The National Pride Of The Pacific Islands - Plumeria

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Not every plant deserves the honor of being called a national flower. But plumeria can boast of this. Even among the ancient Mayans, it was identified with lust and passion, and in Buddhist countries it still remains a symbol of immortality and is often found in temples and ancient courtyards of Laos and Bali. In indoor conditions, this beautiful and eminent flower is quite rare, but it is quite possible to tame it

Applicable in perfumery and cosmetics

Plumeria flowers grown on the windowsill are not only an exquisite and rare decoration, but also create a wonderful atmosphere in the house. An Italian nobleman who was fond of perfumery somehow created a perfume that was later named "Frangipani" in his honor. They had a unique scent of plumeria flowers. This composition has gained worldwide fame. In addition to plumeria, the perfume contains notes of citrus and jasmine, various spices and gardenias. Today, plants continue to be successfully used in the creation of fragrances and cosmetics.

Plumeria got its name in honor of the French botanist Charles Plumiere, who lived in the 17th century. Its homeland is South America. However, today the flower's habitat has spread to Mexico, Thailand, California, the Pacific Islands and other warm corners.

Especially fragrant in the morning

In nature, the plant is a tree up to 8m. in height. It belongs to the Kutrov family. The leaves of the plant are oblong, leathery, tapering towards the end and dark green in color. They are located on fleshy and thick branches. Quite large flowers of various colors (red, white-pink, white-yellow, multicolor) with oval delicate petals bloom on young shoots in spring. In the morning hours, their aroma is the brightest and most delicate.

Plumeria fruits, which are red-brown or green in color, are inedible. They resemble cylindrical pods in shape, narrow with a sharp tip. It is preferable to store the harvested seeds in a cool and dry place for no more than 2 years, otherwise they may lose their germination. It is important to note that before caring for the plant, you need to wear gloves, since milky juice is present in all its parts, which can cause irritation on the skin and an allergic reaction. In nature, this helps the flower to protect itself from pests.

More reliable with cuttings

Florists generally prefer to propagate plumeria by cuttings, since this method allows you to achieve an earlier flowering - a year after planting or earlier. From fairly well-developed branches, small cuttings are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. It is best to do this when the plant is dormant. After a week, future plumeria must be moistened, and before that they are kept in a warm, dry place. Then, for their quickest rooting, they are kept a little in "Kornevin". Planting is carried out in spacious pots with fertilized soil. The appearance of leaves is a sign of good root development. The plant up to this point requires moderate watering, bottom heating, and bright lighting.

Breeders and enthusiastic enthusiasts are trying to propagate the plant with seeds, because this process is quite laborious and long. Flowers with such reproduction will appear only after 3-5 years, and the plant itself will be externally and genetically different from the parent. The seed capsule, as a rule, is placed in a gauze bag so that the seeds do not scatter. Dried seeds are planted in the soil shallowly and in a horizontal direction, cutting off their "tail".

Phosphorus is better than nitrogen

The sunniest windowsill is the best place to place plumeria in the house. She loves to take baths from direct sunlight, and at least 6 hours a day. Drying out of the soil must not be allowed. In summer, on hot days, abundant watering is necessary, as well as spraying.

Spring top dressing with phosphorus contributes to the abundant flowering of plumeria, and nitrogenous fertilizers activate growth, distracting the plant from the formation of flowers. Foliar top dressing and abundant watering are suitable for the summer period.

Plumeria goes on another vacation in the fall. She notifies about this by dropping all the leaves. Then the plant should be placed in a moderately light, cool place, where it "sleeps" until spring. Youngsters are transplanted every two years after winter in pots with good drainage.