The Plumeria Pudica is a beautiful, fast-growing evergreen shrub with gorgeous white flowers that are sometimes lightly scented. With their uniquely shaped dark green foliage, these stunning plants are a must for many homeowners to invite a little bit of the tropics into their yards.
The white plumeria flower makes an amazing backdrop to other ornamentals yet can even stand out as a star on its own.
By knowing the proper care and maintenance, plant lovers can make this easy-growing, sensational shrub quickly flourish and flower in the comfort of their homes.
Contents
What Is a Plumeria Pudica?
The Plumeria Pudica is a showy shrub found in Venezuela and Colombia known for its striking foliage and spectacular flowering habits. Due to its differently-shaped leaves from other plumerias, this variety has several descriptive names, with Plumeria Pudica Bridal Bouquet, and Fiddle Leaf Plumeria being the most popular ones.
Plumeria Pudica Care
Caring for the Plumeria Pudica is quite easy and low-maintenance once all the required conditions for its optimal growth are in place. Armed with some knowledge and some preparedness, plumeria lovers all around the world can also readily cultivate these beautiful Bridal Bouquets.
– Water
Watering the Plumeria Pudica is quite easy for many gardeners as they love drinking up a lot of water. This is because during their most active growing seasons during the spring and summer months, frequent watering encourages them to develop more foliage and flowers.
Caution should be exercised in watering, as the Plumeria Pudica prefers to slightly dry out in between waterings. While watering should be abundant, frequency should not be as often to allow the shrub’s fine roots to avoid drowning them.
– Light
Yes. In general, plumerias are tolerant of a wide range of light levels, from low to shady or full sun.
It is the full exposure to warm direct sunlight that encourages plumerias to develop optimally and produce flowers.
The same goes for the Plumeria Pudica, as it is naturally a sun lover.
Planted or potted outside, the gorgeous woody vine prefers a full sun exposure of at least five to six hours.
Care should be noted that in order to avoid shock and leaf burn, Plumeria Pudica plants should be gradually introduced to full sun exposure if they are in transition from transport or transfer, and the spot is new to them.
– Soil
The Plumeria Pudica appreciates soil that is quick-draining to prevent its roots from rotting due to excess stagnant water. In pots, it is advisable to mix some perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and potting soil for the woody shrub. Others prefer to use succulent soil mixes, which are extremely quick-draining.
Placing organic mulch on top of the soil helps the Plumeria Pudica retain its moisture level, and the decomposing matter gradually delivers nutrients into the soil. Organic mulches also prevent weeds from growing.
– Temperature
Tropical Plumeria Pudica trees prefer warm climates since they are thermophilic plants accustomed to high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for them is from 65 to 80 F.
When grown outside of their native environments, it is recommended to place the Bridal Bouquet in a large pot where it can be moved indoors during cooler months.
In America, USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12 are ideal locations for these tropical trees to be planted outdoors. Staking support may be needed for areas where strong winds are frequent.
– Humidity
Plumeria Pudica plants are adapted to grow in areas with moderate to high levels of humidity. In regions with lower levels of humidity, growers may increase the air moisture content by spraying the leaves frequently. It should be noted that moderate to strong air movement should also be present to prevent the water from stagnating and causing leaf rot.
For potted Bridal Bouquets, placing a tray of gravel with water under the pot can help increase humidity. Growers should be careful that the water does not touch the roots of the plant to avoid root rot.
– Fertilizer
While Plumeria Pudica trees normally get their nutrients from the soil, applying a little fertilizer goes a long way to improve their overall health. These woody shrubs are heavy feeders and will gladly soak up the nutrients from fertilizers.
Frequent fertilization of once every one to three weeks is ideal during the spring and summer seasons. Fertilizers should be stopped during the cooler months of autumn and winter.
Some fertilizers are specifically formulated for plumerias, while there are also general fertilizers for foliage and flowering purposes. Some growers even use fish emulsion solutions and liquid kelp dilutions as fertilizers and foliar sprays. Spraying should be done early in the morning or late afternoon to prevent the sun from burning the wet leaves.
– Rest Period
In its native habitats, the Plumeria Pudica does not require a resting period or undergo a dormant season. In temperate climates, the warm-loving plant goes through a dormant period.
