Gardeners and lovers of nature love plumerias because of their beautiful and aromatic flowers. They are native to subtropical and tropical regions. They thrive in warm, sunny locations. Sunburn is among the environmental hazards to which plumerias can be susceptible, just like every other animal.
In this post, we will explore the reasons and methods to prevent sunburn in plumerias to help ensure that your plants are gorgeous and healthy.
What is Plumeria Sunburn?
When plumeria plants are subjected to excessive amounts of direct sunlight, a condition known as plumeria sunburn develops; damaged plants will grow brown or yellow leaves that may even burn. In dire situations, the plant can perish.
Since they are native to tropical regions, plumeria plants are used to receiving lots of sunlight. However, they can get sunburned in hot, dry locations if exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Due to their thin and sensitive leaves, plumeria plants are readily harmed by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Plumeria Sunburn Symptoms
The darkening of the leaves, typically pale orange or yellow, is the most noticeable sign of plumeria sunburn. Wilting and curling of the leaves can co-occur with this morphological alteration. Additionally, too much sun exposure can make the stems brittle, resulting in brown blotches on the growing tips.
- Yellow or brown leaves: Sunburned plumeria plants may develop brown or yellow foliage. This results from the chlorophyll in the leaves, which is in charge of photosynthesis, being harmed by the sun’s UV radiation.
- Burning leaves: The leaves of a plumeria plant may become burned in circumstances of intense sunburn. This indicates that the leaves may be brittle and dry due to sunburn.
- Fallen leaves: A plumeria plant with burnt foliage may also droop. The leaves are becoming dry due to the plant not receiving enough water.
- Wilting: A plumeria plant exposed to the sun may also wilt. This is due to the plant’s inability to produce adequate water and the leaves’ inability to photosynthesize effectively.
- Slowing growth: A plumeria plant with sunburn may also cease growing altogether or develop very slowly. The plant cannot produce new growth since it is not receiving enough energy from the sun.
- Death: A plumeria plant may perish from intense sunlight. This is due to the plant’s inability to recuperate from the sun’s damage.
Plumeria sunburn causes
Too much sun exposure can result in plumeria sunburn. A plant may be susceptible to sunburn if the sun’s rays are too powerful or if it hasn’t had enough time to adapt and acclimatize to its environment.
- Lack of Acclimatization: When unexpectedly exposed to direct sunshine, plumeria plants grown inside or in shaded places may get sunburned since they are not acclimated to the intense light. Because of this, it’s crucial to acclimatize your plant gradually rather than exposing it to the environment immediately.
- Sunlight that is too direct: According to the University of Connecticut, all plants require direct sunlight. A Plumeria must receive at least 3–4 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow and blossom. However, take care not to overexpose your Plumeria to the sun, which can result in sunburn.
How To Treat Plumeria Sunburn?
If your Plumeria displays signs of sunburn, you should first transfer it to a location with more shade. This is crucial if you recently moved the plant outside or to a room with more sunlight. Your Plumeria will heal more quickly if you move it back into the shade and away from direct sunshine.
1. Allow Leaves to Heal Naturally, Under Special Watch and Care
Even with our best efforts, sunburns can occasionally still happen. If this is the situation with your Plumeria, try to refrain from trimming or removing any of the harmed leaves to give them time and room to recover naturally.
During this healing time, keep a close eye on your plant and regulate its light exposure accordingly. If it receives too much sunlight, quickly transfer it back to a more shady place.
2. Observe the Moisture Levels
Sunburn can be a problem for plumeria plants, but it is easily avoidable with careful care and attention to sunshine exposure. Mulch can also be used to shield the base of your Plumeria from heat exposure and maintain moisture in the soil for extended periods.
Ensure your potting soil drains so that water doesn’t pool around the roots and expose them to rot or other problems. Last but not least, maintaining a regular watering plan and fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer every few months can support the health and strength of your Plumeria!
3. Sunburn Protection For Plumeria
It is more beneficial to prevent sunburn than to treat it. Here are some tips for avoiding sunburn on your Plumeria:
- Gradually exposed to the sun: When relocating plumerias from indoor settings or less sunny locations, gradually expose them to more sunshine over a few days or weeks.
- Strategic Positioning: Plumerias should be planted in hotter areas where they will receive morning sunlight and protection from the glaring afternoon sun.
- Mulching: Around the base of the plant, spread a layer of organic mulch to help maintain soil moisture and control soil temperature.
- Watering Frequently: To avoid dehydration, water frequently and enough, especially during dry and hot weather.
- Leaf Protection: Consider applying horticultural oils or sprays to the leaves that provide UV protection to lower the risk of sunburn.
What To Do If Your Plumeria Is Sunburned?
If your Plumeria is sunburned, here are some things you can do to help it recover:
- Place the plant in a shaded area: Moving a scorched plumeria to a shaded area where it won’t be exposed to sunlight is the most crucial thing you can do for it. This will aid in halting further deterioration of the leaves.
- Give the plant plenty of water: More water is required by sunburned plants than by healthy ones. Thoroughly water the plant to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- Give the leaves a sunscreen treatment: There are commercial sunscreens available for plants that can help protect them from sunburn. Additionally, you can create your sunscreen by combining two parts water and one part milk. Apply sunscreen to the sunburned plant’s leaves using a spray bottle.
- Monitor the plant for signs of improvement: After completing these actions, watch for the plant to show indications of progress. The sunburn recovers if the leaves turn green once more and the plant produces new leaves. However, trim away the injured leaves if they don’t get better after a few weeks.
Conclusion:
Sunburn on these magnificent plants can harm their health and beauty. You can ensure your plumerias flourish in the best conditions by being aware of the causes, spotting the signs, and taking precautions.
Remember that to preserve the vivacity and appeal of these tropical treasures, slow acclimatization, appropriate watering, and deliberate positioning are essential.
Your Plumeria will continue beautifying your garden for many years with the proper care and maintenance.
