Frangipani - Plumeria - Tropical Plant Care

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Plant Nutrients – Part 2 – Benefits of Nitrogen, Blood Meal and Potassium for Plumeria Plants and Plants in General

Nitrogen is an essential component of Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plant cells, which next to nitrogen also contains magnesium, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Chlorophyll is a vital catalyst in the production of carbohydrates by using the sun's energy in the process called Photosynthesis.

During Photosynthesis hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to form sugars and oxygen. The basic formula for Photosynthesis combines 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and 6 molecules of water (H₂O), interacts with each other in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight, and converts them into 1 molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and 6 molecules of oxygen (O₂). A catalyst is defined as any substance which speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without being chemically changed itself.

Nitrogen is also responsible for vegetative leafy growth and is taken up by plants either as nitrate or ammonium. Some plants, especially legumes, are able to absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere and transfer it to the soil.

Croton

Nitrogen deficiency manifests itself in stunt growth and pale green or yellow leaves. Older leaves, lower leaves, turn pale green or yellow first as the plant transports nitrogen from the older leaves to the younger ones.

Blood meal, an excellent source of nitrogen, can be added directly to the soil or diluted in water and applied as a liquid fertilizer. It may also be spread in granular form in garden areas to deter rabbits. Blood meal added to compost piles acts as a composting activator.

Caladium

Blood meal, or any fertilizer high in nitrogen, is not recommended to be used on established plumeria plants as it may cause a growth pattern characterized by increased leaf production and thin branches. When growing plumeria plants one wants flowers to develop. As discussed in Part One of Plant Nutrients, it was bone meal added to the soil that aided in the production of flowers. This is mentioned here because both, blood meal and bone meal, are approved as soil additives in certified organic production.

Fish emulsion, widely used as an organic fertilizer, is another good source of nitrogen. It is usually composed of 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphorus and 1% Potassium. In addition to these three macronutrients, fish emulsion also contains micronutrients and trace Minerals. Fish emulsion also makes a fast acting foliar fertilizer.

Tropical plants with large leaves, including Alocasia, Caladium, Calathea, Canna, Colocasia, Ginger, Heliconia and others, benefit from periodic applications of additional nitrogen using fish emulsion or blood meal.

Heliconia

Leavy vegetables, such as arugula, lettuce and spinach and herbs, such as basil and parsley, also respond well to extra feedings of nitrogen.

Potassium, chemical symbol K (from the German word Kalium), is an important nutrient that assists the plant in regulating its cold and heat tolerance, insect and disease problems and drought tolerance.

Potassium also plays an important role in the water use of plants, called Osmoregulation. One of several functions of Osmoregulation includes the opening and closing of the Stomata, which affects the uptake of carbon dioxide and the temperature control through transpiration for the Photosynthesis process. Stomata are the minute pore openings underneath plant leaves that can open and close according to the metabolic needs of plants.

Plumeria 'Kimo'

In addition, potassium regulates plant enzymes. It increases root growth and lowers respiration limiting the plant’s energy loss.

Potassium uptake is faster when the plant’s root system is in warm, moist and well aerated soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil ph.

Potassium deficiency manifests itself in deformed, stunted or yellow leaves, weak stems and premature bud or fruit drop.

Plumeria Plants and plants in general need an adequate amount of potassium in order to flourish and develop their full growth and flower potential.

Plumeria cutting growing in Chicago, plant hardiness zone 5, with developing bud showing color.

Plumeria developing buds

When providing plants, including tropical and plumeria plants, with the three macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it is important to provide plants with the correct ratio according to the plant’s individual needs.

These are the important contributions that nitrogen, blood meal and potassium make in creating a beautiful and lush garden that every gardener can be proud to showcase privately and publicly.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Plant Nutrients – Part 1 – The Benefits of Bone Meal and Phosphorus for Plumeria Plants and Plants in General

Bone meal consists of ground up bones and is used as an organic fertilizer. Bone meal is an excellent source of slow release Phosphorus which is one of the three macronutrients. The other two are Nitrogen and Potassium. These plant nutrients are called macronutrients as plants need a higher percentage of them compared to other nutrients for their development and growth process.

Bone meal doesn't move well through the soil. Therefore it is best to add it at planting time by sprinkling it over and around the roots so that the plant nutrients will interact with the root

system immediately and be most beneficial to plant's overall development.

