HVH fertilizer and potting soil for other tropical plants

[ronmcd]

I have 5 potted HVH plants and use both the HVH fertilizer (and Booster) and potting soil. I would like to know if it would be advisable to use the same for my potted Plumeria?

[Charlie]

Many tropical plants are native to similar locations - tropical, with lots of rain showers and often a sandy or well drained soil. Our potting mix is made to mimic that while improving on it some. The mix drains very well, yet the coco coir and peat moss also hold plenty of water and nutrient that are then taken up by plant roots. This mix will be fine for your plumeria and any plant that uses much water but still likes good drainage.

Our fertilizer was designed specifically for hibiscus, using well known plant nutrition principles followed by trial and error experiments. Leaf tissue samples analyzed by a lab let us know when the hibiscus were exceptionally well nourished, as did observations of the plants themselves. Since then we have found that not only does it do a great job with hibiscus but other of our plants such as bougainvillea also thrive on it. HOWEVER, you asked specifically about Plumeria. We have only just started growing some plumeria ourselves and so far have used only HVH fertilizer on it which has it growing well. We might switch to a higher phosphorus containing fertilizer based on recommendations from Plumeria growers we know. For now I suggest taking their advice - obtain a fertilizer that is higher in the middle number of the 3 number sequence, which is phosphorus, and use that. Something like 10-14-10  or similar ratio. If we find we can grow good, blooming Plumeria with the HVH formula we will let you know but for now I have to go with the advice of others more experienced with Plumeria and recommend a higher phosphorus formula. Just do not use the high phosphorus type on your hibiscus as they are known to be susceptible to problems when the phosphorus is too high. Also, check a new fertilizer for minor minerals like iron and magnesium and use a complete fertilizer on potted plumeria whenever possible.

 The HVH Booster is just potassium nitrate, which provides plants with a big boost of the 2 most important ingredients in fertilizer. Experience has proven it to increase hibiscus flower quantity, size, and color. Although many plants use potassium and nitrogen we have not tested Booster on any but hibiscus so I am not going to advise it for anything else. Overuse can burn roots and leaves so if you use it follow directions and if you try it on anything other than hibiscus use a weak dose on just one plant to see how it reacts. 

I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any experiences with our products that are good, bad, or indifferent. We always are trying to learn more about them and people's experiences with them. Thanks.

Charlie

[ronmcd]

Thank you for your reply Charlie. I will do some testing this year. In late spring, after the possibility of frosty mornings have passed, I will check my HVH hibiscus and my plumeria to see if they are root bound. If so I will root prune and add HVH soil to the plumeria pots. This is what I use for my hibiscus. I will start using the HVH fertilizer on a few of my plumeria and watch how they perform against the others with the normal fertilizer. Interestingly enough there is a plumeria grower in So Cal that is adamant about "not" using "high middle number" fertilizers and prefers a more even one, 10-10-10, 20-20-20, etc. I also have communicated with and purchased from a plumeria grower in Florida who recommends the same. Water/fertilize the potting mix and foliar spray. I'll keep you informed as to the progress.

Ron