I bought this as a cutting at least 4 years ago at a carnival and totally forgot what it was. I freaked out when it lost it's leaves the first year or two, but have come to realize they always come back. This was the first year I got any blooms - beautiful dark pink edges fading to softer pink in the middle. No idea what kind it is (and my bloom pics didn't turn out too well, sorry).
Shortly after the first flower opened one of my kids knocked the pot over and the stem got bent . I was almost distraught! I didn't know what else to do so I tied it to a pole for support and taped the area where the stem was severed at the bend to keep the juices from coming out. I gave it extra water and it went on to produce many beautiful blooms and several new branches (a first). But now the leaves are getting these yellow spots and I don't know why. Is it from the stress of the earlier damage? Post-bloom shedding of some kind? Disease? Water needs? Something else?
Also I'd like to repot this into something more stable and attractive. Your thoughts on potting soil, fertilizer, water and light needs and general care would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
This message was edited Jul 17, 2006 3:57 PM
newbie q's re: stressed plumeria
oops, I thought I put the picture in... maybe this will help you...
Hi Annie...well i think you don't have major problems...sometimes in the heat...uneven watering etc...the yellowing will occur..although some say to give lots of water in summer...i want to send the warning of being careful with overwatering out again...treat them like a cacti....am sure others will chime in...Brad in Casselberry is not too far from you...perhaps you two can chat...he's very knowledgeable...congrats on the new growth etc...Bob
Hi Annie, is the stem broken or bent? If it got broken and you taped it back together, then you just grafted it! The tape should hold the two pieces together tightly and should be removed after about four weeks.
It looks like it needs to be staked better. Put the stake right up against the stem and as far down in the pot as it will go. Then tie the plumie at the bottom, middle, and top to the stake so that it is completely straight. After a few weeks to a month, it will stay up on its own without the aid of the stake. It would be good to support it correctly while the cut is healing. It does not look supported the way it is right now.
As for the yellowing, it is natural for the older leaves to turn yellow and fall off as you get new growth. When you graft plumies, you actually remove all but the topmost leaves. If your plumie was completely or partially severed, then you should remove most of the leaves except the smallest, topmost ones. While the graft is healing, put your plumie in shade and keep the root ball moist but not wet.
I would not repot until the graft has healed. Please see the sticky thread at the top of the plumeria forum for threads, links, and information about potting soil, fertilizer, water, light, and general care. It is all there. You may also want to read the information about grafting since you just performed a graft of your own.
This message was edited Jul 17, 2006 10:53 PM
I was trying to find a picture showing some of my staked plumies, and I found this one. It isn't the best photo, but it gives you an idea of how a plumie that is crooked or bent should be supported. This process does straighten them out.
Also, if you are interested, I wrote an article on plumeria care at http://www.plumerias.com Look for the link at the bottom that says "Clare's Garden." It will give you an idea of what I do to care for my plumies. For other information, such as overwintering, check out the FAQ's sticky thread that I mentioned earlier.
