help with frangipani

[gem-boy-g]

I have a fairly large frangipani in a pot (it's about as big as the ones bunnings sells for around $60 if that's any help), I noticed there's heaps of ants in the pot and on closer inspection I se the sun has split the trink and the large lower branches, what can I do? help

[collect247]

Yes it is as they are a summer thriving plant,but make sure you give it plenty of water.

If you can give it some seasol once a week.

You know when a frangapani has died or is about to die is when the stems feel very soft when you squeeze them and they look shrivelled.

[lloydslights]

1. Terracotta pots lose water quickly and will also will break from the pressure of the growing rootball of the plant.

2. The soil is depleted in the pot, it has formed air pockets or doesn't hold water any more; 

3. Ants like the sweetness of the plant and so have nested close to their food in the dry soil;

Suggestion:  Either plant into the ground in a north facing position. OR repot with new potting mix into a pot that fits into the existing terracotta pot.

The split in the stem may be painted (any paint) to stop it from rotting.

DEB

[bright.ton42]

I had a beautiful frangipani in the ground.  In a pot it is much more sensitive and I think putting it in the ground is a good idea but in a semi-shaded position as it's sick, and use plenty of water.  Definitely don't use fertilier while it's fragile.    You could also use a piece of shade cloth or similar while it's settling in. and it's hot.  Good luck, they are beautiful plants.   

[lind9650]

When repotting make sure you wash all the old soil from the roots. Best to lay the plant on the ground and use a garden hose. That way you remove any hidden ants or nests of eggs and don't start another ant colony in the new pot or planting ground.

Erica

[gem-boy-g]

thank you for all your replies, the plant has only been in this pot for a month, it spent it's previous 4 years from a small branch to it's present size in a smaller pot. It was then repotted in the current pot with new potting mix etc. and up to now has been doing really well.

I will have to keep it in a pot for a few more months until the place I want to plant it is cleared but I will change the mix and clean up the roots and then elevate the pot off the ground and hope it's ok.

thanks once again.

[mugssy65]

Hey Briton you should see how Frangipanni grow in Bali, it's nothing to see a 5 foot tree in a 40cm pot! Sometimes you see them in such small pots that they have broken out literally! Over there they seem to be the hardiest plant around!😊