Grow Plumeria Cuttings Flowers Plants Seeds - Tropical Plants - Orchids

Gardenia plants give gardens that fresh white tropical look. The fragrance of gardenia flowers feeds the senses with their intoxicating scent that transports gardeners to a scenic tropical island somewhere in the South Pacific.

To view the slideshow CLICK HERE >>> History and Care of Gardenia Plants and Gardenia Flowers.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Slideshow - How To Plant And Grow Plumeria Seeds

2012-01-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

Planting plumeria seeds is an inexpensive way to increase one’s collection of plumeria plants. Growing plumeria plants from seeds results in a wide variety of plants with different characteristics from the mother plant. Planting 20 plumeria seeds from the same seedpod one is most likely to produce 20 plumeria plants with different characteristics.

To view the Slideshow CLICK HERE >>> How To Plant And Grow Plumeria Seeds.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Slideshow - How To Plant Plumeria Cuttings

2012-01-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

Starting plumeria plants from cuttings is relatively easy if tried and tested guidelines are followed.

Planting plumeria cuttings is one of the fasted ways to enjoy plumeria flowers.

Other advantages of planting and rooting plumeria cuttings is that the grower is able to choose very specifically the plant he or she wants, based on the color, growth habit, fragrance or a number of other desirable traits that are present in any particular plumeria variety.

To view the slideshow click on picture below

For more information on how to grow plumeria plants CLICK HERE >>> Plumeria Care.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Jasmine Plants and Jasmine Flowers - Care & Facts

2012-01-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Jasmine is a genus of flowering plants in the olive

family, Oleaceae.

It includes 200 species native to tropical climates.

Popular Jasmine species include....

Jasminum grandiflorum
Jasminum humile
Jasminum mesnyi
Jasminum multiflorum
Jasminum nudiflorum
Jasminum officinale
Jasminum parkeri
Jasminum polyanthum
Jasminum sambac

Jasminum sambac 'Flore Plena'

In 1990 President Suharto declared Jasminum

sambac as one of three national flowers of

Indonesia where it is called Melati.

In Pakistan, Yasmin, Jasminum sambac is the

national flower.

Jasmin also has become the national flower of

Tunisia where it was imported by the

Andalusians in the 16th century.

On the Hawaiian Islands Jasmine is called

Pikake.

Two types of Jasmine flowers are used for oil

production, Jasminum grandiflorum and

Jasminum officinale.

The oil of Jasmine flowers contains Jasmole,

Linalool and other compounds. It is used in

perfumes and cosmetics, like soaps and

shampoos.

Jasmine plant care....

Jasmine plants need very well drained soil

which can be accomplished by adding some

Perlite to the potting mix.

Jasmine plants prefer to be grown in full sun, but

should be protected from the hot afternoon sun

during the summer months.

Indoors Jasmin plants flower and grow very well

under grow lights.

Watering is best done when the top inch of the

potting mix has become dry.

At this point it is recommended to water the

plant thoroughly until the water drains through

the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot

and collects in the saucer which then needs

to be emptied.

It is important that no water remains in

the saucer under the pot.

Using any fertilizer high in Phosphorus

results in well blooming plants.

Sprinkling one tbsp. of Bone Meal around the

roots encourages flowering as well.

Jasmine plants generally prefer humidity

of 50% or higher, but will tolerate lower

humidity.

Pruning of Jasmine plants is best done while

they're actively growing.

Pruning is done after one blooming cycle is

completed.

Jasmine plants are very prone to spider mites.

Regular spraying with an insecticide/

miticide is recommended, especially indoors

during the colder months of the year.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh
www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Facts & History of Poinsettia Plants – Euphorbia pulcherrima

2011-11-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Euphorbia pulcherrima, the botanical name, or poinsettia as we call it, is native to Mexico and Guatemala in Central America. Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Many plants in this family ooze a milky sap. The botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was given to the poinsettia by German botanist, Karl Ludwig Wilenow. The plant grew through a crack in his greenhouse. Dazzled by its color, he gave it the botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima, meaning “very beautiful”.

The History of the Poinsettia in its native Habitat

The Aztecs in the fourteenth through sixteenth centuries called this plant “Cuetlaxochitl” in their native Nahuatl language. Cuitllatl means “residue” and xochiti means flower, thus it is “the flower that grows in the residues or soil”. Montezuma, the last of the Aztec kings, had poinsettia plants brought up to what is present day Mexico City by caravans. The Aztecs saw the plant as a symbol of purity and used it as a dye and against fevers.

Seventeenth century Spanish botanist Don Juan Balme mentions poinsettia plants in his writings. He found the plant flourishing on the slopes and in the valleys near Cuernavaca. He described the plant as having large green leaves and a small flower surrounded by brilliant red bracts, almost as if for protection.

At the same time the Spanish Franciscan Friars, who settled in the Taxco region of southern Mexico, included the timely winter grown red blooms of the plants in their Fiesta de Pesebre, the Nativity procession. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and was named “Noche Buena” meaning Christmas Eve. The name “poinsettia” is derived from Joel Roberts Poinsett who was the first United States Minister to Mexico from 1825 to 1829. Mr. Poinsett first brought poinsettia plants to America.

Poinsettias are fascinating winter blooming small shrubs or trees which can grow anywhere from about two to sixteen feet tall. Dark green leaves which are about three to six inches in length add to the festive appearance of this plant.

The colored bracts of poinsettia plants are actually leaves. Colors of the bracts can be red, pink, orange, white, or marbled. These colored bracts are caused by photoperiodism. Many flowering plants use a photoreceptor protein, such as phytochrome or cryptochrome, to sense changes between daylight and the darkness of night or photoperiod, which they take as signals to flower.

People not familiar with poinsettia plants believe that the colored bracts are the actual flowers. But the flowers, called cyathia, are located at the center of each leaf bunch.

Poinsettia plants are considered toxic by many. But this is not the case. They may cause mild skin irritations to some individuals who are sensitive to it. If any part of the plant is ingested, it may cause an upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, the sap that exudes from a broken branch may cause temporary blindness if it comes in contact with the eyes.

History of the Poinsettia Arrival in the Unites States and its Name

The poinsettia was introduced to the United States by Mr. Poinsett in 1828. He had sent and brought cuttings from Mexico to his greenhouses in Greenville, South Carolina. He shared these cuttings with friends and other horticulturalists he knew at the time.

Euphorbia pulcherrima, the name originally given by German botanist Karl Ludwig Wilenow was changed to Poinsettia in honor of Mr. Poinsett in 1836 by William Prescott, the historian and horticulturalist, who was asked to rename the plant. In his newly published historical work at the time on Mexico, Conquest of Mexico, Mr. Prescott details Mr. Poinsett’s discovery of this beautiful plant in the area of Taxco del Alarcon in southern Mexico.

During the 1920s Albert Ecke and his son Paul became interested in poinsettia plants which grew wild in southern California at this time. As these plants bloomed during the Holiday season both Albert and Paul thought that this would be a perfect plant to introduce to the public. Paul continued to foster the idea of making the poinsettia the “official holiday flower” for Christmas. They grew fields of poinsettia plants and began to sell them commercially. The plants were initially sold at roadside stands in the Hollywood and Beverly Hills area.

In 1923 the family moved their business to Encinitas, about 2 hours south of the very fast developing area around Los Angeles. Encinitas proved to be the perfect location for growing poinsettias as it mirrored the growing conditions of its native Mexico where these plants grow wild.

From 1923 to the mid-1960s they grew fields of poinsettia mother plants, and shipped them to plant nurseries around the country that purchased them for cultivation and future commercial sales. Paul personally traveled the country promoting the plant to nurseries nationwide and encouraged nursery owners to market the plant as a holiday flower.

