Tropical Trees in Arizona

Holokai

Hey Folks,

I just got back from visiting Hawaii, and I returned with some Plumeria Cuttings and some Orchids. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these plants (I know it's not exactly bonsai) as far as soil, fertilizers, etc. go.

Thanks for any input.

- Chris

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soonami

Infact, I have about 25 plumeria wintering in my basement right now. I use a free draining soil, it's about 25% perlite 50% course sand and 25% mushroom compost, but anything that is free and loose would work fine I started off of them from seed, but cuttings root very easily, just wet the bottom inch of the cutting with rooting hormone and place the cutting in the potting mix about 4 inches deep and water well. Rooting for Plumeria is very fast.

For fertilizer you will want high phosphate fertilizer, something like 10-50-10, to help promote blooming, high nitrogen fertilizers will cause a lot of leave growth and elongation but not so many flowers.

Orchids are difficult to deal with and I have killed too many to give good advice so that you will have to read on your own

Holokai

Soonami, That's great information, thank you very much. I do have a few more questions for you though, since you have some experience with plumeria.

Arizona is a pretty dry climate, which is quite different from the native environment for these trees. Should I consider a bowl of water for evaporation under the pots?

Also, should I pick up a UV light or growth light for these guys?

Thanks again!

-C