Fertilizer question

I read a lot of the sticky above. There is sooooooo much information with different fertilizer numbers that it is confusing. I have two Plumeria cuttings (thanks Hetty!). Each has leaves starting. I just put them in pots 2 days ago. What fertilizer do I use? I am in zone 9B. When do I fertilize? I have fertilizer which is 10-10-10. Is that ok to use? Should I use MG Bloom Booster instead?

I potted my cuttings per Plumeria 101 in approx 1 gallon containers. I watered them thoroughly. I am going to wait a week before watering again. Should I fertilize at that time? Lots of newbie questions!

Thanks for your kindness :)
Cissy

P.S. In the picture, the plant on the left appears to be leaning. It's not, it's the camera angle :-P Also wanted to add that since this picture was taken only 2-3 days ago, the single root plant's leaves are growing more already! The branched plumeria hasn't changed yet :)

This message was edited Jul 13, 2008 8:32 AM

Hi Cissy,

Two things initially -- you'll want to remove the rocks at the top of the pots. Those actually hold in water and keep the soil wet, which is something that we don't want to do with plumerias. I know Plumeria 101 instructs growers to use them, but there have been reports of burning to the tissue of the plumeria at the soil line in places like Arizona and Texas, and I don't like them because you can't see when the soil is dry so you won't know when to water and when not to. If you have them at the bottom, you'll want to remove those too as they will impede drainage.

You'll also want to remove the catch trays, which do the same thing. Plumerias need good drainage to be healthy, and catch trays are the enemy of good drainage. For cuttings that are rooting, it is especially important for them not to sit in soil that doesn't drain well. The soil should be moist but not wet.

You don't need to fertilize while the cuttings are rooting. It will take another 60-90 days for them to become established, and since you are in Zone 9b, you will take them inside for the fall and winter after the initial rooting period. You can then fertilize next spring with 10-10-10 or another balanced fertilizer.

Oh, thank you Clare! That's great information! I shall remove the pebbles AND catch trays right now. I love that the leaves on the single root have grown in lenght already since that pic was taken.

Thanks again for all information :)

Cissy

Cissy, that is really fast for a cutting to grow a leaf like that. It may be a good sign that it is starting to root already!

Happy to help;-)

Just a correction: Cissy received two newly rooted plants. Some of the small roots had broken off in transit but they were essentially already rooted and so will quickly grow new roots. Hence the leaves!
Clare gave you good advice re. the pebbles and the trays, Cissy.

Thanks again Clare! Thanks Hetty for the correction! I am so new to Plumeria LOL. The funny things is, the plant with the broken roots is the one with the leaf that has grown LOL :D Ahh, mother nature at her best :D

I removed the bottom trays and pebbles. At least I have some pebbles to put somewhere more appropriate :)

Cissy

Ah, I thought it was strange about the leaf sprouting already. I thought perhaps it was just left on the cutting but didn't have the heart to say so.

Cissy, since they are already rooted, you can fertilize after the plants have had a chance to settle into their new environment. I would give them a few weeks to a month and then stop fertilizing in August if you will be bringing them inside in September. By the way, those roots that were broken will re-grow quickly. Plumeria roots are very fragile by their nature.

Thanks Clare! I really really appreciate all the help :D I'll watch closely and fertilize when they are settled in :D I love plants in pots. So easy to move in and out :)

Cissy