Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Plumeria 'Neon Lights', 3 by drdawg43

drdawg43 wrote:
Teresa, I am not sure your question was directed to me. I am certainly not the most knowledgeable plumeria grower out there. Orchids are my main interest. But I will tell you what I do. I am assuming the three plumeria are well-rooted. Right?

1. Plumeria will have a large root system unless the plants are really small. IF the plants are in small pots (e.g. 4") take them out and see if the root ball fills that pot. If it does, re-pot into 1 gal. pots. Use this same suggestion regardless of the pot size you have your plants in. If they are in 1 gal. pots, remove them and check the root system. Pot-up if necessary.
2. If your plants have few leaves, fertilize every week with 1/2 strength general purpose fertilizer, something like 20-20-20, until they are well-leafed. If/when they are well-leafed, fertilize every week with 1/2 strength BLOOMING FERTILIZER for four consecutive weeks. Then fertilize every other week.
3. Plumeria should be potted in very well-draining soil. You can use regular potting soil but to every gal. add a handful of COARSE perlite and a handful of sand. IF you happen to grow orchids, add a handful of orchid mix. All you are trying to do is establish good draining.
4. For maximum growth and flowering, your plants need full sun. I would say a minimum of 6 hrs. (which should be easy to do with our long days). The more sun the better.
5. Water when the top 2" of the potting soil is dry. Plumeria like moisture but they don't like to be wet, if you know what I mean. Certainly don't have them sitting in a saucer of water.

That's about it. Good luck. Here are a few pictures taken yesterday of some of my plumeria and two with flower stalks, a 'Celadine' and a 'Vera Cruz Rose'.