But this changed in 1963 when the first commercial-quality poinsettia cultivar was developed. It grew best as a potted plant and was introduced to the public. This dramatically changed the nature of commercially growing and selling poinsettia plants. Even for the Ecke Family Business, they moved indoors from the fields to growing these smaller plants in greenhouses. They began shipping by air freight rather than by rail.

Paul Jr. with his marketing ideas to always keep the poinsettia plant in the public eye used the very popular growing medium of television to promote these bright red and later red and white potted flowering plants. They became a part of the scenery in most every popular TV show and all the Christmas Specials during the holiday season. No holiday scene would be complete without at least one blooming poinsettia plant.

Today Dr. Ruth Kobayashi continues to produce new poinsettia hybrids for the Ecke family. Dr. Kobayashi’s work resulted in the knowledge of the most important poinsettia genetics known today. In 2002 ‘Prestige Red’ was introduced known for its outstanding branching capabilities and very sturdy stems. ‘Prestige Red’ quickly became the number one selling red poinsettia. Presently experiments continue to breed other species with the Euphorbia genus. Currently there are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias available.

Here are some of the cultivar names exhibiting some of the most spectacular poinsettia colors available today....Cortez Red, Cranberry Punch, Flirt, Galaxy Red, Marblestar, Nutcracker Pink, Monet, Plum Pudding, Silverstar White, Sonora Fire, Victory Red, White Christmas, Spotlight Apricot, and Pearl.

In addition many commercial growers have cultivated new plants which have longer lasting bract colors and lasting foliage that can survive poor watering schedules. Poinsettia growers have characteristically made today’s plants bruise resistant and more flexible with less fragile bracts that can survive shipping without dropping their leaves that allows them to arrive beautifully intact to the stores and nurseries for retail sales.

Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit How To Grow Plumeria.

Gardenia Plant Care

2011-10-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers Worldwide,

Today's topic is Gardenia Plant Care.

Gardenia is a genus of tropical flowering plants which
includes 142 species belonging to the Rubiaceae or coffee family.

It is native to subtropical and tropical regions in Africa and
Southern Asia. Several known species grow on the Hawaiian
Islands where it is known as Na'u or Nanu.

Gardenia plants are evergreen shrubs. The flowers, white or yellow,
develop into a single blossom or into a group of blossoms and have
a strong, long lasting scent.


Plumeria 'Diamond's Fragrant Delight'

Popular species include....

Gardenia coronata
Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenia nitida
Gardenia taitensis

In China, Gardenia jasminoides is called Zhi zi, and the Japanese
call it Kuchinashi. In both countries the yellow flowers are used as
a dye for clothes and food.

Gardenia taitensis is the National Flower of Tahiti.

Several decades ago in France, gardenia flowers were used by men
as boutonnieres for special occasions. Today gardenia flowers continue
to cater to special occasions of weddings and proms.

Jazz singer Billie Holiday called gardenia flowers her trademark.
She wore the flowers in her hair.

Gardenias can also be part of special floral presentations such as
floating water blooms.

Gardenia flowers with their delightful scent are also used to make
perfumes.

Caring for gardenia plants....

When purchasing gardenia plants it is better to start with small
developing plants than buying plants full of buds. Gardenia plants
will need time to adjust to the new environment of your home.

It's hear-breaking to purchase a plant full of buds just to watch the
plant drop bud after bud once you bring it home.

The smaller developing plants adjust easier to their new environment,
and once adjusted will continue the development of their buds and
flowers.

Gardenia plants prefer partial sun and grow and flower very well under
grow lights.

Gardenias are considered subtropical and tropical plants and therefore
prefer night temperatures not lower than 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit
or 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Gardenia coronata

Many gardenia plants are prone to root diseases. Growing them in clay
pots can reduce the risk as the soil dries out faster in clay pots.

It's best to water gardenia plants when the surface of the soil looks and
feels dry. When watering it's important to water gardenias thoroughly until
water drips through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Make sure there is no water left in the plant saucer after the drainage
process is complete.

Gardenia plants prefer acidic soil meaning the soil ph is less than 7.
If the soil is not acid enough, many nutrients, including iron, cannot be
absorbed by the roots and gardenia plants develop Chlorosis which
causes the leaves to turn yellow.

Some gardeners pour a small amount of vinegar at the top of the soil
to prevent or treat mild cases of Chlorosis.

It is not recommended to use "hard" tap water on your gardenias.
If your tap water is very hard, adding some vinegar to the water in your
watering can also lower the ph level of your tap water.

When it comes to fertilizing your gardenias, any fertilizer for flowering
plants can be used. It is best to use the fertilizer at 1/4 strength of the
recommended dosage.

Using a fertilizer designed for acid loving plants reduces the risk for
Chlorosis.

Humidity should be 50% or higher. If your humidity is low, misting the
plants daily or using a humidifier benefits your gardenias greatly.

Using a humidifier, especially during the colder months of the year, not
only benefits your plants, but your family and pets as well.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh
www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

$10 OFF Plumeria - Frangipani Care Guide During Columbus Day Weekend Sale

2011-10-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Bob Walsh announces a very special Columbus Day Weekend Sale of his plumeria care guide, How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani AnytimeAnywhere. The special sale price for this Columbus Day Weekend only is $27.00. This represents a $10 Savings off the regular every day price of $37.00.

The sale begins today, Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 12 noon Pacific Standard Time and ends Monday, October 10, 2011 at 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time.

This sale celebrates the connection between Christopher Columbus and the plumeria plant which is native to the West Indies. One of the Italian noblemen who visited the West Indies with Christopher Columbus brought back Plumeria alba which was later distilled for making perfume.

One of the flower’s names, frangipani, is derived from the name of the 16^th century Italian nobleman, Marquis Muzio Frangipane, who invented a plumeria scented perfume from plumeria flowers.

The genus name, plumeria, originates from the French friar and royal botanist of King Louis XIV, Charles Plumier, who came to the West Indies in the late1600s and studied the plants found on the islands of the Caribbean and South America.

Those not familiar with Bob Walsh’s plumeria care guide, How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere! was published in the fall of 2010. The author wrote this guide after growing plumerias for more than 10 years in his home in Chicago, plant hardiness zone 5.

Based on his 10-plus years of experience, he decided it was time to write a step by step plumeria care guide that details every aspect of growing plumerias beyond the tropical and and subtropical regions of the world which is the native habitat for plumeria plants.

Plumeria 'Samoan Fluff' against blue Chicago sky

Mr. Walsh’s plumeria care guide is written for all plumeria plant lovers who live in temperate climate zones and want to grow plumerias. As the author himself lives in zone 5, he wanted to share the story of his success to disprove the prevailing traditional notion that plumerias cannot be grown outside their native habitat.

It is probably the first step by step plumeria, frangipani care book written by a temperate climate zone gardener for other temperate climate zone plumeria gardeners who have agonized over their desire to grow plumeria plants where they live. Prior to this book all the well known plumeria books to date were written by plumeria gardeners who lived and grew plumerias in their native habitat of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

None of these authors faced the problems and issues of living and growing plumeria plants in the temperate zones of the world where plumeria loving gardeners face completely difference and more complex issues, such as seasonal climate changes of spring, summer, fall and winter and creating indoor microclimate conditions that are necessary to grow these beautiful flowering plants indoors.

Bob Walsh also introduces the plumeria community to his unique experience of applying the relatively new concept of the egg method as an enhanced growth generating process for stronger and faster root development.

Plumeria 'Lurline'

He documents the process in his plumeria care guide. Mr. Walsh also points out that with the use of the egg method it is possible to grow plumerias year round even in temperate zones. Gardeners can bring their plumeria plants indoors during the cold months of the year and continue to grow these beautiful plants indoors by following his step by step process that creates similar conditions to the plant’s native habitat.

