We get asked what is the best type of Plumeria fertilizer to apply? Great question.. Let’s dive in.
Plumeria plants (Frangipani) are native to tropical regions of America, from Brazil to Mexico to the Caribbean and are known for their long blooming period and highly fragrant Plumeria flower which grows in multiple colors.
Some of its species and hybrids are grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for ornamental purposes.
Some Plumeria plant species have also become naturalized in certain areas of the Pacific Islands and Asia.
A genus of the Apocynaceae family, commonly known as the dogbane family,
Other members of the Dogbane family include:
- Mandevilla plant
- Dipladenia bush
- Types Of Desert Roses (aka Adenium obesum)
- Hindu Rope plant (Rope Hoya)
All display gorgeous and attractive blooms!
Plumeria contains 11 species of sun lovers which grow as small trees and shrubs and feature thick and succulent branches, large-leaved foliage and attractive flowers.
Depending on the species, Plumeria plants are deciduous or evergreen.
They are hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11.
The Plumeria tree are also known as:
- Frangipani
- Lei flowers
While the blooming period of Plumeria is long, getting them to bloom might get a little tough and tricky.
Fertilizer For Frangipani
In addition to taking care of the Plumerias water and light requirements, you also need to feed them the right type of nutrients and quantity of fertilizer.
Fertilizing is especially critical to the proper growth of Frangipani species when they are grown in containers.
Read on to get all the essential information about Plumeria fertilizing requirements.
Best Fertilizer For Plumeria Plants
Feed your plumeria plants a fertilizer containing a high phosphorous mixture as the mineral encourages blooming.
Using a high phosphate fertilizer is also important because these plants only branch out when they bloom.
However, make sure the plant food has a low concentration of nitrogen because too much nitrogen promotes foliage growth, at the expense of flowering, which then will also affect the branching.
Although it’s possible to use both granular and liquid fertilizers, experts prefer using granular ones.
If you are using a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, you should ideally look for one with at least 50, or higher, phosphorous ratio.
But, if you are using a granular fertilizer, the concentration of phosphorous should be 20 or higher.
To give you an idea, here we are listing some good commercial fertilizers for Lei flowers:
- PETERS Super Blossom Booster Plant Food (from Amazon)
- GROW MORE Hawaiian Bud & Bloom (from Amazon)
- DR. EARTH Exotic Blend – Organic Fertilizer
- FOX FARM Cha-Ching
- Miracle GRO Bloom Booster Flower Food (from Amazon)
For those who do not know, the first number on the fertilizer label (NPK) shows the ratio of nitrogen whereas the middle number shows the concentration of phosphorous.
While Frangipani plants need slightly acidic soil. Regular fertilizing is likely to raise the acid levels of soil, which may cause damage to the plant.
To prevent this, when watering add about 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to the soil of potted Plumeria, once every month.
This will also help prevent scorched leaves.
Homemade Fertilizer for Plumeria Plants
Fed small or newly planted Frangipani with a homemade plumeria food prepared by mixing equal amounts of bone meal and potash.
Sprinkle it on the surface of potting soil and water evenly to make sure the fertilizer gets properly incorporated.
Two tablespoons of each are enough for a plant growing in a five to seven-gallon container.
How and When Fertilize Plumeria Species
If using liquid food, fertilize your Plumeria trees once every two to three weeks, throughout the active growth season.
However, stop applying plumeria plant food as soon as the growing season comes to an end.
For plumeria trees growing in the ground. Use one pound of fertilizer for an inch of trunk diameter and sprinkle it around the drip line where the root system is and about 2′ feet beyond.
An important thing to consider while feeding these tropical plants is to make sure you do not over-fertilize them. Using less fertilizer, but feeding the plants frequently to provide the nutrients is better than using a large amount of fertilizer less often.
Fertilizing is an important part of Plumeria care, so do not ignore it if you are looking forward to witnessing super blooms.