For the plant to survive through the winter, it must be taken indoors to keep them away from the bitter cold. It is also the best time to reduce watering frequency and amount as well as to stop fertilizing.
Propagation
Plumeria Pudica seeds are produced when the flowers get pollinated. The seed pods start quite small and eventually develop into hard, large, purplish bean pods. Over time, these pods split open to reveal around 20 to 100 seeds. Some cultivars are sterile, so that seed pods may be quite rare or impossible.
Grafted Plumeria Pudica seedlings are also another option for growers to cultivate these tropical beauties. Another easier method is through stem cuttings, where the branch cuttings are calloused, dipped in root hormone, and planted into the ideal soil mix.
Facts About the Plumeria Pudica
– Other Names
Other less common names for this gorgeous small tropical tree are Dwarf Frangipani, Everlasting Love, Hammerhead Frangipani, Golden Arrow, White Frangipani, Wild Plumeria, Bonairian Oleander, and Thai Champa.
– Size
Yes, it is a fast-growing and low-maintenance plant. The verdant Plumeria Pudica can grow up to 16 feet, with its branches normally facing upright to give its leaves maximum sun exposure.
This tropical plant produces beautiful elongated fiddle-shaped leaves that are already quite attractive on their own, even without any plumeria flower. This charming woody evergreen shrub is a showstopper for many outdoor and indoor garden displays, whether planted in the ground or potted.
– Leaves
The lush leaves of the Plumeria Pudica are extended with a fiddle-shaped end. Many growers have compared the remarkable resemblance of the emerald leaves to spoons and cobra hoods.
The rich, green leaves are veined and raised, creating a sculptural foliage display for observers. The length of the verdant leaves can reach up to 16 inches, which is quite spectacular even if the woody shrub is not yet in bloom.
– Roots
Plumeria Pudica roots are quite shallow in comparison to the height of the plant. The fine, fibrous root system of the beautiful Bridal Bouquet Plumeria makes it easy for loving gardeners to repot or transplant the woody shrub.
The root ball is quite small proportionally to the rest of the small tree and can thrive happily for a number of years in the same pot or container.
The white roots are stringy and sinewy and can be quite tough despite their delicate appearance. However, the plant should be repotted once the roots start to show over the soil.
– Flowers
The showy flowers of the Plumeria Pudica are generally white with a bright yellow center. These particular species are often unscented, although there are some cultivars that are of a light pink variety that possesses a slight fragrance. The average size of these flowers is around three inches.
A single inflorescence of the plant bears multiple buds, which eventually turn to flowers, resembling a bride’s bouquet. A Plumeria Pudica may produce several inflorescences during its active blooming period, resembling a small shrub adorned with multiple white bouquets.
– Habitat
The Plumeria Pudica is a native dweller in the subtropical areas of Venezuela and Colombia. Highly adapted to living in abundant sunlight, the warm-loving evergreen woody shrub enjoys high levels of brightness and temperature with a vibrant show of foliage and flowers.
It is also native to Mexico and Central America, with many other subtropical and tropical regions worldwide seizing the opportunity to grow this lively small tree.
FAQ
Is Plumeria Pudica fast growing?
Yes, Plumeria Pudica is a fast-growing plant, especially in warm climates with proper care and maintenance.
Can Plumeria Pudica grow without leaves?
No, Plumeria Pudica cannot grow without leaves as leaves are essential for photosynthesis and overall plant health.
Does Plumeria Pudica need deep pots?
Plumeria Pudica does not necessarily need deep pots, but a well-draining pot with sufficient depth for root development is recommended.
Conclusion
The Plumeria Pudica is a very showy shrub with undeniably striking foliage and spectacular flowering habits. In order to grow this magnificent small tree, let’s go over what we’ve learned:
- The Plumeria Pudica is a tropical woody shrub that prefers a long exposure to bright light, with high levels of humidity, warmth, and abundant watering.
- This plant is best potted and transported indoors during the cooler months of autumn and winter in temperate climates.
- The Bridal Bouquet can be propagated easily by growing it from seed, through grafting techniques, and stem cuttings.
With a little bit of tender loving care and frequent doses of water and fertilizers, growers can quickly coax the lush foliage and the bouquets of white blooms. It’s no wonder that growers all over the world love the Plumeria Pudica as a gorgeous gardening addition!
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