The Best Soil for Growing Healthy Plumeria Plants

Plumeria also known as frangipani, are stunning tropical flowers that thrive in warm climates. Their brightly colored and fragrant blooms make them a favorite for gardens, containers and lei making. While plumerias are relatively easy to grow, providing them with the proper soil is key to their health and performance. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing and preparing the ideal soil for your plumeria plants.

Why Soil Matters for Plumerias

Soil is the foundation that anchors and nourishes plants. For plumerias specifically, soil needs to drain exceptionally well and provide the right nutrients. Plumerias store water in their stems and branches, so they are prone to root rot if their soil stays wet for too long. Good drainage and aeration are critical. The soil should also have a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-7.0, as this helps plumerias access nutrients. Using a rich, organic soil further benefits plumerias by supplying nutrients without risk of burn.

Plumeria Soil Requirements

When selecting or mixing soil for plumerias. keep these requirements in mind

• Fast drainage: This is the most important factor. The soil must drain quickly and not hold moisture.

• Loose and airy: The soil needs space for air circulation to prevent compaction.

• Slightly acidic pH: Aim for a pH between 6.0-7.0. This is ideal for nutrient availability.

• Nutrient rich: Choose soils with organic matter over chemical fertilizers to avoid burning roots.

• Coarse texture: Ingredients like sand, perlite, and bark create the loose, quick-draining texture plumerias need.

Recommended Soil Components

Here are the best soil components to create an ideal plumeria potting mix:

• Coarse sand or pumice: Improves drainage and aeration. Can use horticultural sand instead.

• Peat moss or coco coir: Increases moisture retention. Helps soil hold some nutrients and water.

• Perlite or vermiculite: Aerates soil to prevent compaction. Perlite is more durable than vermiculite.

• Composted bark or compost: Adds beneficial organic matter. Improves moisture retention and nutrients.

• Sphagnum peat: Lowers pH to the ideal range for plumerias. Has some moisture retention.

Commercial Soil Mixes

There are many suitable commercial mixes that work well for container plumerias. Look for the following properties:

• Fast draining and sandy texture

• Contains organic matter like peat, bark, compost, etc.

• Nutrient rich to support plants

• No added chemical fertilizers

Some good commercial options include:

• Cactus and citrus mixes: Often contain the right sand and organic components.

• Orchid mixes: Tend to have good aeration and drainage.

• Palm and cycad mixes: Similar ingredients as orchid mixes.

These commercial mixes can be used on their own or amended with extra perlite or pumice to enhance drainage as needed.

Making Your Own Plumeria Soil

You can easily make your own plumeria soil mix at home. Here are two simple recipes to try:

Basic Plumeria Mix

• 1 part peat moss or coco coir
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• 1 part coarse sand
• 1 part composted bark or compost

Enriched Plumeria Mix

• 1 part peat moss or coco coir
• 1 part perlite or vermiculite
• 1 part coarse sand
• 1⁄4 part pine bark fines (optional)
• 1⁄4 part worm castings or compost (optional)

Thoroughly mix ingredients together in a bucket or wheelbarrow. Store any extra homemade soil in an airtight container to keep pests out.

Soil Preparation for In-Ground Planting

When planting plumerias directly in the ground, prepare the native soil by mixing in organic amendments to improve drainage and nutrients.

Here are some tips:

• Till in 2-3 inches of compost or rotted manure

• Mix in up to 50% amendments like peat moss, perlite, pine bark, etc.

• Add some sand or pumice if the soil is heavy clay

• Test drainage by digging a hole 12″ deep, filling with water, and checking if it drains in 60 minutes or less

Providing Proper Drainage

Excellent drainage is non-negotiable for plumerias. Here are some tips to ensure your soil drains properly:

• For containers, use pot with drainage holes and saucer to catch excess water

• Add amendments like perlite and orchid bark to improve drainage

• Plant in raised beds if your ground soil is poorly draining

• Always pour off excess water in saucers after watering potted plumerias

• Maintain proper drainage over time by re-amending soil each spring

The Right Soil pH

Test your plumeria soil pH annually and amend as needed to maintain the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

• To lower pH (make more acidic): Mix in elemental sulfur, pine bark, or cottonseed meal

• To raise pH (make more alkaline): Mix in dolomitic lime or wood ash

• Recheck pH after amending and adjust again if necessary

Providing Nutrients

A fertile, nutrient rich soil will give plumerias the food they need for vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

• Mix quality organic matter like compost, manure, or worm castings into the original soil

• Top dress containers with compost or organic granular fertilizer every spring

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season

• Use organic slow-release fertilizers to prevent burn

• Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess salts can damage plumeria roots

Getting the soil right is crucial for successfully growing plumerias. Provide them with a fast-draining, nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil for optimal health and performance. Pre-mixed cactus and citrus soils or homemade mixes amended with sand, peat moss, perlite and compost tend to work very well. Pay close attention to drainage and pH when preparing plumeria soil and you will be rewarded with vigorous, floriferous plants.

Plumerias need to be watered deeply, but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 1-2 weeks, adjusting based on weather and soil conditions.

Yes, Miracle-Gro can be a suitable fertilizer for plumeria, especially when combined with amendments to improve drainage. While some growers prefer specialized plumeria fertilizers, Miracle-Gro can provide the necessary nutrients, particularly if you’re using a balanced formula like the one with NPK 11-11-14 according to a Florida nursery.