Plumeria care

(Question)

If I were to place my recently cut back potted plumeria at the south facing covered porch, and then it rains, would the moisture/mist cause the tender callous cut to rot with fungus?

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.

Plumeria make a remarkably beautiful and fragrant addition to any gardeners container specimens.  These plants/small shrubs are native to Central America, Mexico, (south to Brazil and North to Florida, USA), the Caribbean and South East Asia. They require some care in order to get them to thrive and bloom outside these regions, see below for general guidelines:

  1. 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is required.
  2. Temperatures should range between 18-27 degrees C.
  3. Deep watering only when the top inch of the soil feels dry (maybe once a week during the active growing phase in spring and summer).
  4. Let plant thoroughly dry before each watering.
  5. Well draining soil is crucial as these plants hate to have their roots sitting in water.  A commercial cactus soil is ideal if repotting,
  6. Growing container with drainage hole(s) in the bottom.
  7. During the growing period, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a high phosphorus content (N-P-K = 10-30-10 or something similar),  Follow the dilution instructions on the package carefully.
  8. Pruning helps to maintain the plants shape as well as stimulating growth and flowering.  The use of sterile sharp shears is important so as not to damage the plant as well as to prevent disease.  Tools can be disinfected by using a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol.
  9. Plumeria are susceptible to Spider Mites, Mealybugs and Aphids but these can all be taken care of with an insecticidal soap spray.
  10. Overwintering indoors in a bright, cool (10-13 degrees C) location would be best.  Reduce watering and don’t be alarmed if the leaves all drop off – they’ll be back again in spring.

Now that you have some general care advice, I would draw your attention to number 8.  If you pruned your plant with well sterilized equipment, the risk of infection is lessened.  The covered porch should protect the plant from excessive moisture/rain so any cuts should be able to callous over fairly quickly.  As long as the light requirements for the plant (6-8 hours of daily sunshine) are still being met underneath the roofing material, the plant will be able to dry off quite quickly should it get wet.

I hope this information is helpful.

6/08/2024