With the presence of the egg method and his step by step proven methods in which he documents the success of a year round plumeria growing cycle makes his plant care guide a must read for plumeria lovers worldwide.

This book is not only an essential plumeria, frangipani care guide that every serious tropical gardener should own, but with this Special Columbus Day Weekend Sale it also makes a great buy as well.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Deep Discounted Prices For Plumeria Plants

2011-09-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers,

Fall is approaching fast and so are the sales for

plants, including plumerias and other tropical

plants.

One of the websites I visit on a regular basis is

Brad's Buds & Blooms (in Florida). I have ordered

from them many times and always was extremely

satisfied with my purchases....quality plants and

excellent packing.

When I visited Brad's Buds & Blooms this morning,

I was very exited to find their Deep Discount -

Blowout Sale.

I want to mention that I don't have any financial

gain by emailing you the facts about this sale.

I'm doing it knowing that money is tight in many

households and every penny counts.

The following plumerias are on sale at

GREAT PRICES....

Aussie Gold Rush
Boon Yen
Cancun Pink
Carmen
Cleone - Pendulant Aussie Pink
Daeng Tabtim
Kled Tabtim
Lovelane Pink
Matecumbe Dawn
Mountain Pink
Pink Twirl
Plumeria pudica
Slaughter Pink
Spider Pink
Steven Prowse
Tahitian Sunset

With fall approaching fast, many plumeria growers

are getting ready for the end of their plumeria season.

BEST NEWS OF ALL

But, with my book,

How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!,

your plumeria season never ends.

It's ALL about NEW GROWTH - 24/7/365.

Find out more by visiting Plumeria Care.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria Tips - Pots & Preservation of Plumeria Flowers

2011-09-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers Worldwide,

Today's topics are how to choose the right pot size for your

plumerias both for aesthetic appearance as well as healthy

growth, and how to preserve your precious plumeria flowers

saving them for scent and presentation purposes.

When planting your plumeria cuttings and/or plumeria plants,

it's important to choose the right size container or pot.

To keep aesthetic value of a plumeria cutting and/or plant

highlighted center-focus on the plant itself. The plant needs

to be planted in a proportional size pot.

If a small plumeria is planted in too large a pot, it gets lost.

If a large plumeria is placed in small pot, then visual imbalance

becomes the focal point, not the plant itself. The combination

appears out of balance to the eye.

The budding and rooting plumeria cutting in the following

picture is 12 inches tall and has been planted in a 6-inch

container. The cutting is in balance with the size of the pot.

Small plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants which are planted

in large containers seem to be lost and it can be potentially

harmful to the plumeria cutting or plant's root development.

This is a more important issue than the aesthetic value

.... planting your cuttings and plants in larger than needed

containers may result in the demise of your cuttings and

plants due to stem rot as too much moisture is available to

the cuttings and/or the roots over a prolonged period of time.

The right proportional size pot or container per plumeria size

allows for proper drying out of the medium mix compared to

the moisture retention of extra potting mixture of an oversize

pot.

The plumeria gardener looking for advice on this issue needs

to understand that there are regional differences that need to

be taken into consideration. For example, a plumeria gardener

living in the tropics may suggest one plants the plumeria cuttings

or plants in BIG containers in order to allow the root system to

spread.

This may be true and good advice in tropical climates, but

for plumeria gardeners in temperate climates, it is very bad

advice and could result in plumeria cuttings and/or plants

being lost. The temperate zone plumeria gardeners don't have

the same intensity of the sun, even temperatures, and high

humidity that their counterparts have as growing condition

for their potted plumerias.

The following picture, provided by my friend Vivian, shows

eight plumeria cuttings being planted in proportionally

oversize containers for the plumerias they hold..

Can you find which ones they are?

When choosing the right size container for your

precious plumerias make sure it is in balance

with the size of the cutting or plant.

Many of us growing our plumerias outside during the

warmer months of the year want to also enjoy some of

the fragrant plumeria flowers indoors.

The flowers of many plumeria varieties stay fresh for

several days if preserved in any of the following ways.

1. Pick flowers that just opened fully and put them in a

bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Store them

overnight in the refrigerator in a sealed zip log bag.

The next morning the flowers are removed and should

stay fresh for several days....this advice is provided by

the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service

in its Circular 410.

2. You may just pick your plumeria flowers and display

them in a small vase filled with water like shown in the

picture below....Note how the plumeria flower hides the

small vase.

3. One very attractive way to enjoy your plumeria

flowers is to display them in plumeria rings.

These plumeria rings are also appealing ways to

display other small flowers in a creative way.

They make nice gifts for special occasions.

The following flower ring filled with an abundance of

plumeria flowers was hand made by my dear friend

Samantha Rayfield who is currently offering a free

contest on her facebook page.

The winner of the contest will receive one FREE

plumeria ring (flowers not included).

Visit Samantha's Facebook Page to find out more

regarding the FREE contest.

I hope you enjoyed reading today's Ezine as much as

I enjoyed putting it together for you.

For more information on growing plumerias successfully

visit Plumeria Care.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Video - Colorful Tropical Foliage Plants

2011-08-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Colorful tropical foliage plants, Croton plants and Caladium plants, look great when grown in pots and grouped together with other tropical plants, including dwarf bananas, bromeliads, gingers, gardenias, small heliconias, hibiscus, jasmine, orchids or plumeria plants.

Croton plants are known for their colorful foliage which has a waxy texture with vertical growth and leaves facing outwards.

Another great group of colorful tropical foliage plants are Caladium plants, one genus of plants in the Araceae family.

Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria Care Book

Colorful Tropical Foliage Plants - Croton Plants & Caladium Plants

2011-08-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

Codiaeum variegatum, also called “Garden Croton” or “Variegated Croton”, is a species of plants in the genus Codiaeum, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family.

These colorful tropical foliage plants look great when grown in pots and grouped together with other tropical plants, including dwarf bananas, bromeliads, gingers, gardenias, small heliconias, hibiscus, jasmine, orchids and/or plumeria plants.

Croton plants are known for their colorful foliage which has a waxy texture with vertical growth and leaves facing outwards. The more sun or bright light Croton plants receive, the more colorful their foliage becomes.

Crotons need to be watered well with the soil remaining moist. They prefer to be grown in high humidity and benefit from daily misting when the humidity is low.

When fertilizing Croton plants any fertilizer high in Nitrogen, like 9-3-6 is recommended.

Crotons belong to the family of Euphorbiaceae and are therefore considered poisonous. The sap may cause skin eczema and is also toxic if ingested.

Popular varieties of these colorful tropical foliage plants include Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Moon’, Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Sun’, Codiaeum variegatum ‘Goldfinger’, Codiaeum variegatum ‘Grubell’, Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ and Codiaeum variegatum ‘Excellent’.

Croton plants, when grown outdoors, have to be protected or brought indoors if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. Otherwise leaf drop may occur.

Another great group of colorful tropical foliage plants are Caladium plants which is one genus of plants in the Araceae family.

Currently there exist over 1000 cultivars of Caladium bicolor which is considered the original Caladium from South America.

Caladium plants have been cultivated in Europe since the eighteenth century.

Popular varieties of these colorful tropical foliage plants include Candidum White, Cardinal Red, Carolyn Wharton Pink, Fannie Munson Pink, Frieda Hemple Red, Postman Joyner Red, Roselight Pink, White Queen and Rojo Red, to name a few.

Croton and Caladium plants can be grown outdoors during the warmer months of the year and indoors as house plants the rest of the year.

Caladium plants are only hardy in zone 9 and 10. In colder regions they have to be dug up in fall. They also make great house plants year round.

While actively growing Caladium plants need a great deal of moisture and should not be allowed to dry out.

As with Croton plants it’s best to use a fertilizer high in Nitrogen, like 9-3-6 and mist their foliage daily if the humidity is low.

