Best Guide: How To Get A Plumeria To Bloom Densely and quickly

You can provide a proper care and ensure their growing conditions, like pruning, re-potting and you may need to fertilize them to add more nutrients.

Wondering why your Plumeria plant has stopped flowering or has not flowered at all since you planted them? Well, it can be a sign that you are wrong in treatment. Or, perhaps, you haven’t known their habit yet. Some cultivars will need a longer time to produce bloom, while most of the Plumeria blooms in the first year after planting. Suppose you want to stimulate bloom production. In that case, you have to check out our secret guide on how to get a plumeria to bloom densely!

Furthermore, we’ve also included some tips for dealing with the problems that generally inhibit them from flowering. In addition, the right way to choose fertilizer and determine the time of fertilization is also available. Interested? Check all the details below!

When do Plumerias bloom?

Before we try to encourage them to produce flowers, we must know when the plumeria plants bloom. Generally, plumeria trees will pamper you with their flowers all year long in their native habitat, the tropical regions of Brazil, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

However, it is not the case when they bloom in colder areas or indoors. They will only spend two or three months in the summer displaying their stunning flowers before aborting them. Suppose butterflies, Spinx moths, and hummingbirds feed on the nectar and pollinate the flowers. In that case, they will grow into seed pods.

how to get a plumeria to bloom
Plumeria Flowers on Sunny Day

Furthermore, flowering is also influenced by several factors. Apart from climatic conditions, tree age also affects the flowering season. Young Plumeria plants may not bloom as soon as you plant them. Some of them take about 2-5 years to flower properly.

Luckily, you can try to prolong their flowering period by offering the plants phosphorus-based fertilizer. Make sure to fertilize them in the late spring or summer while they are actively growing so they can make good use of the nutrients from the fertilizer.

Don’t give them too much nitrogen if you don’t want them to overproduce leaves instead of flowers. In addition, dead-heading will promote new growth of the flowers. Hence, your Plumeria does not produce seeds and instead reproduces its flowers.

How do I encourage Plumeria to bloom?

The best way to encourage Plumeria to produce dense flowers is to provide proper care and ensure their growing conditions. So now, we have to figure out what they need to thrive and show off their eye-catching flowers. Or perhaps, extending the flowering season. Let’s take a look!

how to get a plumeria to bloom
Flower Buds Plumeria

1. Pruning Will Help

Plumeria plants will grow thicker than freshly-cut parts. Hence, pruning is a brilliant idea to stimulate new blooms and prolong their flowering period. Moreover, the best time to prune Plumeria is in the winter. Avoid pruning in the summer, as it will slow down the growth. Follow this step-by-step to try on your flowering Plumeria plant:

  • Ensure you are in the right season to prune them. Choose either winter or early spring to prune and avoid summer.
  • Now, prepare sharp secateurs. Make sure they are sharp to prevent harming the plant.
  • Then, watch closely on the plant and find the healthy branch characterized by fresh leaf sprouts (nodes)
  • Next, cut back above the node and two nodes below the end (tip).
  • Observe your plants. If it is successful, your plant will grow side shoots when they wake up from dormancy in the spring and summer.

2. Repotting For New Growth

This flowering tropical plant loves to have a fresh start. And in fact, it is necessary to make them thrive. Hence, you can try to repot the old plants into a container with new potting soil once every two years. Also, it is better to shake the soil of the roots before repotting and add compost to boost growth. To make it more organized, we have arranged a step-by-step guide you can follow here.

  • Repot Plumeria when it is fall or winter while they are still dormant.
  • Check on the roots and gently lift them from the pot while carefully loosening them by shaking the soil off.
  • In case your plants have spiral roots that wrap the pot, cut them with a sharp knife. Then, remove the soil around with your fingers.
  • Prepare fresh, well-drained potting soil. Add around one-third to a new pot.
  • Put the plant in a new container. Choose one with a size one level bigger than the previous one to give space for the roots to grow.
  • Then, fill the pot with the rest of the soil.
  • You can also try to add compost to the soil mix to offer more nutrients. Fertilizers with phosphate are recommended during this phase.
  • Lastly, water the plant thoroughly but not overflood it to prevent root rot.

