Bay Area climate... help needed

10 years ago

Hi I have a few Plumeria here in Palo Alto where I live. I am somewhat new to growing plumeria. I recently bought 2 10 inches from home depot which are doing well. I also bought a Makaha Sunn from Hawaii since I heard this was a very nice and rare tree. I do not want to lose this one!

I just potted it in miracle grow potting soil and gave it some water. It is about 18 inches high one tip and rooted.

Any tips on how I can get these to do well in the climate here? Its warm and hot in the summer but cool at night and winter.
thanksAA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

Quaching
10 years ago
I wouldn't water it too much at first until you see new leaves shooting out of the top. After the new set of leaves get about 5 or 6 inches long then I would start watering more often. If its already rooted then you should see it making good process quickly (within a few weeks).

I have stopped using Miracle Grow potting soil because in my area it is still too green (hasn't decomposed enough). I use a mix of cactus soil, peat moss, and perlite. Some of the other people on this forum use a different mix but this seems to work well for me.

In the winter you will need to take it inside if the temps drop below 50. I normally try to keep my plumeria from going dormant the first winter that I have it. I have a indoor greenhouse so that's not a problem. If you do not have a indoor greenhouse then you might want to invest in a heated plant mat and place it by a window that gets good sunlight in the winter.

You should get a lot of good tips from other more experienced people on this forum too.
ANNAMARIA VECCHIO
10 years ago
Hi Ronalvio...I live in Foster City and I have been quite successful, so far, with rooting my cuttingsI Like Quaching said: just put them in a hot location and don't water until leaves are at least 4 to 6 inches long. I spray the tip(s), with distilled water and vitamin B1, when I see a "shiny" tip and starts developing into a "claw" forming. Next time try the "egg experiment" !!! If you want to hear more about it, send me an email!!!!
Annamaria
Related Discussions
Image Heavy! Need Help with Bay Area crepe myrtle
Q
Comments (5)
They're fine, at least that's how mine look. They don't have that dramatic fall coloration and leaf drop like they do in more temperate regions (like all other decidious trees here). They tend to slowly begin to yellow, then the leaves become ratty and dried like the picture shows. Eventually (around this time) a hard rain knocks the leaves off or i'll go out and shake the tree (since it's right outside a window and looks terrible like that). Depending on what part of the bay area, that myrtle could be in a milder place than mine, and that's why it's still holding on to leaves.
...See More
Need advice on West Facing Balcony in the Bay Area
Q
Comments (5)
Post some pictures that people can see, your first wasn't visible for me. East facing will mean morning sun until noon, but may be shadier than that if trees block full sun. I'd suggest pots with succulents in general will be the easiest plant types to care for, and there are so many types.Glazed ceramic pots, or self-watering fiberglass pots may be very practical and require less frequent watering. I have the opposite opinion of the White Potatoe Vine for a balcony; too rampant growing and ugly looking in colder weather. Consider her Sunset zone when selecting succulents, but having a roof overhead helps with protection from winter wet and cold, a combination some succulents don't like. The Sunset Western Garden Book has an excellent section on good container plant choices. I'd also suggest a nursery visit to a great retail nursery known for their vast selection of containers, such as Flora Grubb Nursery in San Francisco, or Annie's Annuals Nursery in Richmond, California. Aw Pottery off Hwy 880 in Oakland is also a great source for containers. A consultation on-site with a landscape designer well versed in container gardening might also save you time and money. If you do a search for posts with photos under my name, I'm sure I've posted examples of varied container plantings on here over the years that might get you thinking of possibilities.
...See More
Referrals Needed for SF Bay Area (East Bay/Tri-Valley)
Q
Comments (4)
Hi, juniork, thanks for your compliments about our "sites"! We actually were referred to our home/plan designer by a general contractor who was an acquaintance of ours. What we liked about our designer was his laid-back personality and the fact that he was very easy to work with. We also really wanted someone who would let us design the home ourselves and who had the experience and knowledge to provide us with input and guidance on layout and flow, so he fit our needs perfectly. I know what you mean about the *cost* of building in the Bay Area, but one thing that has helped us with our budget is that we don't limit our bids to contractors/vendors that are located in the immediate vicinity of where we're building. You can see where our team members are from on the "team" page on our site, but I'd say so far it's 50/50 between local and out-of-area. Anyway, I'd love to share my resources with you, so please feel free to contact me either through my GW page or through my website: Here is a link that might be useful: Send me an instant message through VineyardAvenue.com
...See More
hepa filter system - need help in sf bay area
Q
Comments (2)
True HEPA, is not just a filter choice (standard HVAC systems cant work with that static pressure) Real HEPA systems involve adding an additional piece of equipment with it's own fan, and filters approximately 15-20% of the return airflow, of the overall system return air.
...See More

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

Full Story

LIFE Decluttering — How to Get the Help You Need

By Alison Hodgson

Don't worry if you can't shed stuff and organize alone; help is at your disposal

Full Story

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES You Don't Need Prairie to Help Pollinators

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Woodlands, marshes, deserts — pollinators are everywhere

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Great Garden Combo: 3 Soft-Looking Plants for a Dry Climate

By Le jardinet

Weave a romantic tapestry with this drought-tolerant combination of plants as tough as they are lovely

Full Story

ARCHITECTURE 15 Smart Design Choices for Cold Climates

By Laura Gaskill

Keep your home safe and comfortable in winter by choosing the right home features and systems

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Climate Control: Work With Nature's Elements for the Best Outdoor Space

By Alex Jewett

Consider sun, wind and water where you live for a deck or patio that's as comfortable as possible all year long

Full Story

FLOWERS 5 Sensational Flowering Vines for Warm Climates

By Steve Asbell

Splash your garden with bright tropical color from late summer through fall with these showy trailing and climbing beauties

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Dependable Ground Covers for Warm Climates

By Steve Asbell

Swap some lawn for these drought-tolerant clumping plants — and watch your maintenance efforts diminish while they easily grow

Full Story

PATIOS Patio Details: A Modern Pergola Stands Up to Nebraska’s Climate

By Annie Thornton

Challenging weather is no match for this family's tough but elegant-looking outdoor space

Full Story

Bay Area climate... help needed

Comments (2)

Quaching

ANNAMARIA VECCHIO

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US