Ask Dr. Phipps: Plumeria Bloom

By Phipps Master Gardeners

Q: I have 5 potted plumeria plants that I started three years ago from cuttings. Some have bloomed, some have not. What do you recommend to promote blooming? What and how much fertilizer? How much watering? I read that it is best to give no water at all in the winter indoors and let them lose their leaves. I did that last winter and they started new leaves outside this spring/summer but only one of the five bloomed. Thank you for any good ideas you may have.

A: Plumeria are REALLY heavy feeders! Fertilize with a high middle number (Phosporous) starting in early spring when you have 3" worth of leaves growing. I normally just let them shed their leaves on their own. They are susceptible to rotting in the winter, so since you have had them 3 years, I would not change your watering routine.

As for blooming, plumeria need at least 6 hours of sunlight and will not flower with less. Make sure that you have yours in a sunny, south facing window with lots of access to light. Age is another factor to consider when blooming is a concern; plumeria bloom on old stems. As you have relatively new cuttings this may be the reason for lack of blooms. One last consideration is pest insects. Thrips, aphids and mealybugs will reduce overall vigor but can also cause withering and dropping of new buds. Look closely at your plant to see if there are any pest pressure causing your plants not to bloom.

For more information, read the plumeria blooming advice from Gardening Know How.