All parts of Caladium plants are considered poisonous and may cause skin irritations in sensitive individuals.

I hope you’re already enjoying your Croton and Caladium plants. If not, give them a try and brighten up your plant stand indoors or add that needed color to your outdoor garden.

Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria Frangipani Pflege--- Wie Sie Plumeria Stecklinge Bewurzeln

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Einer der schnellsten Wege, um Plumeria und Frangipani Blüten zu genießen, ist Plumeria Stecklinge zu setzen. Es kann nicht genug betont werden Plumeria Stecklinge nur bei seriösen Händlern zu kaufen, sodaß Sie Plumeria Stecklinge von guter Qualität erhalten. Die Preise variieren und höhere Preise bedeuten nicht immer bessere Qualität. Aber Sie müssen sich bewußt sein, daß bekannte und seltene Plumeria Hybriden mehr kosten.

Einer der großen Vorteile Plumeria Pflanzen von Stecklingen zu ziehen ist, daß der Käufer in der Lage ist, bestimmte Plumeria Hybriden zu wählen. Der Käufer kann aus verschiedenen Blütenfarben, Wuchsformen, Düften und anderen Eigenschaften wählen.


Steckling mit guter Wurzelentwicklung

Stecklinge sollten mindestens 30 cm lang sein und die Rinde sollte braun und nicht grün sein. Stecklinge mit grünem Holz sind sehr schwer zu bewurzeln.

Bestimmte Hybriden, wie Plumeria obtusa und Plumerias mit roten Blüten, sind nicht leicht zu bewurzeln und es kann länger dauern bis sich das Wurzelsystem voll entwickelt hat.

Besprechen Sie mit Ihrem Plumeria Händler wie Ihre Plumeria Stecklinge versand werden. Dies sollte Ihnen garantieren, daß Ihre Plumeria Stecklinge in einem guten Zustand bei Ihnen eintreffen, besonders während der kälteren Monate.

Während Sie auf die Ankunft Ihrer Plumeria Stecklinge warten, sollten Sie sich überzeugen, daß Sie alles bereithaben, um Ihre Stecklinge zu setzen.

Vor dem Einpflanzen der Stecklinge empfiehlt es sich die notwendigen Dinge zum Setzen bereit zu haben, einschließlich dem Topf, Bewurzelungshormon mit Fungizid, Pflanzenstab, Schnüre um den Steckling an den Stab zu binden und vorgemischte Blumenerde.

Der Topf sollte der Größe des Plumeria Stecklings angepaßt werden. Er sollte groß genug sein, sodaß der Steckling stabil ist und die Wurzeln genug Platz haben sich auszubreiten.

Die Blumenerde muss vorgemischt werden, sodaß das Wasser gut abfließt. Staunässe muß unbedingt vermieden werden. Sollte die Blumenerde zuviel Wasser halten, kann der Steckling absterben.

Steckling bildet Blätter

Nachdem der Topf mit der vorgemischten Blumenerde gefüllt wurde, gießen Sie die Erde bis das Wasser durch die Löcher abläuft. Sie müssen sicher sein, daß kein extra Wasser im Topf verbleibt.

Plumeria Stecklinge bilden ihre Wurzeln nur am Ende wo der Steckling geschnitten wurde. Es macht keinen Unterschied wie tief Sie den Steckling setzen. Wenn Sie den Plumeria Steckling zu tief setzen, kann es passieren, daß der Steckling unter der Erde verfault. Der Pflanzenstab kann jetzt bereits in der Mitte des Topfes platziert werden.

Der nächste Schritt ist das Ende des Stecklings mit lauwarmen Wasser zu befeuchten. Schütteln Sie das überschüssige Wasser ab, tauchen Sie das feuchte Ende in das Bewurzelungshormon und setzen Sie den Steckling ungefähr 3 cm tief. Jetzt binden Sie den Plumeria Steckling an den Pflanzenstab. Dies gibt Ihrem Steckling die notwendige Stabilität im Topf.

Der erste Schritt im Bewurzelungsprozess ist die Entwicklung von Kallusgewebe. Die Wurzeln bilden sich durch dieses Kallusgewebe. Es ist sehr wichtig, daß Sie Ihren Steckling nicht gießen bis sich die Blätter und/oder der Blütenstand entwickelt hat.

Plumeria Stecklinge haben eine so starke Lebenskraft, daß sie Blätter und Blütenstände entwickeln können und noch nicht einmal angefangen haben Wurzeln zu entwickeln. Man kann herausfinden, ob sich Wurzeln gebildet haben, indem man dem Steckling einen sehr leichten Ruck gibt. Widerstand zeigt eine Wurzelentwicklung an.

Plumeria Steckling mit Blütenstand

Anstatt zu gießen, sollte der Steckling täglich mit Wasser bestäubt werden.

Plumeria Stecklinge können innerhalb weniger Wochen Wurzeln entwickeln oder es kann mehrere Monate dauern. Dies hängt davon ab, welche Plumeria Hybride der Steckling ist.

Bewährte und getestete Methoden anzuwenden ist die beste Versicherung für Ihren Erfolg in der Bewurzelung von Plumeria und Frangipani Stecklingen. Auch bei solchen Stecklingen, die sehr schwierig zu bewurzeln sind.

Für mehr Information über Plumerias, Frangipani, und den GRATIS Ratgeber tropischer Pflanzen, besuchen Sie Plumeria Frangipani Pflege.

Video - Growing Plumeria Cuttings, Plumeria Plants and Tropical Plants with the Egg Method

2011-07-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Plumeria cuttings which are planted using the egg method correctly develop a massive root system in record time. It is no longer necessary to sacrifice any inflorescences that develop during the rooting process. Inflorescences and roots develop simultaneously.

Plumeria plants which are planted applying the egg method correctly show lush growth and massive flower production. The keeping quality of the flowers increases as well which means the flowers stay fresh longer.

The egg method which is based on anaerobically fermenting eggs and probiotics not only benefits plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants but many other tropical plants as well, including bananas, gingers, heliconias, hibiscus and many more.

According to Biofeed Probiotics ‘plant stimulants, plant hormones, are produced during the metabolism of some bacteria, yeasts, molds, and cyanobacteria’, also known as blue-green algae and blue-green bacteria.

These plant stimulants, plant hormones, include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, florigen and salicylic acid.

For more information on the success of the Egg Method, growing Plumeria plants, or to receive your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Growing Plumeria Cuttings And Plumeria Plants With The Egg Method

2011-07-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Plumeria cuttings which are planted using the egg method correctly develop a massive root system in record time. It is no longer necessary to sacrifice any inflorescences that develop during the rooting process. Inflorescences and roots develop simultaneously.

Plumeria plants which are planted applying the egg method correctly show lush growth and massive flower production. The keeping quality of the flowers increases as well which means the flowers stay fresh longer.

But what exactly is the egg method which has been used in agriculture for many years to increase the production of vegetables?

The egg method which is based on anaerobically fermenting eggs and probiotics not only benefits plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants but many other tropical plants as well, including bananas, gingers, heliconias, hibiscus and many more.

The egg itself is one powerhouse of nutrients.

The egg shell which has about 9000 pores serves as a permeable membrane for nutrients and moisture. 95% of the egg shell is made up of calcium carbonate. Minerals, such as calcium phosphate and magnesium carbonate make up the remaining 5%.

The albumen is made up of 90% water and seven major proteins as stated by the Department of Agriculture’s National Nutrient Database. The albumen in fresh eggs contains carbon dioxide which passes through the egg shell as the egg ages. 50 mg of Sulfur are contained in the albumen.

All vitamins found in an egg are contained in the egg yolk, including several B-vitamins as well as vitamin A, D, and E. The egg yolk also contains many antioxidants and trace amounts of Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and other metals. In addition, the egg yolk contains about 25 mg of Sulfur.

