activity, and root development. Potassium helps with overall vigor, branch thickness, and resistance to insects and pathogens.
Chemicals VS Organics
Fertilizers that are chemically based should be thought of as feeding the plants and not feeding the soil. Repeated applications of chemical fertilizers can slowly deplete microbial activity in soils. However, the plus side is that chemical fertilizers are vey cost effective and results are quick and intense.
Organic based fertilizers should be thought of as feeding the soil. The plants get the nutrients from the soli and this process is more timely. Results are also intense but the negative aspect is that organic fertilizers are not as cost effective.
Typically, chemical fertilizers can be obtained in many forms, i.e., pellets, and water-soluble. There are also supplements like Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), Sul-po-mag (sulfur, potassium, magnesium) and potassium sulfate (0-0-50). The magnesium in Epson salts is essential in the formation of chlorophyll. It should be used monthly as it benefits the roots and flowers. Epsom salts also helps prevent sunburned leaves on hot summer days. Sul-po-mag and potassium sulfate should be used in May to help strengthen stems for the stress of flowering and again in October for hardening the stems for winter. (Winterizing).
Organic fertilizers come in liquid as well as solid/granular forms. Fish emulsion and liquefied kelp are excellent liquid forms. Liquid kelp is great for foliar feeding but be careful to wash it off the flowers as it may temporarily stain them. Dr. Earth has an excellent granular fertilizer: Bud and Bloom Booster for Tropicals (4-10-7). It contains fish bone meal, feather meal, potassium sulfate, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal. In addition, it contains 7 different beneficial microbes to help accelerate breakdown and availability of nutrients, therefore it is biologically active, Good supplements are green sand for a potassium source (0-0-3) and fish bone meal (3-18-0), as opposed top bone meal (bovine) (2.5-12-0) for phosphorus source.
The last thing I think we should touch on is Mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are a beneficial fungus that has a symbiotic relationship with the plants’ roots. Think of it as a bridge between the plants roots and the nutrients in the soil. This beneficial fungus attaches itself to the tips of plant roots and extends deep into soils (much further than plant roots) and brings nutrients to the host plants. Think of this as an inoculants. The plant benefits as does the Mycorrhizae because the fungus receives the life force from the plants. It should be noted that use of fungicides will kill off Mycorrhizae and the over use of high phosphate fertilizers may decline the efficiency of this fungus. Phosphorous is key to flowering , so one way to overcome that is to foliar feed and not drench the soil with water soluble chemical fertilizers such as Grow-More 6-30-30.
For Plumerias, the best form of mycorrhizae is a water-soluble kelp based powder that contains 12 different types of fungi. All that is required is a teaspoon per gallon of water and drench the root zone. One inoculation can last for years.
In closing, you can feed your Plumerias monthly, during the growing and flowering season, do not fertilize or water Plumeria during their dormant season.
* Reprinted from Orange County Farm Supply Newsletter, Fall 2001, Volume 1, Issue 1
FAQs
Plumerias usually like low nitrogen, high phosphorus, and high potassium with all the secondaries and micronutrients. Nitrogen promotes growth and foliage development. Phosphorous promotes blooms, reproductive activity, and root development.
What is the best fertilizer for a plumeria? ›
We use MiracleGro on all of our 1 gal and 8” plants. If you have a lot of plants, or plants in the ground, a 15-15-15 works well. A fertilizer with micro-nutrients, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, is good but not absolutely necessary.
What does Epsom salt do for plumeria? ›
The magnesium in Epson salts is essential in the formation of chlorophyll. It should be used monthly as it benefits the roots and flowers. Epsom salts also helps prevent sunburned leaves on hot summer days.
How often should I fertilize Plumerias? ›
As mentioned before plumeria are heavy feeders. However, in order to discourage excessive stem elongation and to promote flowering, fertilizers low in nitrogen and high in phosphorous are, once again, recommended. Keep a plumeria healthy by feeding once or twice a month, and watering as necessary.
Do coffee grounds help Plumerias? ›
🤩 While used coffee grounds add a little extra nitrogen to your composting top dress 💃, It is a slightly more acidic time release nitrogen which helps that top dress decompose into a healthy and organic way to give your Plumeria a boost in growth without affecting the flowering season.
Do plumerias like worm castings? ›
For those who are wanting to mix their own soils, I've had great success with using the following mix - 30% Peat Moss, 30% Coco Coir, 20% Perlite, 15% Worm Castings, 5% Bat Guano.
Why are the leaves on my plumeria plant turning yellow? ›
If they're not getting enough, they can turn yellow. This is because the sun is essential to the photosynthesis process, which is the means by which your plants create their food. If your plumerias are not getting enough sun, there won't be enough nutrients. Thus, its leaves will yellow.
How to make Plumerias bloom? ›
It also needs bright, all day sun. If it is outside, it should be in a sheltered spot, with reflected sunshine and heat a bonus. In your zone, it should be brought inside, best in a greenhouse, for the winter. Plumerias produce a bloom hormone before sending seed to branch ends for flowers.
Can I just sprinkle Epsom salt on plants? ›
Can I Just Sprinkle Epsom Salt on Plants? Never apply Epsom salt straight from the package. Always dilute the granules in water first, and either drench your plants' roots or spray it on the foliage. Don't spray on hot or sunny days, however, to avoid scorching the foliage.
What plants should you not use Epsom salts on? ›
Carnivorous plants — Pitcher plants, venus flytraps, and sundews are some insect-eating plants that should not be applied with Epsom salts. Because they are adapted to grow in mineral-poor and depleted soil, supplementing fertilizers with even a tiny dosage could mean death to the bug-trapping ornamentals.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food
This plant food for plumeria comes in an easy-to-mix water-soluble powder. Add 1 tablespoon of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water for outdoor plumeria. Gardeners can use Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or a watering can.
How many times a year does a plumeria bloom? ›
Plumerias typically have a blooming season during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. They usually go dormant during the winter months and stop blooming. However, the blooming period can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.
Do plumerias do better in pots or ground? ›
Experience has shown that Plumeria need ample root room while actively growing. Those grown in open ground always perform and bloom better than those held captive in small pots. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 gallon pot size for each foot of plumeria branch / trunk length.
Are banana peels good for plumerias? ›
Add some coffee ground, a circle round the main root once every 3-4 weeks. Or banana peel water 2-3 times a week max. (leave a banana peel in water for 2-3 days) for nutrtional value.
Do plumeria like to be misted? ›
Thrives well in moderate humidity levels. If this plant is planted in a dry climate, provide misting to the foliage but not to the flowers. Add a water source nearby or a tray of wet pebbles to create humidity.
How do I encourage plumeria to bloom? ›
It also needs bright, all day sun. If it is outside, it should be in a sheltered spot, with reflected sunshine and heat a bonus. In your zone, it should be brought inside, best in a greenhouse, for the winter. Plumerias produce a bloom hormone before sending seed to branch ends for flowers.
How do I get my plumeria to grow more branches? ›
Prime time for plumeria pruning is in spring, before new blooms emerge. This is the best way to encourage plumeria branching, as two or three new branches will emerge from each cut. Prune the plumeria a couple of inches (5 cm.) above the junction of two branches.
How do you keep plumeria healthy? ›
In coastal regions, Plumerias can be placed in the direct sun without harm. For inland areas, plants should be placed in a partially protection location. A little shade will protect foliage and stems from becoming scorched and will also prevent sun scalding on the stems. Plumerias can survive with little moisture.
