Best Fertilizer Types For Plumeria (Ultimate Guide) - The Scientific Gardener (2024)

Would you like to explore various fertilizer choices for plumeria plants?

If so, take a look at this useful guide, which will furnish you with the essential details.

Let’s begin the guide!

Best Fertilizers Types For Plumeria

Plumeria plants are popular flowering plants that can be a beautiful tropical addition to your garden for its fragrant vibrant flowers. It is hardy and prefers slightly acidic soil.

It requires a lot of nutrition to support their growth and produce more blooms. Fertilization is critical when it is grown in containers.

Avoid using higher nitrogen fertilizers as they may promote lush foliage at the expense of flowering.

Regular fertilization during the summer months may raise the acid levels of the soil which can be corrected using Epsom salts to the soil.

Both inorganic and organic fertilizers are available for plumerias. But, avoid adding excessive fertilization as it may lead to yellowed leaves and leaf drops.

Check out this video for different fertilizers suitable for plumerias:

Now, let’s dive into various fertilizers that are appropriate for plumeria plants.

Best Inorganic Fertilizers For Plumeria

Inorganic fertilizers are chemical fertilizers that provide a targeted and readily available source of nutrients for plumerias.

It offers precise nutrient ratios, ease to use, and rapid availability. However, it doesn’t improve the soil’s physical properties and overfertilization may cause issues.

Below is a list of the best inorganic fertilizers available for plumeria:

1. All Purpose NPK Fertilizer

Plumerias prefers all-purpose NPK fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 11-11-13. It nurtures and enhances the growth of plumeria plants.

Pros And Cons

All-purpose fertilizers support the overall growth, flowering, and root development of plumerias.

It enhances the resilience of plants to stressors, including pests, diseases, and changes in environmental conditions.

2.High Phosphorus Fertilizer

Plumeria prefers high phosphorus fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10-52-10 and 5-30-5. It encourages the blooming of plumeria and prevents the plant from developing more foliage.

Check out this video for the benefits of using high-phosphorus fertilizer:

Pros And Cons

High phosphorus and low nitrogen fertilizer facilitate root growth and flower development.

It increases the tolerance to drought and builds resistance. Avoid excessive use as it may lead to nutrient imbalances.

Best Organic Fertilizers For Plumeria

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and provide a slow supply of nutrients for plumerias.

It helps in improving the healthy growth of plants and enriching the soil. It is less likely to form a crust on the soil or burn the plant.

Outlined here are several organic fertilizers that are fitting for plumerias:

1. Bonemeal For Plumeria

Bone meal is a fertilizer that is obtained as a byproduct of slaughterhouses. It can be beneficial for plumerias due to high phosphorus and additional trace minerals.

Check out this video for additional information on using bone meal fertilizer:

Pros And Cons

Bone meal provides a steady supply of nutrients and helps in flower development.

It also supports strong root development and promotes beneficial microbial activity. Avoid overuse as it may lead to imbalances in nutrients.

2. Seaweed Extract For Plumeria

Seaweed extract contains beneficial growth-promoting substances and micronutrients that can be beneficial for plumerias.

In addition, it increases health, stress resistance, and soil porosity. It can also be complemented with regular fertilizers.

Here is a video on using seaweed fertilizer:

Pros And Cons

Seaweed extract can be used for improved growth, stronger stems, and healthier foliage. It also helps recover the plants from stress caused by transplantation and extreme weather conditions.

3. Compost For Plumeria

Compost is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients that can be beneficial to plumeria. It can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

It helps in improving the overall health and growth of plumeria.

Check out this video for additional tips on preparing the potting soil for plumerias:

Pros And Cons

Compost improves soil structure by enhancing its ability to hold nutrients. It improves the overall health of plumerias. It introduces beneficial microbes to the soil.

4. Fish Emulsion For Plumeria

Fish emulsion is a quick-acting liquid fertilizer that can be beneficial for plumerias. It is available as a thick concentrate and the deodorized versions do not have a strong fishy odor.

Here is a video on the use of fish emulsion:

Pros And Cons

Fish emulsion provides nutrients in a readily available form and promotes the overall health of plumerias.

It also promotes beneficial microbes in the soil and enhances water retention. But, avoid excessive use.

When And How Often Do I Fertilize Plumeria?

The best time to fertilize plumeria is in the early spring. It can be continued until the end of the summer. The frequency of fertilization depends on the stage of the plant growth.

The younger plants require less fertilization while older ones require more. The younger plants do not need fertilization until the top inch of the soil is completely dry.

Younger plants prefer to be fertilized every 3-4 weeks while the established ones need feeding once every other week.

Water the plants deeply and drain the excess water to prevent nutrient leaching. Also, avoid fertilizing once the growing season is over. Avoid using fertilizers during the dormant season.

Liquid Vs Granular For Plumeria: Which is Better?

Both liquid and granular fertilizers work for plumerias. You may choose one depending on the type of fertilizer, ease of application, and your personal preferences.

Granular fertilizers are available as small pellets that can be mixed into the potting mix before planting or applied to mature plants around the drip lines.

It is mostly slow-release and is a soil additive.

It provides a steady supply of nutrients for a longer time and so, doesn’t require frequent application. Plumerias respond well within two weeks and young plants require dilute fertilizer.

Liquid fertilizers can be applied as foliar feeding directly to both sides of the leaves or poured onto the soil surface.

It is preferably applied in the evening to avoid the harsh rays of the sun scorching the leaves.

It can be included in the existing watering routine of your plumeria. It can be washed away easily and so requires frequent reapplication.

FAQs

Bottom line

I trust that this guide has provided you with valuable insights for selecting various types of fertilizers for your plumerias.

I’m keen to learn about your recommendations and personal experiences regarding fertilizing plumeria.

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