These plant stimulants, plant hormones, include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, florigen and salicylic acid.

Auxins are named for the greek word “auxein” meaning to grow or to increase. Auxins were the first of the major plant hormones to be discovered. How auxins are distributed within plants is one major factor for plant growth. The distribution of auxins throughout plants is accomplished by the well executed transport of auxin molecules. Auxins usually work with or against other plant hormones that is most advantageous for the plant.

Gibberellins were first discovered by Eiichi Kurosawa, a Japanese scientist, in 1926. Gibberellins stimulate budding, cell elongation, dormancy, flowering and seed germination.

Cytokinins promote cell division in plant roots and shoots. This process is called “cytokinesis”. The effects of cytokinins were first discovered by Swedish born plant physiologist Folke Skoog at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Cytokinins are involved in many plant processes, including cell division, root and shoot development. Cytokinins are known to regulate axillary bud growth, lateral or side shoots. In addition, cytokinins also affect apical dominance which is the inhibition of growth of lateral buds, side shoots, by the terminal bud of a plant shoot.

Cytokinins are usually produced in roots, young fruits and seeds. The balance of cytokinins and auxins determines what regenerates.

Florigen was first described in 1937 by Mikhail Chailakhyan, a Russian scientist. Florigen molecules, produced in the leaves, are responsible for controlling flowering in plants.

Salicylic acid, which is used for rooting, derives its name from the Latin word “salix” meaning “willow tree”. Salicylic acid plays part in plants’ photosynthesis, transpiration and resistance to pathogens which are bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that can cause diseases.

All these processes are important to understand how plumeria and tropical plants develop.

An exact scientific defined process of the egg method, when correctly applied, is not clearly written in a scientific formula anywhere. But the phenomenal results speak for themselves.

For more information on the success of the Egg Method, growing Plumeria plants, or to receive your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Copyright @ Bob Walsh
www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria 'Kimo'

2011-07-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

The flowers of Plumeria ‘Kimo’ are a glowing mix of apricot and orange with pink bands on the back. The petals overlap so heavily that they almost form a circle. Plumeria ‘Kimo’ is considered a chameleon as the appearance of the flowers changes with weather conditions. The flowers, which have a sweet fragrance, are close to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and have a very good keeping quality. Plumeria ‘Kimo’ is known for its heavy flower production over a long period of time.


Plumeria 'Kimo'

For more information on plumerias and your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Pros & Cons Of Starting Plumeria Plants From Seeds

2011-06-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers Worldwide,

After several cloudy days the sun is finally shining in Chicago

again as the following picture of my happy Plumeria 'Samoan

Fluff' shows.

Plumeria 'Samoan Fluff'

Starting plumeria plants from seeds is a fun and rather

inexpensive way to increase your plumeria collection.

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of starting

plumeria plants from seeds?

Advantages.....

New plumeria cultivars can only be created by starting them

from seeds. If you plant seeds of parents with superior

qualities, you may raise some superior new cultivars.

When you order seeds from a reputable nursery or retailer,

you usually will be given a list of named seeds under the name

of the mother plant. If ordering a mixed package of plumeria

seeds, it will usually not list the names of the mother plants.

(unidentified or "unnamed").

The price for the seeds varies based on the named or mixed

(unidentified or "unnamed") varieties of plumerias. I have seen

packages for sale for as low as 99 cents for 10 mixed seeds.

Note that shipping and handling is always an additional charge,

which varies widely.

You can start a large number of seeds (10 - 15) in a small space

with good spacing between each planted seed In my plumeria

book, How To Grow Plumeria-Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!,

pages 87 and 88, I explain in detail how to plant the seeds.

This is a way to start your plumeria garden at a relatively

low cost depending on the parent plants of the seeds.

Depending on the origin of the seeds (known or unknown)

fresh plumeria seeds germinate in a short time (5-7 days)

or a longer period of time (10-14 days). Plumeria seeds, much

like plumeria plants, have their own unique characteristics and

growth patterns.

Once the first pair of true leaves has developed, it can now

be called a "Seedling". Plumeria seedlings show wide

variations in flower color, size, growth habit and fragrances.

Disadvantages....

It may take anywhere from two to four years or longer to

see any flowers. In rare occasions blooms can appear in

a much shorter period of time. I know of one gentlemen

in Great Britain whose plumeria seedling flowered in less

than one year and of one lady in Thailand whose seedling

flowered six months after the seeds were planted.

On the other end of the time line there are reports of

seedlings taking almost twenty years to flower. But this

is very rare. Personally, I had one seedling, pictured

below, which flowered seven months after the seeds

were planted.

From seed to flower in seven months

Seedlings may produce flowers as big as small plates or

as small as finger nails.

Seedling's growth may be as thin as a pencil.

Seedlings may grow so tall before showing their first

flowers that you need a step ladder to see and smell the

flowers.

Plumeria flowers are known for their exquisite fragrances.

But in very rare cases, a couple of seedlings have been

reported to smell like spoiled meat.

ONLY a few seedlings may be worth keeping from a group

of 100 seeds planted.

Reasons for poor results can be traced back to improper

growing conditions. For proper growing conditions

refer to pages 87 - 91 in

How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!

In conclusion, I would like to share with you two of several

plumerias that are blooming currently in Chicago, zone 5.

Like all my plumerias and other tropical plants they were

planted using the Egg Method.

Plumeria 'Kimo'

Plumeria 'Mimi's Home Pride'

Happy Growing my Gardening Friends,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria 'Rose Red'

2011-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

The flowers of Plumeria ‘Rose Red’ are a combination of pink and red resulting in a rose red appearance. Flowers are about 2 ½ inches (6.25 cm) in diameter and show one bright yellow center. The flowers of Plumeria ‘Rose Red’ have a sweet fragrance and the keeping quality of the flowers is very good.

Plumeria 'Rose Red'

For more information on plumerias, including rooting and growing plumerias & other tropical plants using the Egg Method, and to receive your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.


Grow Your Own Tropical Garden

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria 'Pauahi Alii'

2011-06-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

The flowers of Plumeria ‘Pauahi Alii’ are bright yellow/gold measuring more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. Each flower has dark red bands on the front and back of each petal. The texture of the flowers is heavy and the keeping quality is very good. Plumeria ‘Pauahi Alii’ has a sweet fragrance with a hint of lemon.


Plumeria 'Pauahi Alii'

For more information on plumerias and your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Plumeria 'Lurline'

2011-06-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

The flowers of Plumeria ‘Lurline’ are a combination of red with orange on a yellow background. Each flower has one reddish colored star in the center. The flowers of Plumeria ‘Lurline’ measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and have a heavy texture. The flower production of this plumeria is heavy and continues over many months. Plumeria ‘Lurline’ has a light sweet fragrance.


Plumeria 'Lurline'

For more information on growing plumerias and your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Plumeria 'Samoan Fluff'

2011-06-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

The round full petals of Plumeria ‘Samoan Fluff’ are white with a bright yellow center. Flowers average between three and three and a half inches (7.5 cm – 8.75 cm) in diameter and have a very good keeping quality. Plumeria ‘Samoan Fluff’ has a very sweet fragrance.

This is one plumeria that's easy to grow and flower. It's also quite cool hardy.


Plumeria 'Samoan Fluff'

For more information on plumerias and your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Plumeria Cuttings - When Not To Cut Off The Inflorescence

2011-06-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers,

There seems to be some confusion among plumeria

gardeners when it is appropriate to cut off developing

inflorescences on rooting plumeria cuttings and when

NOT to cut off the developing inflorescences.

When your rooting plumeria cutting is rotting, which is

mostly caused by over watering in the early stages of

the rooting process, you need to cut your cutting back

until you reach white tissue.

