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Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a deciduous, semi-succulent tropical plant renowned for its fragrant and colorful flowers. Its distinctive scent can be sweet, spicy, floral, or fruity. Plumeria features large, five-petaled, aromatic flowers in various colors, including white, cream, red, pink, yellow, and lilac.

Tropical trees like plumeria do not thrive in most parts of the United States because
they require hot and humid conditions. However, anyone who wants to enjoy their fragrant blossoms can successfully grow plumerias in containers and bring them indoors during the colder winter months.

Ahead, plumeria growers share their expert tips for growing and caring for this striking plant.

19 Fragrant Flowers That Will Make Your Garden Smell–and Look—Amazing

When to Plant Plumeria

The ideal time to plant plumeria is generally from spring to early summer when temperatures are consistently warm and the risk of frost has passed, says Brian Dawes, owner and operator of The Potted Plumeria Nursery. “It is best to avoid planting in late fall or winter as plumeria plants go dormant in cooler temperatures and may struggle to establish if planted too late in the season.” However, in USDA zones 10 to 12, plumeria is a perennial and can be planted year-round since frost is not a concern.

How to Plant Plumeria Outside

Plumeria thrives in warm climates with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, says Dawes. Follow his steps to ensure successful planting:

1. Choose the Right Location

Select a sunny spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. To prevent root rot, ensure the area has well-draining soil.

2. Prepare the Soil

If your soil retains moisture, amend it with sand, perlite, or pumice. “Test drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water; if water remains after an hour, improve drainage by mixing in coarse sand or gravel.” The ideal soil pH for plumeria is 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

3. Dig a Hole

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the existing root system. If planting a cutting, create a hole 6 to 8 inches deep to support the cutting upright.

4. Plant the Plumeria

For rooted plants, place the root ball in the hole at the same depth it grew in the container. The base of the trunk should sit just above ground level. For cuttings, insert the cutting 6 to 8 inches deep, ensuring at least two nodes are below the soil for better rooting. Backfill with soil, gently firming around the base to remove air pockets.

If planting multiple plumerias, space them 8 to 10 feet apart to allow for full growth and proper air circulation.

5. Watering After Planting

Water lightly to settle the soil, but avoid overwatering. Fill in any gaps in the soil that were created when initially watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering to prevent rot.

6. Provide Support

If planting a large cutting, use a stake to keep it upright until roots are established. Use tree ties or straps designed to stretch as the tree grows.

7. Mulch and Fertilize

Apply a thin layer of mulch (1 to 2 inches) around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot. After two to three weeks, Dawes recommends fertilizing with a high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-10) to encourage root and flower development.

How to Care for Plumeria

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aradaphotography / Getty Images

Mike Atkinson, co-owner of Atkinson Plumeria, has grown plumerias for 30 years. He finds them to be low-maintenance and easy to care for. Here, he shares his tips for success whether you're growing plumerias outside or indoors.

Sun

Plumeria roots thrive in heat. They prefer full sun, whether rooted in pots or the ground. However, some shade is necessary for rooting or for newly-rooted cuttings.

Soil

Plumerias do not thrive in wet or muddy conditions, so it is essential to use well-draining soil. Atkinson advises against placing plant saucers or water catchers under the pots. If the plant is potted, use chunky potting soil such as cactus mix, and consider adding extra perlite or pumice to enhance drainage.

Fertilizer

Plumerias need regular feeding but are flexible in their nutrient intake. Atkinson recommends using NPK-balanced fertilizers like Excalibur Plumeria Fertilizer (which offers a slow release), rose food, or orchid food. Additionally, you can supplement with organic options such as manure, seaweed, fish fertilizers, and used coffee grounds.

Water

Plumerias like the soil to dry out a bit before being watered again. When growing plumeria flowers in different-sized containers, Atkinson recommends using a moisture meter, as different sizes dry out at different rates. Reduce watering during cooler months and place potted plumerias undercover (under eaves, patio, garage, etc.) during heavy rains.

How to Prune Plumeria

Though plumerias require minimal pruning, doing so can enhance airflow and allow sunlight to reach the canopy, helping to protect the plant from diseases and pests. Light pruning can also assist in achieving a desired shape.

In spring or early summer, prune away the lower branches near the base of the trunk. Cut at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface and reduce the risk of rot. If rain or heavy dew is expected, seal the cut with a pruning sealant. If the weather is dry, sealing is not necessary, says Atkinson.

How to Propagate Plumeria

Selecting a healthy, well-sized cutting will increase your chances of successful propagation. Dawes shares his propagation tips to help you through the process.

1. Choose and Cut

Select a healthy branch from a mature plumeria plant or use an existing cutting, ideally one that's 12 to 18 inches long. The cutting should be mature (containing some gray bark), firm, free of damage, and generally healthy looking. Using clean and sterilized pruning shears, cut the branch at a 90-degree angle.

2. Let It Dry

Allow the end of the cutting to dry for 7 to 10 days in a shaded area. This step is essential for forming a callus over the cut end and reducing the risk of rot once the cutting is planted, says Dawes.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone

Before planting, dip the callused end of the cutting into a rooting hormone. While not mandatory, Dawes says this can help speed up root development.

4. Plant the Cutting

Fill a small, gallon-sized pot with well-draining potting mix. Insert the cutting about 2 to 3 inches deep and tamp the soil down lightly, ensuring the cutting stands upright. A stake can be added for support if needed. Give it a light watering, but do not overwater—plumeria cuttings prefer slightly dry conditions as they root. Avoid wetting the leaves.

5. Provide the Right Environment

Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun and excessive water until roots develop. Water only when the soil is dry to avoid rot.

6. Wait for Roots

Dawes says roots typically develop in four to six weeks. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a few large leaves forming. At this stage, you can gently tug on the cutting; resistance indicates roots have formed. You can continue to let the plant grow in this container until it’s ready to be repotted or planted in the ground.

 Tips for Growing Plumeria in Containers

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Cynthia Shirk / Getty Images

Growing plumeria in containers is an excellent way to control their size and environment and ensure optimal growth. To prevent root rot, use a pot with several drainage holes. A 1- to 3-gallon pot is ideal for young plants, while mature plants may need 10- to 15-gallon pots. Avoid oversized pots, which can retain too much moisture and cause root issues.

Fill the container with a well-draining soil. You can use a cactus or succulent mix or make your own by combining potting soil, sand, and perlite. Avoid heavy garden or topsoil, which will retain too much water. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Don't get the leaves wet, as this can cause fungus to form.

Keep potted plumerias in a location with at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. If growing indoors or in a greenhouse, supplement with grow lights to maintain healthy growth.

 How to Overwinter Plumeria

Plumeria can remain outside in mild winter regions, says Clark Little of Little Plumeria Farm. However, most cultivars will enter a dormant phase, during which they may experience leaf drop and reduced blooming.

In frost-prone areas, bring plumeria indoors before freezing temperatures. Once indoors, keep the plant in a heated room near a sunny window, and water sparingly during winter. Do not take your plumeria outside until all frost threats have passed.

Common Pests and Diseases

While plumeria is mostly pest-free, the longhorn beetle (plumeria borer) poses a threat. The beetle lays eggs in tree branches. Larvae can damage the center, potentially killing the tree, says Clark. Eggs are typically laid in areas where there is a break in the tree's outer protective layer, particularly when cuts are made, or branches break off. He suggests using a pruning seal after trimming and applying systemic treatments like Merit on potted plumeria to prevent infestations.

In terms of disease, rust is a fungus that can sometimes affect plumeria in humid conditions. It appears as small orange spots on the leaves. Clark recommends using a fungicide spray or neem oil to combat this issue.