In addition to the two methods that we have mentioned above, you still need to provide adequate growing conditions for Plumeria. As tropical plants, Plumeria plants love to soak in the full sun all day long, or at least six hours. In addition, they require slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.4 to 6.8 and well-drained soil to thrive. Do not let them sit on wet feet for too long to prevent root rot.

Best fertilizer for Plumeria plants

While growing Plumeria under full sun and preferable soil conditions, you may need to fertilize them to add more nutrients. They will need more phosphorus supplies during their flowering stage.

Thus, NPK fertilizers are the best bet to offer! But remember to choose slow-release fertilizer to provide them steady supply from time to time.

Moreover, Cell Plumeria still requires nitrogen for the growth process in the earlier stages. Nitrogen helps grow deep green leaves, an added attraction in this flowering tropical plant.

how to get a plumeria to bloom
Blooming Plumeria Plants on Garden Area

However, too much nitrogen will give you more foliage growth than the flowers. So, choose a fertilizer with a low nitrogen presentation.

In addition to nitrogen, potassium also assists the Plumeria growth, especially ensuring their roots grow strong. It also maintains the overall plant health. Yet, it does not necessarily have to be the same amount as phosphorus. You can try 10-15-15 in the order of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Insects & Diseases that prevent Plumeria from blooming

Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones who love Plumeria plants and enjoy their beauty. Spider mites, mealy bugs, scales, whiteflies, and thrips often use their flowers, stems, and leaves as food sources.

Not only that, but those culprits also inhabit the plant as a comfortable shelter. They generally leave black, yellow, and white marks on hollow or wilted plant parts. You can try to eradicate these pests with the help of rubbing alcohol (applies for mealybugs and scale) or spray them vigorously for the rest of the pests. Liquid dish soap will also work great for whiteflies without harming your Plumeria!

Green Caterpillar Disease
Green Caterpillar on Branch of Plumeria

Besides pests, Plumeria is also susceptible to various plant diseases. One of the most common of these plants is the Plumeria rust fungus. As the name suggests, the fungus named Coleosporium plumeriae is the cause. Once it infects your plant’s leaves, you will start to see signs of yellow traces on the leaves.

Even worse, the spores of this fungus are airborne and can be spread by wind or raindrops. Of course, it is detrimental to the plant and inhibits blooming. Fortunately, this disease can be overcome by spraying fungicides regularly. Also, make sure to remove all infected leaves so they don’t spread.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is my plumeria not flowering?

There are several reasons why your plumeria refuses to flower. The first one is you don’t provide them with the required growing conditions. Plumeria plants won’t bloom if the soil lacks phosphorus, as this essential mineral encourages flowers. Another issue may be your flowering plant doesn’t get adequate sunlight exposure. Don’t grow them in the shade! Or perhaps, they are young plants that are not ready to flourish yet.

Why do plumeria buds fall off?

As a tropical plant, the Plumeria plant loves humidity. However, it doesn’t favor excess moisture as it can make the Plumeria buds fall. It may also be a sign of root rot as it sits on the wet soil for too long. Hence, we recommend deep watering once in a while instead of daily watering. Then, let the soil dry out before offering the plant water again.

How long does it take for a plumeria bud to open?

Plumeria buds or flowers will generally open in the first year after planting from the cuttings. However, some cultivars may need a longer period, around 2 to 5 years, to flourish fully. And once they are pollinated by butterflies, Spinx moths, or hummingbirds, the beautiful Plumeria flowers will turn into seed pods.

How many times a year does a plumeria bloom?

Plumeria plants will thrive best and bloom year-round in their native habitat, from Brazil to Mexico and the Caribbean. On the other hand, these tropical plants will only flower in the summer months if you grow them indoors as potted plants. However, if they meet the required growing conditions, the blooming period can extend from May to November.

Is Epsom salt good for plumeria?

Epsom salt works great for Plumeria to increase the soil pH as the flowering tree loves to have only slightly acidic soil. Usually, high soil acidity is caused by fertilization. Hence, applying about 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt monthly will help neutralize and keep your plant back on track!

Are coffee grounds good for plumeria?

Coffee grounds are often used as an additional natural fertilizer for Plumeria because they can increase the nitrogen content in the soil. Nitrogen is necessary to aid plants’ foliage growth. In addition, coffee can lower the soil pH, favored by Plumeria. However, avoid offering too much, as Plumeria only needs slightly acidic soil.

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