At this point I highly recommend to cut off the

developing inflorescence. By sacrificing the

inflorescence, you save the plumeria cutting.

Let this new saved good portion of the cutting

callous before replanting it.

Sometimes plumeria gardeners, including myself,

grow impatient when 'waiting' for their plumeria

cutting(s) to complete the growth process into a

beautiful flowering plant. When a cutting "doesn't

seem to be doing anything" and the growth process

"seems to stall" even after it produced one

inflorescence with full sized flowers, the gardener

begins the "worrying stage" and begins to think

something is "WRONG".

The gardener thinks of all the possible causes

for "why the cutting isn't doing anything?"

The gardener then decides to take action

to correct the problem in order to get the cutting

to "start doing something again". The owner cuts

off the inflorescence.... because "the cutting isn't

doing anything".

Unless there is real evidence that there is a definite

defined problem, I encourage you to exercise

"PATIENCE" in these circumstances. For plumerias

are unique with their own characteristics and

each one is different from the next. "Doesn't seem

to be doing anything" is not a valid scientific reason

to take the inflorescence to surgery.

Often times, worry and impatience take over and

the gardener takes the wrong and unnecessary action

that causes the gardener not only to lose the one

beautifully developed inflorescence and the potential

growth of other equally beautiful inflorescences,

but takes the cutting all the way back to square one

to start the whole process over.

I would like to explain to you with examples when NOT

to cut off the inflorescences on rooting plumeria cuttings

which are planted applying the Egg Method.

The dynamics of the egg start to work soon after the

cutting has been planted and many times

inflorescences start to develop right away.

The following picture is of Plumeria 'Celadine'.

I planted this cutting with three branches on

March 19, 2011 applying the Egg Method.

Shortly after being planted the cutting started to

develop one inflorescence on each of the three

branches.

Each inflorescence grew about one inch and

stopped at this point..."wasn't doing anything".

Carefully monitoring the cutting's process,

I continued to provide moisture it needed

(to prevent dehydration) over the next few weeks.

Watering is a skill that is learned by developing a

relationship with your plants. It doesn't happen

from one day to the next but over time.

(Most plants die from over-watering).

Many factors influence how often one waters

his/her plants, including.....

temperature
wind
sunny skies
overcast skies
humidity
intensity of plant lights
pot size
potting medium
root system

In hindsight, during this period of "when the

cutting wasn't doing anything" from the gardener's

visual and mental perception, nature was at work.

It was as if the cutting itself was "directing from within".

The cutting sent a message to the top (inflorescences)

to halt any further development at this time while work

on the root system needed to be completed.

In truth, during this same period of time, this plumeria

cutting developed a strong root system.

About six weeks later all three inflorescences started

to grow again. At this time there were no leaves present,

just some claws around the base of the cutting.

This was the time I began to water the cutting thoroughly.

The buds started to show color, leaves started to grow,

and the first flowers opened on June 2, 2011.

When inflorescences on your cuttings start to branch,

take your digit finger and thumb around the base

of the cutting just above soil level and GENTLY

try moving the cutting. If you feel resistance,

the cutting rooted and it's time to give it a good soaking.

Not watering at this critical point may result in the demise

of your plumeria cutting.

The following picture is of one of the three branches of the

Celadine cutting pictured above.

The following picture is another example of the power of the

Egg Method.

The picture shows Plumeria 'Mimi's Home Pride' which,

according to the owner who lives in Hawaii, is extremely

difficult to root and may even in Hawaii take six to nine

months to root.

This cutting of Mimi's Home Pride was, like Celadine, planted

on March 19, 2011 using the Egg Method, and opened its first

flowers on June 12, 2011.

Like the Celadine cutting, Mimi's Home Pride started to

develop its inflorescence soon after the cutting was planted.

It took less than three months from planting this extremely

difficult to root plumeria cutting to open its first flowers.

For more information on plumerias and the Egg Method

visit www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Video - Canna Plants

2011-06-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Most gardeners choose canna plants for their colorful leaves and blooms to enhance their garden's ornamental or decorative appearance.

Cannas are wonderful plants to grow, either in the ground or in pots, and provide the gardener with great aesthetic appeal and appearance in the garden from early summer until fall frost.

Canna plants, like many tropical plants, can be grown successfully if proven and tested guidelines are followed.

For your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Copyright © Bob Walsh

Plumeria Flowers Have Many Faces

2011-06-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers,

When growing plumerias gardeners soon realize that

their plumeria plants are unique plants in a way that

flowers on the same plant may look different under

various conditions.

That's what I love about plumeria flowers. You purchase

one plumeria cutting or rooted plant and actually have

two or three different plants in one once blooming starts.

Color saturation and intensity in plumeria flowers

depends on many factors, including....

cloud cover
temperature
humidity
sunlight
plant lights

I would like to demonstrate the different appearance

of plumeria flowers of the same plant with a couple

examples.

The first picture shows Plumeria 'Lurline' growing

indoors under plant lights on May 3, 2011.

The second picture shows Plumeria 'Lurline'

growing outdoors under overcast skies with

diffused sunlight and humid conditions

on June 3, 2011.

You can clearly see the deeper color

saturation in the second picture caused by

diffused sunlight with overcast skies and humid

conditions.

The next picture shows Plumeria 'Daisy Wilcox'

during, hot and sunny conditions with low

humidity.

The next picture shows the same plumeria

plant, Daisy Wilcox, blooming under overcast

skies with high humidity.

Again, the color saturation is deeper when

grown under overcast skies and high humidity.

The above pictures show plumerias growing and

blooming in Chicago, zone 5.

Color intensity and saturation is even more

pronounced in southern states where higher

heat and humidity play a very integral part.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria Book Special Memorial Day Weekend Sale

2011-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Bob Walsh Enterprises announces the Special Memorial Day Weekend Sale of their popular plumeria book “How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!”. During Memorial Day Weekend only, from Friday, May 27, 2011 through Monday, May 30, 2011 up until 11:59 pm PDT anyone who purchases this plumeria book at www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com saves an additional $5.00.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary when the United States Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971 designating the last Monday in May as the official Federal Holiday that the United States celebrate Memorial Day making it a three-day weekend.

Memorial Day honors Americans who have died fighting in any war. This holiday began after

the United States Civil War in the 1860's as Decoration Day to honor all those who died on both sides of the war. The American Civil War was the deadliest war in America's history with an estimated 620,000 lives lost.

World War II was the deadliest war with an estimated loss of 292,000 American battlefield casualties. 2011 marks the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. In that attack an estimated 2,388 American died, including some 900 who are still entombed in the USS Arizona beneath the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The attack on Pearl Harbor brought America into World War II.

As the brave men and women still fight in ongoing wars today in Afghanistan and Iraq, we

honor the young lives that have been lost in these wars as well.

This is our small way of calling attention to and honoring the service men and women who all have given the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives in the defense of our Nation and for our freedom.

In the Memorial Day Service at Pearl Harbor a wreath of Hawaiian flowers, including plumerias, is tossed on the waters to honor and remember the brave men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day.

With each plumeria plant, frangipani, we grow we are uniquely connected to Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Service, and ultimately to remembering all brave American service men and women who have given their lives for our country. May they all be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend.

As tropical plant lovers or gardeners this is your opportunity to save an additional $5 on the purchase of “How To Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!” at www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com.

Canna Facts

2011-05-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

The canna family, Cannaceae, is comprised of one genus Canna and more than fifty species. Most gardeners choose canna plants for their colorful leaves and blooms to enhance their garden's ornamental or decorative appearance.

Canna edulis, native to Central and South America, is the one species important to agriculture. The roots are rich in starch. It is commercially cultivated in Australia for a product called “Queensland Arrowroot” and in the Caribean for a thickening agent called “tous-les-mois”.

The rhizomes of Canna edulis are similar in taste to white potatoes if cooked, but because of their high content of fiber they are not as palatable. The green leaves and stalks are used as food for cattle.

Another highly appreciated species is Canna indica, called Ali'ipoe and Li'ipoe on the Hawaiian Islands. The ripe seeds are used for making Hindu and Buddhist rosaries in India and throughout Southeast Asia to count mantras,chants, or prayers. The leaves are used for food wrappings in tropical regions of Africa.

Other species include Canna glauca and Canna gigantea which are native to Brazil. Canna glauca is used as a cooked vegetable, and Canna gigantea is used as a diuretic. Canna speciosa is cultivated in the Sierra Leone and is used as a seasoning similar to turmeric.

Next, for your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

How To Care For Canna Plants And Canna Rhizomes

2011-05-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria and Tropical Plant Lovers,

Today I would like to discuss Cannas which

are very popular tropical plants not only in the

United States but other parts of the world as well.

Canna 'Orange Punch'

Cannas do well in most parts of the United States

and will flourish with plenty of heat and water.

They are very dependable and easy to grow

providing tropical foliage and colorful flowers from

early summer until Fall frost.

Cannas are available as dwarf cannas (one to two

feet tall), medium height (three to four feet tall),

and tall size plants (6 feet or more).

Excellent Dwarf varieties include....

Bangkok Yellow with variegated foliage
Chinese Coral (aka Pfitzer Dwarf)
Jester Pink
Japanese Rose
Orange Punch
Pink Angel
Porcelaine Rose

Medium to tall size varieties include....

Aida
Cleopatra
North Star
Picasso
President
Red Futurity
Richard Wallace

The foliage ranges in color from different shades

of green to beautifully variegated.

Cultivars with variegated foliage include....

Bangkok Yellow
Pretoria
Stuttgart
Tropicana

Start your canna rhizomes in spring indoors before

planting them outdoors after all danger of frost has

passed. This gives you a head start on the season.

Before planting outdoors, either in pots or in the

ground, adding some compost, manure, or high

Nitrogen slow release fertilizer to the soil benefits

your canna plants' growth dramatically.

Blood meal is an excellent choice when it comes

to slow release high Nitrogen fertilizers.

Best results are achieved when cannas are planted

in loose, fertile, and well drained soil which has

warmed to 60 degrees or more.

In the ground plant the rhizomes about 12 inches

apart. When you grow them in pots, place two

(2) canna rhizomes with space in between with

the growing points in opposite directions in one

single 12 inch pot. This provides a nice display of

foliage and flowers.

Lay the rhizome horizontally on the soil with the

growing eye, if visible, facing upwards. However, this is

not critical as cannas will always grow towards the

surface (because they grow toward the light).

Cannas should be watered regularly and not allowed to

dry out.

Regular dead-heading of spent flowers results in a neat

display of your canna plants.

In addition to your soil additives, regular feeding with

any fertilizer high in Nitrogen is recommended.

Cannas are rarely bothered by insects. If insects

appear, several applications of insecticidal soap

usually take care of the problem easily.

During one growing season cannas produce three to

five rhizomes for each rhizome planted.

After the first frost in fall remove the top of the plants

and dig the rhizomes to be stored for planting next spring.

Rinse or wash the soil off, divide and dry the rhizomes.

Layer them with peat in cardboard boxes with lids or in

plastic bags with a few holes for ventilation. You can

store them now in your garage, basement, or any place

which is cool and stays above freezing.

The ideal temperature to store canna rhizomes during

the winter months is between 50 and 60 degrees.

Another storage method is to dig up the whole clump

of rhizomes, cover them with plastic and store them

over the winter at temperatures mentioned above.

NEVER store them in mesh bags which will allow

the rhizomes to dry out.

FREE Plumeria Cutting Giveaway REMINDER

Lastly, I want to remind everybody that there are

only a few days left to enter our

FREE Plumeria Cutting 'Pauahi Alii' Giveaway.

Plumeria 'Pauahi Alii'

One lucky person's name will be drawn on May 25, 2011

and he/she will receive one freshly cut plumeria cutting

'Pauahi Alii' shipped directly from Hawaii.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Plumeria Species - Plumeria rubra 'Lurline'

2011-05-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

How many Plumeria species exist? Actually, it is not exactly clear.

R.E.Woodson Jr. lists seven species in his ‘Annuals of the Missouri Botanical Garden’ published in 1938.

Plumeria rubra is one of the seven species. Plumeria rubra in its original form is the parent of many of the colorful and fragrant plumeria cultivars we are enjoying today. The following is just one example of Plumeria rubra.

Plumeria rubra ‘Lurline’ is one magnificent plumeria. The flowers are a combination of red - orange on a yellow background with a red center. The flowers have a heavy texture and can be close to 4 inches in diameter. The fragrance is spicy, with some describing it as sweet. Flowering continues over many months with many flowers open at the same time.

Plumeria rubra 'Lurline'

For more information on plumerias and to enter our FREE Plumeria Cutting 'Pauahi Alii' Giveaway visit How To Grow Plumeria.

Free Plumeria Cutting 'Pauahi Alii' Giveaway

2011-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Bob Walsh Enterprises announces their latest Giveaway, titled Free Plumeria Cutting ‘Pauahi Alii' Giveaway, starting today May 11, 2011.

Plumeria 'Pauahi Alii'

This Giveaway honors Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who bequeathed her entire estate for the establishment of a school to educate Hawaiian children highlighting the history and culture of the Native Hawaiian people. Her endowment for the Kamehameha Schools continues even today to support the largest independent pre-kindergarten through grade twelve school system in the United States.

Through May 24, 2011 everyone who purchases a copy of How To Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere! is automatically entered into the drawing to receive one freshly cut free plumeria cutting ‘Pauahi Alii' that will be shipped directly to the winner from Hawaii.

Plumeria ‘Pauahi Alii' was originally a part of the Donald Angus collection with the name 'Angus Gold'. Dr. Richard Criley, Director of the Waimanalo Plumeria research station of the University of Hawaii, received a request to name a plumeria cultivar in honor of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop (1831 - 1884), the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I. She was the last heir of the Bishop Estate lands and the person for whom the Bishop Museum in Honolulu is named after. The Bishop Museum group, which is located at 1525 Bernice Street in downtown Honolulu, requested the name 'Pauahi Alii' for the plumeria.

Plumeria 'Pauahi Alii' has large brillant gold flowers with wide, dark red bands on front and back with a dark red center. The flowers measure three and a quarter inches in diameter. They have a heavy texture with a very good keeping quality. Plumeria 'Pauahi Alii' gives off a fine lemon frangrance.

One lucky person's name will be drawn on May 25, 2011 from all those who purchased a copy of How To Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere! between May 11, 2011 and May 24, 2011.

How To Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere! is an easy to follow plumeria care guide for tropical plant lovers around the world who wish to grow these beautiful exotic fragrant flowers, but live outside the subtropical and tropical regions of the world, the natural habitat of plumeria plants. Worldwide sales include the South Pacific region with sales in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand. In Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim region it has sold in Malaysia and Taiwan. This plumeria care guide has found popularity in Europe with sales in France, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Portugal and Switzerland. A special page has been added to the website for German speaking plumeria, frangipani, gardeners in Germany, Austria, and their neighboring countries. The United States sales stretch across the country from Florida and Georgia on the East Coast to California and Oregon on the West Coast and many of the remaining States in between.

This plumeria care guide highlights the newest successful plumeria rooting method with an easy to follow step by step process documenting it with photos and explanations. This process is encouraging to all plumeria lovers as it accelerates the growing process and shortens the time it takes in rooting these very popular tropical plants which may allow for year round plumeria development in the future.

