Sorry...i forgot to say hello and all that stuff. Might have seemed a little rude. I've posted here before but it was quite a while ago.

Anyways, hello to you all!! Glad to hear all your plummies are doing well. I'm hoping mine will bloom this summer!

Oh..and one more thing. Everyone has been talking about over-wintering their plants and such, I kept mine out (indoors under a light) and it continued to grow leaves throughout the winter. Is that a bad thing to do? Should I let it go dormant over the winter?

In the tropics, plumeria don't tend to lose leaves. They just slow growth during their "dormant" period. What you accomplished with the grow light was to provide the length of daylight the plumeria needs to keep its leaves, so it simply slowed growth and went through a dormancy without losing leaves. I wouldn't worry about it hurting the plant at all. On another board, a member kept one greenhouse warm and lighted through the winter to have blooms for a winter wedding.

On fertilizer, I am in the minority because I don't use a high phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooms. I am concerned with container plants of building toxic levels of it in the soil. I vary my fertilizer during the year, using one with more nitrogen in the spring to stimulate leafing out and growth. Then I switch to a 4-10-10 during the summer, then to 0-10-10 or 0-0-10 in the fall to prepare for winter. If you are concerned about using the 10-54-10, don't. I think your plants will do well with the 10-15-10. Remember, the ones in Hawaii don't get this type of care and do VERY well.
Mike

Plumies can handle a variety of fertilizers. Just do not overdo. Follow the directions carefully and do not put granular or powdered fertilizers next to the stem on any plant. I agree with mike to keep the nitrogen at a minimum as you want flowers not leggy growth, especially in the first few years.where plants can become top heavy in wind or have trouble supporting the weight. The Shultz is a good product and I would use it- just flush out your pots in the middle of the summer with a slow running hose. I have used 10-52-10 and 0-50-30 for years with excellent results. Do not use Miracle Grow as it has a long term effect on your soil health from research I have read. By the way, B.C. has some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. I have great memories of many trips in and through your region on summer camping adventures. Bill

Bill,
If I may ask, what are the dangers of a granular too close to the stem? I assume you referring to Osmocote/Nutricote and other time released ferts? Where would be the best place for them? I have heard arguments for a handful right under the planted cutting, top dress and mixed right in the soil mix process. Unsure of which way to go about it this season...

Just keep any granular or powdered fertilizers about 2" away from the stem. If they go down the stem they tend to burn the plant and kill it. Spred it around and work it into the soil- then water. Under the plant or mixed into the soil is ok because it is found by the roots. The only problem seems to be when it is piled against the stem. Bill

Thanks for the advice. So, what i'm hearing is that it's wise to switch the fertilizers from time to time and if using a high phosphate, to flush the pot in the summer?

How do I flush the pot? Just bring my plant outside and let water run through it? Is there no danger in overwatering if i do that?

As long as the soil is fast draining, you can flush the soil with water without worrying about the plant. I tend to do it in the morning so the plant has all day in the sun to dry out.

I just keep a slow stream of water running on the pot and let it run out the drain holes for a while. With smaller pots, I immerse the pot in a large bucket of water so the water wicks up from the bottom to the top of the soil. Then I lift it out and let the excess drain out before putting the plant back in its usual place.
Mike

I do exactly as Mike. Bill