Epsom salt is a chemical compound that is also scientifically known as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It commonly tends to be used in gardening to enrich the growth of the plant.
So, is Epsom salt good for Plumerias? It is good for its growth due to several benefits that it can provide to the soil and the growing plant. Let’s take a detailed look at these benefits to understand why and how Epsom salt can help.
Why Is Epsom Salt Good for Plumerias?
Epsom salt is good for Plumerias for several reasons. Mainly, it provides important magnesium content to the plant that can enrich several of its components.
You can go through the foll0wing points to get a better idea about these advantages.
Provides Magnesium
Epsom salt contains plenty of magnesium. This magnesium is important for Plumeria plants as it can act as a micronutrient that aids their healthy growth.
It can not only help make the plant greener but can also improve the growth rate of other foliage and flowers. Further, it can help the plant reach its fullest possible capacity and height, depending on the container that you grow it in.
The roots can also grow well in the soil, whether indoors or outdoors, since they are receiving sufficient nutrition and nourishment due to the increased content of magnesium.
While Epsom is not enough by itself to carry this healthy growth on its back, it can certainly enhance the process.
Raises pH
Epsom salt can help balance the pH level of the soil, especially if the soil is too alkaline with a pH level above 7. Sometimes, if you happen to add excess fertilizer to the soil, it can cause the soil to become alkaline which can then slow down the growth process of Plumeria. It can also cause damage if the quantity is too much.
To reverse this damage or prevent it from spreading, adding Epsom salt can be a good way to balance out the pH level of the soil in order to bring it back to a more neutral level that the plant requires.
This kind of acidic content can be enough to prevent the plant from growing without its required nutrients. A relatively neutral pH level can also prevent too many insects from getting attracted to the plant.
Aids Chlorophyll Growth
Epsom salt can help promote or quicken the growth of chlorophyll in the leaves of the Plumeria plant. This is because magnesium is a significant component that aids the development of chlorophyll.
This chlorophyll is required to convert the carbon dioxide and water content in the plant into useful food or sugar for the plant through the process of photosynthesis. This can then lead to the green color of the leaves of the plant while also aiding the growth of the entire plant.
Even a small quantity of Epsom salt can help with the creation of chlorophyll.
Promotes Blooming
Epsom salt can also promote the blooming of the Plumeria flowers. In particular, if the soil of the plant does not have sufficient content of magnesium or sulfur, then the flowers of the plant are not likely to bloom to their fullest extent.
This could also lead to differences in the colors of the flowers while creating a deficiency of these minerals in the plant.
Since Epsom salt contains both magnesium and sulfur, adding some of it to Plumerias can slightly make up for the deficiency and lead to a healthier growth of the beautiful flowers that these plants are known for.
Helps Absorb Nutrients
Magnesium and sulfur present in Epsom salt are not only vital micronutrients that promote blooming and the creation of chlorophyll but can also improve the ability of the roots to absorb other important nutrients from the soil.
These nutrients include phosphorous and nitrogen that are supplied organically to the soil or through fertilizers. Sometimes, a lack of proper elements in the plant can prevent the roots from absorbing these nutrients from the soil.
Once Epsom salt is added to the soil, the plants and their roots can easily absorb and distribute nutrients. This can also be a good way of balancing the amount of each nutrient in the plant.
Prevents Pests
Epsom salt can help prevent pests from gathering around the plant and damaging it. This damage could either be in the form of broken or torn leaves or the spread of diseases that the pests bring in.
By adding a small amount of Epsom salt, you can reduce the number of pests or insects around the plant, particularly slugs and rodents.
However, it is important to note that the Epsom salt will not be enough on its own to prevent this kind of occurrence. You will need several other measures as well.
How Much Epsom Salt Is Good for Plumerias?
Despite the multiple benefits that Epsom salt can provide to Plumerias, it is necessary to keep in mind that too much of it will not enhance these benefits or even completely get rid of the issue you are facing.
Moreover, it could also lead to an excess amount of magnesium and sulfur in the plant which could make the soil too acidic. You should continue to add other fertilizers alongside Epsom salt as well. If you are doubtful of the soil’s requirements, you can get it tested to see whether you need to add the salt at all.
One or two tablespoons of Epsom salt mixed well in water can be enough for the plant. You do not need to add this entire amount; you can simply spray a bit of in the Plumeria soil whenever you water or fertilize the plant.
Final Remarks
So, in conclusion, is Epsom salt good for Plumerias? Yes, it is, as long as you use only a couple of spoons of it after mixing it well in some water.
To sum up, Epsom salt can provide important micronutrients to the soil, can allow the plant to absorb other vital nutrients, can promote chlorophyll growth and can help neutralize the pH of the soil.
Remember to use Epsom salt only as an aid and not as a fertilizer.