Many nurseries, garden centers, plant stores and seed companies finally have opened their doors this month to all the enthusiastic gardeners who anxiously have waited for May to arrive to begin purchasing everything that they have seen in gardening magazines they have been receiving in the mail over the last four months.

The lucky winner of one plumeria cutting ‘Pauahi Alii' will add their name to the list of previous winners of Bob Walsh Enterprise's Free Cutting Giveaways. Mr. Ron De Vasto of Florida won one free plumeria cutting ‘Jeannie Moragne’ in February 2011. Ms. Jean Hair of North Carolina was the lucky winner of one free plumeria cutting ‘Kauka Wilder’ in the “Hawaiian Royalty Free Plumeria Cutting Giveaway” in March 2011. Ms. Cheryl Jackson of Texas was the lucky winner of one free plumeria cutting 'Kimo' in April 2011.

For more information on the latest plumeria care guide available and to enter the “Free Plumeria Cutting 'Pauahi Alii' Giveaway” visit How To Grow Plumeria.

Plumeria 'Tomlinson'

2011-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

The flowers of Plumeria 'Tomlinson' have delicate white lines running through a pink background.

The petals of these plumeria flowers are rounded and wide. Each flower has a small bright yellow center.

Considered an excellent variety the flowers of Plumeria 'Tomlinson' have a sweet fragrance and are close to 3 inches in diameter.

The production of flowers is heavy on plants with a close branching habit.


Plumeria 'Tomlinson'

For more information on growing plumerias and for your FREE tropical plant guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, visit Plumeria Care.

Plumeria Plants & Soil pH

2011-05-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome All Plumeria & Tropical Plant Lovers,

Today I would like to discuss the subject Plumeria

Plants and Soil pH.

Soil acidity or alkalinity affect plant growth by

influencing the chemical availability of nutrients in

the soil for uptake by the plants. The measure of

acidity or alkalinity, expressed as a number, is

called pH.

Plant roots absorb mineral nutrients such as

Nitrogen and Iron when they are dissolved in water.

If the soil solution (the mixture of water and nutrients

in the soil) is too acid or too alkaline, some nutrients

are not available for uptake.

A pH of 7 means that the soil is neutral.

If the pH is below 7, the soil is acidic.

If the pH is above 7 the soil is alkaline.

Most nutrients that plants need are readily available

if the pH is between 6.0 and 7.5.

When the pH is below 6.0, some nutrients such as

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are less

available to the plant.

When the pH exceeds 7.5, Iron and Manganese are

less available.

Plumeria plants do well when the pH is between

6.0 to 6.7 which means slightly acidic.

I even read where other authors have suggested a

pH range as low as 5.0 to 6.0.

Everyone seems to agree that plumerias grow best in

a slightly acidic soil.

So how does a gardener measure the pH level

in the soil or potting medium?

Most garden centers carry pH meters.

This pH meter with a probe will measure

the pH level of your soil/potting mix for you.

Next, I'm including one picture of a plumeria cutting

with three branches which was planted unrooted using

the Egg Method.

Since March 19, 2011 when the cutting was planted,

it has fully rooted and produced one inflorescence on

each of the three branches.

The major significance of this is THAT BOTH THE ROOTS

AND INFLOS ARE GROWING SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Prior to the use of this new Egg Method, it was believed

that the plumeria cutting was incapable of growing the root

system and inflorescence at the same time.

Developing inflos on a rooting cutting use all the plant's energy,

thus depriving the cutting of energy needed for root

development. In order to save the cutting by focusing the

energy back to the root system, the only suggested solution

was to remove the inflorescence....and cut it off.

When the Egg Method is applied CORRECTLY, the

inflos on rooting cuttings don't have to be sacrificed.

The cuttings now can develop roots and inflos at the same time.

Plumeria cutting rooted & developed inflos at the SAME TIME.

Lastly, I would like to remind you of our "Mother's Day Sale".

From now until Mother's Day on May 8, 2011, 11:59pm PDT

How To Grow Plumeria - Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!

is offered at an EXTRA $5 OFF. IT MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

Plumerias are like our Mothers in so many ways.

They are beautiful. They are sensitive.

Each one is unique. Each one is special.

They bring joy and delight into our lives.

We love them with all our hearts.

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers,

Alles Gute zum Muttertag für Alle Mütter,

Bonne fête des mères à toutes les mères,

Felice Festa della Mamma a tutte le mamme,

Madre Feliz Día a todas las madres,

Feliz Dia das Mães para todas as mães,

Bob Walsh

www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com

Extra $5 OFF Plumeria Care Guide During “Special Mother’s Day Sale”

2011-05-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bob Walsh Enterprises proudly announces their “Special Mother’s Day Sale”. From now until May 8, 2011 – Mother’s Day 2011 their step-by-step illustrated plumeria care guide, How To Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere!, is available to the public at an EXTRA $5 OFF.

Plumerias are like our Mothers in so many ways. They are beautiful. They are sensitive. Each one is unique. They are special. They give back more than they take with their color, shape, and scent. They bring joy and delight into our lives. We love them with all our hearts.

This plumeria care guide, available at www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com, was more than ten years in the making. Ever since Mr. Walsh received his first plumeria lei upon his initial visit to Hawaii, he made a commitment to himself that he would learn to grow plumerias when he arrived back home in Chicago.

When Mr. Walsh started to learn how to grow plumerias in Chicago, plant hardiness zone 5, the only plumeria books available were those written for plumeria growers living in tropical climates.

This was the time when Mr. Walsh realized he had to come up with his own methods if he wanted to grow and bloom his beloved plumerias in plant hardiness zone 5. Over the next ten years he tested different soil mixes, soil additives, fertilizers, grow lights, fungicides, insecticides, and more, taking notes of every step he did, recording success and failures alike.

When he finally brought his first plumerias into bloom, he knew that he had accomplished a major achievement. Mr. Walsh continued testing his now proven methods of growing and blooming plumerias. He also kept up-to-date with all the latest methods that were being written about or discussed on the internet.

Currently on his website there are two more recent examples of the successful methods that he uses in growing plumerias. The first picture of April 28, 2011 shows a plumeria inflorescence with multiple red buds. The April 30, 2011 picture shows the cutting of Plumeria 'Celadine' that he planted on March 19, 2011 using the LATEST REVOLUTIONARY ROOTING METHOD, which is explained in detail in his step-by-step plumeria guide. This Plumeria 'Celadine' rooted and produced an inflorescence with its first opening flower in exactly 6 weeks to the day.

In his plumeria care guide, the reader is guided from the moment his or her plumeria cuttings, plumeria plants, or plumeria seeds arrive at their doorstep until their plumerias opens their first flowers.

This plumeria care guide continues to provide necessary information to grow, protect and maintain healthy plumeria plants.

Since its initial publication in November 2010 tropical plant and plumeria enthusiasts and gardeners from around the world have already purchased this step-by-step illustrated plumeria care guide to enhance their gardening experience.

From the tropical climates of Indonesia and Malaysia to the temperate climates all across the United States, Taiwan, Australia, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and Switzerland plumeria gardeners are benefitting from these tried and tested methods outlined in his plumeria care guide.

The great success of his plumeria care guide in German speaking countries prompted Mr. Walsh to add an extra page in German to his website at www.howtogrowplumeriafrangipani.com/5.html. In Germany plumerias are grown in Munich in the South to Berlin in the North. Throughout Europe, for example, enthusiastic plumeria gardeners can be found in Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Greece.

In North America plumerias are grown as far north as Alaska. Plumerias grow wild in Africa’s Ethiopia, and throughout the islands of the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Now visitors to Mr. Walsh’s website can take advantage of the EXTRA $5 OFF “Special Mother’s Day Sale” which is good from now through Mother’s Day 2011 – May 8, 11:59pm PDT.