Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Tuesday - August 26, 2008
From: Agua Dulce, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Sickly non-native plumerias in California
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have 5 plumeria plants in pots, between 2-3 years old. The beginning of the summer they all looked great and now were looking pretty sick, pale/yellowing leaves, burned areas & spots. I have a long distance friend with some plumeria knowledge and she said to add a small handful of epson salt to the watering. Yet, no difference. None of them have bloomed yet either. I want to replant them with a cactus soil, do I need to wait till spring? I do fertilize every other week. Thanks for any and all info on my lil'babies, RobinANSWER:
Since plumerias are non-native to North America, they are out of our area of expertise. However, in this previous answer on care of plumerias, several excellent websites are given which hopefully will give you the information you need to solve the problems involving your plants. One of the sites is no longer active, but if you follow the various links in the Plumeria Society of America webpage, you should be able to get all the answers you need.More Non-Natives Questions
Plant called Jesus in a Manger from Florence AL
June 10, 2010 - Where can I find a plant called "Jesus in a Manger"?
view the full question and answer
Non-native invasive carrot wood tree losing leaves in Alpine CA
April 22, 2014 - My carrot wood tree is losing all of its leaves. The tree is about 15foot high & 13 years old. Could it be gophers? The tree was trimmed 1 year ago.
view the full question and answer
Elaeagnus sudden death in Waxahachie, TX
May 11, 2015 - I live in North Central Texas and have eleagnus planted along my fence in full sun. Last year one dropped all it's leafs and died. The same is happening to one beside it this year. I have sprayed ...
view the full question and answer
How to eliminate roadside thistles
May 26, 2015 - When we drive along the highway we see lots of wildflowers and no thistles in the median. How does the Highway Department keep the thistles out? Here in Kerrville, we are overwhelmed by thistles thi...
view the full question and answer
Cat eating yucca stalks in England
May 07, 2013 - Is it safe for my cat to eat yucca as she is being sick and its hard to stop her
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |