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Plumeria: The Lei Flower Is A Fragrant, Easy To Grow Houseplant

Plumeria, or Frangipani, is an easy to grow fragrant plant that can be grown indoors in cold climates.

Learn about dormancy requirements, pruning, fertilizing and more.

Plumeria originates from the Caribbean Islands and Central America and is grown worldwide.

Plumeria flowers in many different colors, has a wonderful fragrance and is an easy plant to grow.

Plumeria can be grown indoors and will produce flowers throughout the winter months if it is not allowed to go dormant.

How To Induce Dormancy In Plants That Are Growing In The Ground

Plumeria prefers a period of dormancy that generally lasts from November to February.

If your wish is for your plumeria to go dormant, there are certain steps you need to take to insure your plant is safely put away for its rest period.

The first step is to decide what day you prefer the plumeria to begin its dormancy period on.

Root prune your plant by cutting the roots vertically with a sharp spade at the perimeter of the root ball.

Then wait about a week before cutting the leaves off.

Leave the very top leaves that are about one inch from the limbs alone.

This will allow the leaf stubs to turn yellow and fall off on their own.

 

Inducing Dormancy In Container Grown Plumeria

In the event your plumeria is growing in a pot, and you want to leave it in the pot for its dormancy period, trim the roots back to the weep holes in the pot.

Put the plant in a place where it can get adequate air circulation during its dormancy period.

You will want to keep an eye out for pests, even though your plant is dormant and if you do find some, get rid of them immediately.

Storing Plumeria Bare Root

Should you decide to store your plant bare root, shake the dirt off the roots, and then you decide if you would like to bag the root ball with burlap.

This is not necessary but some people do prefer to keep the roots in a burlap bag.

You can hang your plant, lay it in the pot, or any other method of storage you choose as long as the plant has good air circulation around it.

Reviving A Dormant Plumeria

The first week of March you will need to root prune your plumeria and repot it.

You may notice some shrinkage of the limbs, this is perfectly normal.

After the plumeria is repotted, it will need to be fertilized weekly with a bloom boosting fertilizer.

The last week of March give your plumeria some Epsom salt according to the directions on the package.

The Magnesium found in Epsom salt is a core element of chlorophyll, which is what makes plants green.

Follow the same feeding schedule in April. You should notice bud formations by the second week of April.

Continuing Care Of Your Plumeria

Your Plumeria should begin its full flowering season by the second week of May.

Continue to feed your plant for the remainder of the growing season following the same schedule.

If you plan on pruning or shaping your Plumeria, that should be done first thing in the spring.

The cut ends are easy to root. Simply dip the cut end into sand or rooting hormone immediately following the cut.

Then lay the cuttings somewhere where they will not be disturbed for a week.

Once the cut ends have dried, simply plant them in soil or vermiculite for rooting.

The cut ends should be placed where they can get plenty of sunlight during their rooting period.

Within six to eight weeks, you will see new leaves forming.

Flowering Tropical Plants

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