Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a tropical plant that produces stunning flowers with an enticing fragrance.
While plumeria plants are relatively low maintenance, they still require proper fertilization to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
With so many fertilizer options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for plumeria plants.
In this post, we’ll explore the best fertilizers for plumeria, including what nutrients they need and how to apply fertilizer for optimal results.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to keep your plumeria plants thriving.
For that reason, we have put together this post to discuss what is the best plumeria fertilizer, how to choose the right one and we will even mention a few of our favorites that are available right now.
Table of Contents
What is the best fertilizer for plumeria?
The quick answer is to look for a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This will help it grow those beautiful flowers that we have come to love so much about Plumeria plants. If you use plant food that is high in nitrogen it will grow to be tall and lengthy which isn’t what we want.
We want a fertilizer that is going to produce nice looking blossoms.
Here is a quick preview of our top 4 options. For more information please continue reading.
- Gro More Hawaiian Bud and Bloom
- Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Palm, Tropical & Hibiscus
- Fox Farm Cha Ching Soluble
- Miracle-Gro’s Bloom Booster
How to choose the right fertilizer for plumeria
Caring for plumeria is fairly easy and requires little effort compared to some flowering ornamental, but fertilizing the plants is an important aspect of care to ensure abundant, healthy blooms.
Fertilizers add nutrients to the soil, replenishing what the plant has depleted from the environment over time.
There are fifteen essential for proper plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, boron, chlorine, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum and nickel.
They are classified based on the three main elements that are needed in much higher amounts than the others – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – to allow consumers to easily compare one fertilizer product to another.
Nitrogen is listed first on the fertilizer label since it is considered the most key nutrient needed for plant growth. Its main responsibility in the plant is regulating vegetative growth.
Nitrogen is assimilated in the plant into amino acids, the building blocks of protein; it is also a major component of chlorophyll and helps to keep foliage green, and nitrogen is necessary for many of the plant’s enzymatic reactions.
Phosphorus is a structural component in DNA and RNA (the genetic building blocks within plant cells) and is needed for root growth and flowering.
Potassium works more indirectly in plants than nitrogen and phosphorus. While it isn’t a component of any plant parts, it functions by activating the enzymatic reactions that occur, making it imperative for the overall health of the plant.
What Do Plumeria Flowers Need?
When fertilizing plumeria plants, it’s imperative to pick fertilizers that are higher in phosphorus than nitrogen or potassium. A high nitrogen fertilizer will help promote a healthy plant, but it will spur vegetative growth causing the tree to become tall and leggy.
Fertilizers higher in phosphorus will promote blossom development, which is the end goal with plumeria.
There are many fertilizer options available for purchase, including both conventional fertilizers or organic products.
An all-purpose fertilizer geared towards a wide range of plants or products specifically formulated for flowering plants can also be just as effective.
Lastly, both granular or liquid formulations can be used to promote great looking flowers.
These options allow gardeners to choose products that fit their budget, and gardening philosophy.
Plumeria plants – as well as other tropical flowering ornamentals – have many fertilizers formulated specifically to their needs making it somewhat easier for the homeowner to find a suitable product.
When looking at plumeria options water-soluble fertilizers should have a phosphorus content greater than 50 in the N-P-K ratio, granular fertilizers should be higher than 20.
This will help to facilitate the most blossoms on the plant.
A Closer Look At My Top 4 Picks
Features:
- High in phosphorus – great for blossoms
- Nutrient Ratio: 5-50-17
- Water Soluble
Does Gro More Hawaiian Bud and Bloom have what it takes to be considered the best fertilizer for plumeria?
We think so.
High in phosphorus (with a nutrient ratio of 5-50-17), and free of urea-nitrogen, this special fertilizer formulation is made specifically for tropical and near-tropical flowering plants. It is considered by industry professionals to be the world’s best bloom formula in commercial agriculture.
Gro More Hawaiian Bud and Bloom contains micronutrients for better absorption and/or root uptake. The concentrated, water-soluble formula needs to be diluted in water before application.
Application Tips: For foliar application mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water; for a soil/root drench mix 1 tablespoon of plant food per gallon of water.
Features:
- Nutrient Ratio: 6-4-6
- Specifically Formulated For Plumeria
- Organic
- No GMO’s
- Apply every 8 weeks
Ideal for tropical and subtropical flowering plants, Dr. Earth Exotic Blend with a nutrient ratio of 6-4-6 is specifically formulated for plants such as plumeria, hibiscus, and bougainvillea.
The formulation is 100% organic and all natural, with no GMO’s, chicken manure, or sewage sludge making it people and pet safe.
Specially formulated with Advanced TruBiotic five strains of beneficial soil microbes and eighteen select strains of multi-minerals –to increase plant performance and drought tolerance.
Application Tips: For best results apply 1 cup of fertilizer for every inch of trunk diameter, measuring 4 – 6” above the soil surface. Apply every 8 weeks during the active growing season.
Please keep in mind that this plant food smells. It might not be the best option to use indoors, but it does produce results.
Features:
- High in phosphororus
- Nutrient Ratio: 9-50-10
The next plant food that we want to take a closer look at is Fox Farm Cha Ching Soluble.
This 9-50-10 fertilizer formulation will encourage strong blooms with its high phosphorus content while feeding the plants with lower nitrogen and potassium amounts.
This plant food is expertly crafted to not leave a salt buildup in the soil and contains the essential elements needed for vital plant functions: calcium, magnesium, boron, manganese, sulfur, molybdenum, iron, copper and zinc.
Known for its micronutrient pack, Fox Farm products will maximize flower development in plumeria.
Application Tips: Dilute the fertilizer in water per the recommended label rates and then feed plants every other watering for best results.
Features:
- High in Phosphorus
- Nutrient Ratio: 10-52-10
- Water Soluble
- Feed plants every two weeks
To conclude our list, let’s look at Miracle Gro’s Bloom Booster.
As the name implies this is specifically designed to increase flower blossoms.
To do just that it is heavily concentrated with phosphorus (10-52-10) to support the development of blooms/blossoms and root systems.
This product feeds plants through both the leaves and roots, without burning when used as directed.
Application Tips: Can be applied at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water every 14 days during the active growing season.
Final Thoughts…
Fertilizing your plumeria plants is essential for maintaining their health and promoting optimal growth and blooms.
Fertilizers provide plants with the necessary nutrients that may not be available in the soil, ensuring that the plant has everything it needs to thrive.
Proper fertilization can also help to prevent diseases, increase plant resistance to pests, and promote strong root development. In short, fertilizing your plumeria is critical for achieving the beautiful blooms and lush foliage that make these plants so sought after.
By choosing the right fertilizer and applying it correctly, you can ensure that your plumeria plants continue to bring joy and beauty to your garden for years to come.
Now it is your turn. Please share with us your thoughts on what you think is the best fertilizer for plumeria in the comment section below.