The ratio of the three macronutrients in bone meal is usually 4-14-0 meaning 4% Nitrogen, 14% Phosphorus and 0% Potassium. In addition, bone meal is also a good source of Calcium.

Phosphorus is essential for plants as it aids in root development, photosynthesis, energy transfer, cell division, flower production, transportation of plant nutrients and more. It combines with oxygen to form Phosphates.

The terms Phosphorus and Phosphate are used interchangeably.

Plumeria Plants supplemented with bone meal have been known to have an increased flower production per plant. More flowers enhance the plumeria plant's overall appearance and aesthetic quality. Some plumeria growers believe that fertilizers influence the color intensity and scent of some plumeria flowers.

Plumeria 'Samoan Fluff'

One word of caution to gardeners who have dogs or other wildlife, such as raccoons, visit their gardens. Since bone meal is made from bones these animals are attracted to its scent. Gardeners need to be aware of this and watch for digging and other signs of destruction in their pots and in their gardens. Proper protective measures may be needed to save plumeria plants from these nosey critters.

Plant nutrients protect plants from a number of symptoms that negatively affect the healthy growth patterns of plants, including plumeria plants.

Phosphorus deficiency, for example, expresses itself in reduction of flower production, and in fruiting plants it results in less fruits.

Other signs of Phosphorus deficiency include older leaves showing a bluish coloration mixed with green, purple veins on the leaves or the entire leaf changes into a purple-like color, stunted growth and new stalks growing thin.

Calcium, another ingredient in bone meal, is called a secondary nutrient. Other secondary nutrients include Magnesium and Sulfur.

Calcium plays an important role in developing strong plants and strengthening cell walls.

Calcium deficiency manifests itself in local tissue necrosis, death of tissue, which eventually leads to stunted growth. Other signs of Calcium deficiency include necrotic leaf margins, curled leaves, demise of terminal buds and tips of the roots.

By applying bone meal to your plants, including plumeria plants, you ensure a steady release of Phosphorus over an extended period of time resulting in floriferous and thriving plants.

Plumeria 'Thai Rainbow' © Bob Fisher

Part Two of Plant Nutrients focuses on the benefits of Nitrogen and Potassium for plants, including sensuously perfumed plumeria plants.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Plumeria Cuttings And Plumeria Plants - Choosing The Right Size Container

Today's topic is how to choose the right pot size for plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants both for aesthetic appearance as well as healthy growth.

It is important to choose the right size of pot, container, when planting plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants.

It's best to center-focus on the cutting or plant itself to keep the aesthetic value.

If a small plumeria cutting or plant is planted in too large a pot, it gets lost. If a large plumeria plant is placed in a small pot, the visual imbalance becomes the focal point. 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 one 6 inch pot. The cutting is in balance with the size of the pot.

Developing buds on plumeria plant showing color.

Small plumeria cuttings and plants which are planted in large containers seem to be lost and it can be potentially harmful to the root development of the cuttings or plants.

This is a more important issue than the aesthetic value. Planting plumeria cuttings and plants in larger than needed containers may result in their demise due to stem rot as too much moisture is available over a prolonged period of time.

The right proportional size pot or container per plumeria size allows for proper drying out of the planting medium compared to the moisture retention of extra planting medium of an oversized pot.

Plumeria gardeners looking for advice on this issue need to understand that there are regional differences that need to be taken into consideration.

For example, plumeria gardeners living in the tropics may suggest to plant plumeria cuttings and plants in large containers to allow for adequate root development.

This may be good advice in tropical climates, but it's not recommended that plumeria gardeners in temperate climates follow this advice. Temperate climates don't experience the same intensity of the sun, even temperatures and high humidity.

When choosing the right size container for your plumeria cuttings and plumeria plants make sure it is in balance with the size of the cuttings or plants.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh
www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Introduction of New Rose Plants for 2012 - Floribunda, Grandiflora, Groundcover, Hedge, Hybrid Tea, Miniature and Shrub Roses

Spring is almost here, March 20th,

and we are already basking in summer

temperatures here in Chicago, 76 - 80 degrees.

I want to share with you the brand new rose

introductions for 2012.

I want to emphasize that there is no financial

gain for me by introducing you to these new

roses.

This Ezine issue features the 2012 brand new

roses that are being introduced and highlighted

by online nurseries in their catalogs or on their
websites for the first time.

Floribunda Roses....

Grandiflora Roses....

Groundcover Roses....

Hedge Roses....

Double Red Simplicity

Hybrid Tea Roses....

