Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Plumeria Rubra
The editor will explain the experience of Plumeria Rubra's introduction and green plant maintenance. Let's take a look together.
There is a plant that, when blooming, looks like a group of dancing white butterflies, with a graceful and elegant posture. It has become a popular flower on social media in recent years. It is Plumeria Rubra. So, what is the difference between Plumeria Rubra and Jasmine? And how to take care of it?
Brief Introduction to Plumeria Rubra
Actually, Plumeria Rubra has nothing to do with Jasmine. Plumeria Rubra belongs to the family Verbenaceae and the genus Clerodendrum, which is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It blooms white flowers with a fragrant aroma, and the inflorescence droops with a lively feeling. It is evergreen, prefers a warm and humid climate, and its growth habits are similar to those of Clerodendrum speciosum.
Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Plumeria Rubra
Plumeria Rubra is not difficult to cultivate, but if not managed properly, it may easily have yellow leaves, leaf distortion, and few flowers. The following points are recommended when caring for Plumeria Rubra.
1. Potting Soil Selection
Except for the warm southern regions where Plumeria Rubra can be planted outdoors, other areas should be cultivated in pots. Plumeria Rubra does not have high requirements for soil and prefers loose and breathable soil. General nutrient soil can be used for planting, or a mixture of general nutrient soil and garden soil in a 1:1 ratio, or sandy soil can also be used.
When potting, sufficient bottom fertilizer should be added to the bottom of the pot. Fermented organic fertilizer can be used as the bottom fertilizer. With sufficient bottom fertilizer, Plumeria Rubra will grow more robustly.
2. Fertilizer and Water Management
Plumeria Rubra has a developed root system with many fibrous roots and has a certain drought tolerance. Usually, watering should be done when the soil is completely dry. During the summer growing season, ample fertilizer and water can promote the rapid growth of Plumeria Rubra.
It is recommended to apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 10 days during the growing season. In the summer, when growth is vigorous, it is recommended to apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 5-7 days.
Due to the rapid growth of Plumeria Rubra in summer and frequent watering, it may easily develop deficiencies in iron, calcium, and other elements, which manifest as yellowing and curling of the leaves. Therefore, during the summer, it is recommended to frequently apply a variety of trace element fertilizers to prevent deficiency symptoms.
In autumn, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be increased to promote bud growth. Plumeria Rubra has a long blooming period, from September to March of the following year. Continuous application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the blooming period can effectively extend the blooming period and make Plumeria Rubra bloom repeatedly.
3. Controlling Light Exposure
Plumeria Rubra is adaptable to light and can tolerate semi-shade as well as grow in full sunlight. When caring for Plumeria Rubra in full sunlight during the summer, it is important to keep the soil moist. If it is dry, it can easily cause sunburn and yellow leaves.
Plumeria Rubra is a short-day flowering plant. When caring for it, be careful not to place it under streetlights or in a room with long-lasting lighting. Too much light exposure can affect flowering or even cause non-flowering.
4. Reasonable Pruning
Plumeria Rubra grows rapidly in summer. If pruning or pinching is not done, the branches tend to grow very tall with few branches. Therefore, according to your desired plant shape, it is timely to pinch the tender branches to promote branching or train them into a棒-shaped appearance.
Because when Plumeria Rubra blooms, the inflorescence is relatively long, about 20-30 cm, it is better to keep the overall height of the plant slightly higher for a more beautiful appearance.
In addition to pruning during the growing period, pruning can also be done after flowering, removing withered and weak branches, and tidying up the plant shape.
5. Keeping Warm in Winter
Plumeria Rubra is susceptible to cold and the safe overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5 degrees. Therefore, in areas with frost, it is recommended to bring the plant indoors for the winter to prevent frost damage. Plumeria Rubra overwintering indoors should also be placed on a south-facing balcony to maintain sufficient light.
The above is a specific introduction to the brief introduction and cultivation methods and precautions of Plumeria Rubra, hoping to bring some knowledge of flowers to flower enthusiasts.