Wintering the Plumeria
It has been a hectic summer. Thankfully, it was a summer in Indianapolis that was perfect for the plumeria! Hot, dry, and humid. I was miserable but my plumeria were very happy.
Due to the heat and some personal illness, I did not do a lot of gardening this summer. At times, it was difficult even getting out to water the plants. Thank god that plummies are not water babies or else I might be writing about a lot of dead plants.
No blooms this summer. Most of the plants were too young and JJ had such a rough winter with the spider mites (which I am still fighting!) have really taken a toll on her. Thankfully, she grew giant, lush leaves (some that were 6-8 inches long and 3-4 inches wide). She also branched out and grew 8 new branching arms. As long as we can kick these mites and give her a gentle winter, I expect JJ to be flowers next year.
I also got some newcomers to the family. I ordered from Jungle Jack's online and I did have a few issues but John was so helpful, that it didn't even bother me.
I ordered 3 new plumeria: Melody, Cote d'Or, and Star White.
They had a hard time at first due to the travel and because of the humidity, they showed up with some mold on them but I was able to kick that mold's butt and the plummies really started growing. So quickly, in fact, that they out grew their pots within the first month and started tipping over.
They weren't the only ones: Nebel Rainbow and Penang Peach blew up! I replanted them in April into larger plants and the minute they got room, both plants shot up. They each grew at least 6 inches and the Penang Peach is as a child's wrist at this time.
Up until mid-October, we had beautiful 80 degree weather in Indianapolis, so the plumerias just came inside for the winter, as well as some fresh soil and pots so they'll be comfortable all winter.
As well, my co-worker honeymooned in Hawaii and brought back 2 plumeria stalks for me, so there'll be more about that come spring when we can put the stalks outside to root on the warm concrete patio.
Due to the heat and some personal illness, I did not do a lot of gardening this summer. At times, it was difficult even getting out to water the plants. Thank god that plummies are not water babies or else I might be writing about a lot of dead plants.
No blooms this summer. Most of the plants were too young and JJ had such a rough winter with the spider mites (which I am still fighting!) have really taken a toll on her. Thankfully, she grew giant, lush leaves (some that were 6-8 inches long and 3-4 inches wide). She also branched out and grew 8 new branching arms. As long as we can kick these mites and give her a gentle winter, I expect JJ to be flowers next year.
Late night with JJ in June. She put on more growth by September
I also got some newcomers to the family. I ordered from Jungle Jack's online and I did have a few issues but John was so helpful, that it didn't even bother me.
I ordered 3 new plumeria: Melody, Cote d'Or, and Star White.
The newly arrive plummies
They had a hard time at first due to the travel and because of the humidity, they showed up with some mold on them but I was able to kick that mold's butt and the plummies really started growing. So quickly, in fact, that they out grew their pots within the first month and started tipping over.
They weren't the only ones: Nebel Rainbow and Penang Peach blew up! I replanted them in April into larger plants and the minute they got room, both plants shot up. They each grew at least 6 inches and the Penang Peach is as a child's wrist at this time.
Nebel and Peach in July before replanting. Nebel in the terracotta pot and Peach in the blue pot
The Penang Peach (left) and a thickness comparison (right)
Nebel-- Three branches and a foot tall at 1 yr old!
Ready for winter
As well, my co-worker honeymooned in Hawaii and brought back 2 plumeria stalks for me, so there'll be more about that come spring when we can put the stalks outside to root on the warm concrete patio.
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