Miniature Roses

All A' Twitter

Shrub Roses....

New rose plants for 2012, including hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses.

I hope you enjoy browsing through

these new roses as much as I did.

Happy Growing,

Bob Walsh

www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Ancient History of Rose Plants - Floribunda, Grandiflora, Hybrid Tea and Polyantha Roses – Part 1

The history of roses begins long before one would imagine. Roses were here long before the first human beings set eyes on them, fell in love with them and began writing about the genus Rosa in song and poetry that celebrated their romantic beauty in color and form. They were here millions of years before the first gardeners began creating the world renowned public and private gardens that further enriched humanity's love affair with the 150 species that were spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere of planet earth.

One of the first fossil finds was right here in the United States where the genus Rosa left an imprint on a slate deposit in the Florissant Fossil Beds in Colorado dating back forty million years ago. Other fossil finds from the Oregon and Montana area of our country date some 35 million years ago.

When rose gardeners and afficionados across the United States begin preparing their gardens and/or attending the Spring Flower Shows that highlight the latest Floribunda, Grandiflora, Hybrid Tea and Polyantha rose plants, may these fossil finds make an imprint on their mind on what a special plant and flower they are working with.

It is believed that the genus Rosa originated in central Asia some 60 to 70 million years ago and from there spread over the entire Northern Hemisphere. Roses grew wild throughout the Northern Hemisphere in what we now call Asia, Europe, Northern Africa and North America. Roses grow wild from as far north as Alaska and Norway and as far south as Mexico and Egypt.

With the arrival of human beings the garden cultivation of roses began some 5,000 years

ago, probably in the area of China. Confucius, about 500 B.C., wrote about roses growing in

the Imperial Gardens and noted that the library of the Chinese emperor contained hundreds of books about roses.

In the ancient Middle Eastern and Western civilizations the oldest identifiable rose today, Rosa gallica, whose exact origin is unclear, traces its appearance to the twelfth century B.C. where the Persians first connected the rose to be a symbol of love.

Rosa damascena, Damask rose, whose well-known fragrance is a rich part of the rose plant history, dates back to 900 B.C. The ancient civilizations of the Phoenicans, Minoans, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and the surrounding mediterranean cultures all grew and traded in roses. These traveled trading routes made the genus Rosa one of the most desirable plants to have that created the beautifully renown gardens for the most famous leaders of the world at that time, including Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia. Alexander the Great is credited for introducing cultivated roses into Europe, and maybe North Africa as well. Throughout the history of Western Civilization the rich and famous cultivated roses, including Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, who grew roses on the palace grounds at Aix-la-Chapelle in Aachen, Germany.

The Greek scientist, educator and writer Theophratus is credited with compiling the first known detailed botanical description of roses around 300 B.C. for the Western Civilization. His excellent work, Historia Plantis, gained him the title “father of botany”. This work was the primer for all cataloging of roses, even for today's rose plants, including Floribunda, Grandiflora, Hybrid Tea and Polyantha roses.

The significant discovery of the North African rose plant, Rosa damascena semperflorens, Autumn Damask, around 50 B.C. is considered one of the first hybrids. It is believed to be a cross between Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata, the musk rose. It was the first and only repeating bloomer known to Western Civilization until the 18th and 19th centuries when roses from China were introduced to Europe. It also may have been the first naturally cross-pollinated rose plant.

Another important early rose is Rosa alba, the white rose, made famous in the War of Roses by the House of York, England, in the Fifteenth Century. Rosa alba and its relative roses are believed to have been formed from some combination of the following roses, including Rosa gallica, Rosa damascena, Rosa canina and Rosa corymbifera.

Through travel, trade and conquests these varieties of Rosa alba spread throughout the regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The rose and rose gardens had a prominent place in the Roman Empire where public records reveal that there were some 2000 public gardens throughout Rome before it collapsed in 476 A.D.

It was the Benedictine Monks in their monasteries that are in a large part responsible for keeping the roses thriving during the tumultuous post Roman Empire years throughout Europe with the continuous onslaught of invading Barbarian forces of the Visogoths, Huns, Vandals and others. Benedictine Monks in particular became the center of botanical research growing and studying plants for a variety of medicinal purposes.

The history of rose plants, Floribunda, Grandiflora, Hybrid Tea and Polyantha roses Part Two will continue in the 17th Century when the interest in the genus Rosa was rekindled with new discoveries from around the world and increased with the maritime expeditions of the English, French, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish to the New World and Far East.