Plumeria, or Champa as it is commonly known is a tropical plant with beautiful perfumed flowers of all sizes and hues. It can be grown quite easily in the Delhi NCR region.
This perennial plant that flowers profusely throughout the warmer months is also known as frangipani ( common and red), red paucipan, red jasmine and temple tree. There are many varieties of this plant each with its own distinct leaf shape, flower colour and scent.
It can be grown from both seeds and cuttings as well as the best route of purchasing a grown plant. Champa grows very well in a container also.
Requirements for growing Plumeria
Sunlight
For best flowering, place your plant in an area where it will receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature
Plumerias grow best in a temperature range of 20°C to 30 °C . They cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures and may die if exposed to these.
Soil
A good fertile porous soil is ideal for Plumerias as they don’t like to be water logged. Prepare the soil mix by adding an equal amount of well rotted cow dung manure or vermicompost to garden soil. Add some washed river sand or the fine pebbles from washed badarpur to this mix to increase porosity.
Fertilisation
For best growth and flowering, feed Champa every month with a good liquid fertiliser such as Jeevamruta. The addition of a handful of bonemeal to the soil every month will yield good results.
Pests and diseases
Plumerias may be prone to attacks by insects, mites and aphids. Spraying a neem oil solution on the leaves of the plants will counter such an infestation.
Propagating Champa by cuttings
The Champa plant can be propagated by cuttings. To do so, follow the instructions below:
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- Take 4-6 inch long cuttings during the growing season.
- Allow these cuttings to dry for 2-3 days.
- Dip the cut end in a cinnamon powder/ honey mix or hormone rooting powder.
- Place cuttings singly in pots.
- Water well and keep the pots in a sheltered place where they will receive indirect light.