Learn the importance of bone meal and its macronutrients. Discover how the key plant nutrients increase the growth and flowering of plumeria plants, and plants in general.

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2.  Bone meal consists of ground up bones and is
used as an organic fertilizer. Bone meal is an
excellent source of slow release Phosphorus
which is one of the three macronutrients. The
other two are Nitrogen and Potassium. These
plant nutrients are called macronutrients as plants
need a higher percentage of them compared to
other nutrients for their development and growth
process.

3.  Bone meal doesn't move well through the soil.
Therefore it is best to add it at planting time by
sprinkling it over and around the roots so that
the plant nutrients will interact with the root
system immediately and be most beneficial to
plant's overall development.

4.  The ratio of the three macronutrients in bone meal
is usually 4-14-0 meaning 4% Nitrogen,
14% Phosphorus and 0% Potassium.
 In addition, bone meal is also a good source of
Calcium.

5.  Phosphorus is essential for plants as it aids in root
development, photosynthesis, energy transfer,
cell division, flower production, transportation of
plant nutrients and more. It combines with oxygen
to form Phosphates.
 The terms Phosphorus and Phosphate are used
interchangeably.

6.  Plumeria plants supplemented with bone meal
have been known to have an increased flower
production per plant. More flowers enhance the
plumeria plant's overall appearance and aesthetic
quality. Some plumeria growers believe that
fertilizers influence the color intensity and scent of
some plumeria flowers.

7.  One word of caution to gardeners who have
dogs or other wildlife, such as raccoons, visit
their gardens. Since bone meal is made from
bones these animals are attracted to its scent.
Gardeners need to be aware of this and watch for
digging and other signs of destruction in their pots
and in their gardens. Proper protective measures
may be needed to save plumeria plants from
these nosey critters.

8.  Plant nutrients protect plants from a number of
symptoms that negatively affect the healthy
growth patterns of plants, including plumeria
plants.
 Phosphorus deficiency, for example, expresses
itself in reduction of flower production, and in
fruiting plants it results in less fruits.
 Other signs of Phosphorus deficiency include
older leaves showing a bluish coloration mixed
with green, purple veins on the leaves or the
entire leaf changes into a purple-like
color, stunted growth and new stalks growing thin.

9.  Calcium, another ingredient in bone meal, is
called a secondary nutrient. Other secondary
nutrients include Magnesium and Sulfur.
 Calcium plays an important role in developing
strong plants and strengthening cell walls.
 Calcium deficiency manifests itself in local tissue
necrosis, death of tissue, which eventually leads
to stunted growth. Other signs of Calcium
deficiency include necrotic leaf margins, curled
leaves, demise of terminal buds and tips of the
roots.

10.  By applying bone meal to your plants, including
plumeria plants, you ensure a steady release of
Phosphorus over an extended period of time
resulting in floriferous and thriving plants.

11.  Part 2 of the series, Plant Nutrients, will focus on
the benefits of Nitrogen and Potassium for plants,
including sensuously perfumed plumeria plants.
 Copyright © Bob Walsh
www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com