Plumeria Care Guide (2024)

  • Light : High

    This plant will do well outside on the southeast side of the home to avoid afternoon heat. Give at least 6 hours of morning sun per day to promote plenty of flowers.

  • Water : Medium

    Let the outdoor soil dry between waterings through the growing season between March and September. Watersparingly in the winter during dormancy as theydon't like wet feet. When watering in a container planting, ensure the pot has good drainage.

  • Thrives well in moderate humidity levels. If this plant is planted in a dry climate, provide misting to the foliage but not to the flowers. Add a water source nearby or a tray of wet pebbles to create humidity.

  • Temp : 65℉ - 85℉

    Keep this plant in rooms where the temperature is a comfortable 65°F-85°F and avoid cold drafts or air vents below 55°F. Theythrivein warmer and humid temperatures.

  • Outdoors in bright shade, where nights are above 55°F. If using in a container, theycan only be used as an annual up to Zone 9-11. This plant doesn't tolerate cold temperatures. To winterizeduring dormancy, place in a container and bringinside during the winter while they are small.

  • Fertilizer : Monthly

    Apply a 10-30-10 fertilizer once each month to encourage flowering.

  • Repotting :

    Outdoors:
    After the last frost date in your planting zone, plant the Plumeria in the spring.
    Choose a part sun (4-6 hours) area where theygetmorning sun and afternoon shade. The southeastern side of the house is preferable.
    Cultivate the native soil for good drainage with organic matter like compost.
    Be generous by digging a hole twice the pot's width and 1 inch shorter than the grower pot to raiseabove the soil level for good drainage.
    Use a pitchfork or a sharp object to stab the soil walls to make several indentions for the roots to take hold.
    Tickle the roots to loosen them if they wrap inside the container.
    Place the plant in the center of the hole. Fill the hole with water first, so the roots get another good drink. Next, backfill with native soil mixed with compost by one-third to one-half (if the native soil is clay). Add a rooting hormone fertilizer to this backfill mixture. Tamp the soil firmly down around the edges and mound up.
    Avoid covering the original soil level of the plant that was in the container. Add mulch as needed but not next to the stem or branches of the plant. Water lightly. Continue to observe the soil moisture each day, depending on the temperatures and soil drainage. The soil needs to remain moist but not soggy during the growing season and until theygetestablished. Letdry on the top few inches between waterings.

  • Cleaning : As needed

    Spray down the leaves if rain hasn't already done so to clean the leaves. Avoid hitting the flowers with water. Use a shower spray at a low level to avoid harming the flowers and leaves.

  • Propagation : Cuttings

    Prune off a 4-6 inch cutting. Allow the tips to heal and dry for a couple of days before placing themin the cactus and succulent potting mix like you would a succulent. Prepare the planting tray with damp potting mix in each pot. Then, place the cuttings in bright, indirect sunlight. Cover the planting with a clear plastic bag loosely to create humidity and mist with water as the soil dries. Continue to nurture with moisture and bright indirect light. Turn the pot each time you water if the light is coming from one direction.

  • Plumeria Care Guide (2024)

    FAQs

    How to take care of a potted plumeria? ›

    Let the outdoor soil dry between waterings through the growing season between March and September. Water sparingly in the winter during dormancy as they don't like wet feet. When watering in a container planting, ensure the pot has good drainage. Thrives well in moderate humidity levels.

    How much sunlight does a plumeria need? ›

    Yes, plumerias require full sun to thrive and produce flowers. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but preferably more. Plumerias grown in areas with less sunlight may still survive but may not bloom as much or produce as vibrant flowers.

    How to keep plumeria blooming? ›

    Plumerias require at least a half-day of direct sun to flower, but perform best in full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist during the summer growing season, but allow some drying to occur in between thorough waterings. Avoid soggy conditions at all times, as this could lead to root rot.

    When should I cut back my plumeria? ›

    Periodically you'll want to trim your plumeria to remove spent blooms, dead or dying branches, or to keep it smaller. The best time to prune for shaping and size is in the winter or early spring, never trim unnecessary branches in the hot summer months.

    What does an overwatered plumeria look like? ›

    When plumeria roots sit in excess water for too long, they start to rot or decay. As the roots deteriorate, they can't take up water, so the plumeria wilts and the leaves turn yellow from the bottom up.

    Do plumerias do better in pots or ground? ›

    Experience has shown that Plumeria need ample root room while actively growing. Those grown in open ground always perform and bloom better than those held captive in small pots. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 gallon pot size for each foot of plumeria branch / trunk length.

    Do plumeria trees like coffee grounds? ›

    🤩 While used coffee grounds add a little extra nitrogen to your composting top dress 💃, It is a slightly more acidic time release nitrogen which helps that top dress decompose into a healthy and organic way to give your Plumeria a boost in growth without affecting the flowering season.

    How often should you water a potted plumeria? ›

    Plumeria definitely like to dry out in between watering especially during the rooting stage as it encourages the roots to form. Next the leaves come. After leafing out, you can water them once or twice a week while they're outside in the hot summer sun.

    Can plumeria get too much sun? ›

    In coastal regions, Plumerias can be placed in the direct sun without harm. For inland areas, plants should be placed in a partially protection location. A little shade will protect foliage and stems from becoming scorched and will also prevent sun scalding on the stems.

    What does Epsom salt do for plumeria? ›

    Plumeria plants require slightly acidic soil. Constant fertilization can raise acid levels too high, however. If this happens, add some Epsom salts to the soil to neutralize it. Adding 1-2 tbsp every month should do the trick.

    How do I get more flowers in my plumeria? ›

    Plumerias can be slow to bloom as they have to mature and develop a bloom hormone at the various branch tips. And some varieties just bloom better than others. Meanwhile, a minimum of six hours of sun, water (avoid sogginess) and monthly applications (April to September) of a high-phosphorus fertilizer should help.

    How do I get my plumeria to grow more branches? ›

    Prime time for plumeria pruning is in spring, before new blooms emerge. This is the best way to encourage plumeria branching, as two or three new branches will emerge from each cut. Prune the plumeria a couple of inches (5 cm.) above the junction of two branches.

    How many years does it take for a plumeria to bloom? ›

    Plumerias won't bloom at all until they are at least two or three years old. Once they're old enough, they'll produce clusters of blooms from spring through fall. Note: Marshall Grain only carries plants that are old enough to give you the enjoyment of their profuse and fragrant flowers.

    Should I remove leaves from plumeria cuttings? ›

    Preparing the donor Plumeria tree for taking cuttings

    Remove the leaves by cutting the leaf stem about 1/2" from the branch before or right after you take the cutting. Leaves left on cuttings will cause the loss of valuable moisture.

    How tall do plumerias get? ›

    Although plumerias can grow to over 20 feet tall, in the Palm Springs area, they are typically shorter- 10 feet or so. The main trunk and branches are brown, gray, or slightly green when photosynthesizing. A cluster of leaves and flowers appear at the end of each branch.

    Why is my potted plumeria not blooming? ›

    If the fertilizer is not the right type, and is not applied at the right time, it can affect blooming. Fertilize your Plumeria plants during the spring and summer. Another reason a Frangipani will not flower is that the stems are not old enough.

    How often should you repot plumeria? ›

    Repot your plumeria every two to three years. A new pot should be at least three inches larger than the last.

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