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aishwarya_kaple

Urgent Help Required For Plumeria Obtusa

7 years ago

Hi all!

I had planted a Plumeria Obtusa last year in a park near my house. I had no clue about how to care for it and all I did was offer it some fertilizer occasionally. It was initially planted in a spot where it did not receive sunlight, so I recently replanted it to a brighter spot and it seems to be doing okay with sufficient sunlight at its disposal. While I am more aware now on how to care for it, I’d be grateful to receive some useful insights on the following issues:


1. Soil Over-Moist:

The garden soil is quite moist and I have read that Plumerias do not like over watering or overly moist soil, that’s why I don’t water it frequently. I am worried that the extra moist might cause the root to rot. Any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening?


2. Pesticides Over-Dosage:

Recently my plant was heavily affected by white aphids and that’s why I had to use a recommended pesticide (named Imidacloprid) to get rid of them. I have only used it twice in the last 15 days however I am worried of the negative effects it might have on the plant. My friend’s houseplants died because of over dosage. I will stop using the plant medicine now as the aphids have reduced. But can someone share how to care for the plant in case of pesticide over dosage?


3. General Help:

I had planted my Plumeria for a very special reason and it’s the only tree I have ever planted. I share this emotional connect with it and I really wish to see it grow in a healthy and beautiful way. Since I am new at taking care of the plant, any other general tips and suggestions on how to take care of it better, will be helpful! I have attached a few pictures of my Plumeria from today morning for reference. We reside in Bombay, India. The weather here is usually warm and humid, which ensures that my Plumeria receives enough sunlight. I feed it with an organic fertilizer twice a month. I used Epsum Salt (magnesium sulphate) once after the plant was replanted recently because a friend said that it will help the plant recover from the sudden shock of replanting. I hope you guys can help me ensure a healthy growth of my plant. All suggestions are welcome!


Thanks a lot everyone! :)









Comments (11)

  • 7 years ago

    I don't know anything about Plumerias but I like your plant. :-D

    One thing I can offer, with respect to aphids: 1) always follow the label directions on pesticides and mix according to that. As long as the plant is listed as one that is safe to use the product on, it should be OK. Do not assume that using more than recommended will somehow be better. 2) Insecticidal Soap is very effective against aphids and harmless to plants, people and pets.

    Aishwarya Kaple thanked toxcrusadr
  • 7 years ago

    Thanks @Toxcrusadr :)

    I did follow the usage instructions the first time I used it, but the second time I ended up adding a few drops extra by mistake. It was a stupid, hasty mistake! I'll keep a check on my plant in the coming few days to see if there has been any negative effect of the medicine on it.

    Insecticidal Soap? Okay, I'll look that up on the internet! Thanks a lot :)

  • 7 years ago
    So sorry my comment wasn't getting posted so I did it a couple of times and now it has been published so many times! And now there's no way to delete them!
  • 7 years ago

    Hi, if you're worried about pesticides hosing off aphids with a strong stream of water usually helps. I also brew a strong garlic tea and the aphids hate it. Your plant doesn't seem unhealthy. I'm not sure what zone you are in but it will take off with plenty of sunshine & food. Since it's a sentimental plant you may want to start a cutting it 2 to preserve it justin case.

    As for the soil as long as it drains well you should be ok. A good time release good is osmocote.

    Aishwarya Kaple thanked carlotaroser
  • 7 years ago

    Hi @Carlotaroser,

    thanks a lot for your suggestions. We are in Bombay (India) which has a usually warm and humid summer, a proper monsoon, and a relatively cooler winter with the sun still shining. So even in its dormant period, my plant receives sunlight. I guess that's why it doesn't shed off all its leaves.


    I'll definitely consider preserving the plant by rooting the cutting.


    The soil I am unsure of. When I put my finger in the soil, it sticks to my finger because that's how moist it is inside. I am wondering how to deal with that.


    Osmocote? Is that a fertilizer?

  • 7 years ago

    Also, is it advisable to use a liquid fertilizer for Plumeria? I have read that spraying liquid fertilizer on the foliage helps it receive nutrition more effectively.

    Any recommendations on this?

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Imidacloprid is ok to use on Plumeria. My preference is to use Neem oil for insect and mite control as it is not as harmful to pollinators. The amount of moisture a Plumeria tolerates in the soil depends on how much sun it gets, time of year, and soil conditions. Just based on the images posted I don't think over watering is an issue. The leaves on the ground may be from the insect issues and treatments but if it were to continue yellowing and dropping leaves then it might actually be too dry.

  • 7 years ago
    Hi @the_first_kms2,
    thanks for your insights! That's quite helpful. The leaves on the ground are from other trees in the park. But if your guess is that the soil might be too dry, how do I check that? I can't afford a kit so is there a DIY way to check for how moist the soil is?
  • 7 years ago

    Most of us use the finger test just like you.

    Aishwarya Kaple thanked toxcrusadr
  • 7 years ago

    You have right climate..they love hot. What they also thrive on is consistent watering...not constant dry to wet. Since this is not your yard but a park..look for where the irrigation reaches it to ensure its survival.

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