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Plumeria obtusa

Plumeria obtusa

Plumeria obtusa · Apocynaceae

📷 Subhrajyoti07 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The gardener's calendar

The right move for October

Ideal time to plant plumeria obtusa: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Common name
Blunt-leaved Plumeria
Family
Apocynaceae
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
June to September
Mature size
6 to 8 m in height
Growth rate
Moderate to fast
Hardiness
Frost-sensitive (12 °C minimum)
Origin
Caribbean and Central America

Care

Light exposure

Place your plumeria in direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours daily to encourage abundant blooming. In temperate climates, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors during winter in a bright, frost-protected location. The more light it receives, the more generously it flowers.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), keeping the substrate moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and minimize it in winter when the plant goes dormant. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings during the off-season.

Soil

Use well-draining, organic-rich substrate: a mix of potting soil, peat, and sand or clay pebbles. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring.

Fertilizer

Feed every 15 days from March to September with balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus to encourage flowering. Stop fertilizing completely in winter. Follow dosage recommendations to avoid root burn.

Pruning and structure

Prune lightly in late winter to shape and maintain branching. Remove dead or diseased branches as needed. Plumeria responds well to pruning and can be trained into a compact pot form with carefully developed architecture.

Diseases and pests

Watch for aphids, spider mites, and scale insects during warm periods, especially indoors. In very moist pots, root rot can occur: ensure excellent drainage. Provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.

Did you know?

The blunt-leaved plumeria has been venerated in tropical cultures for centuries: the flowers are associated with purity and spirituality in Southeast Asia, and they symbolize welcome in Hawaii. Its sweet, bewitching fragrance has inspired many high-end perfume creations, making it indispensable in fine floral compositions.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.