How to Grow Plumeria Flowers Indoors or OutsideAccording to Gardening Experts

Plumeriaalso known as frangipaniis a deciduoussemi-succulent tropical plant renowned for its fragrant and colorful flowers. Its distinctive scent can be sweetspicyfloralor fruity. Plumeria features largefive-petaledaromatic flowers in various colorsincluding whitecreamredpinkyellowand lilac.

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

Aheadplumeria growers share their expert tips for growing and caring for this striking plant.

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 passedsays Brian Dawesowner 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.” Howeverin USDA zones 10 to 12plumeria 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 sunlightsays 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 rotensure the area has well-draining soil.

2. Prepare the Soil

If your soil retains moistureamend it with sandperliteor pumice. “Test drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water; if water remains after an hourimprove 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 cuttingcreate a hole 6 to 8 inches deep to support the cutting upright.

4. Plant the Plumeria

For rooted plantsplace 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 cuttingsinsert the cutting 6 to 8 inches deepensuring at least two nodes are below the soil for better rooting. Backfill with soilgently firming around the base to remove air pockets.

5. Watering After Planting

Water lightly to settle the soilbut 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 cuttinguse 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 weedsbut keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot. After two to three weeksDawes recommends fertilizing with a high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-10) to encourage root and flower development.

How to Care for Plumeria

Mike Atkinsonco-owner of Atkinson Plumeriahas grown plumerias for 30 years. He finds them to be low-maintenance and easy to care for. Herehe shares his tips for success whether you're growing plumerias outside or indoors.

Sun

Plumeria roots thrive in heat. They prefer full sunwhether rooted in pots or the ground. Howeversome shade is necessary for rooting or for newly-rooted cuttings.

Soil

Plumerias do not thrive in wet or muddy conditionsso it is essential to use well-draining soil. Atkinson advises against placing plant saucers or water catchers under the pots. If the plant is potteduse chunky potting soil such as cactus mixand 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 foodor orchid food. Additionallyyou can supplement with organic options such as manureseaweedfish fertilizersand used coffee grounds.

Water

Plumerias like the soil to dry out a bit before being watered again. When growing plumeria flowers in different-sized containersAtkinson recommends using a moisture meteras different sizes dry out at different rates. Reduce watering during cooler months and place potted plumerias undercover (under eavespatiogarageetc.) during heavy rains.

How to Prune Plumeria

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

In spring or early summerprune 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 expectedseal the cut with a pruning sealant. If the weather is drysealing is not necessarysays Atkinson.

How to Propagate Plumeria

Selecting a healthywell-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 cuttingideally one that's 12 to 18 inches long. The cutting should be mature (containing some gray bark)firmfree of damageand generally healthy looking. Using clean and sterilized pruning shearscut 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 plantedsays Dawes.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone

Before plantingdip the callused end of the cutting into a rooting hormone. While not mandatoryDawes says this can help speed up root development.

4. Plant the Cutting

Fill a smallgallon-sized pot with well-draining potting mix. Insert the cutting about 2 to 3 inches deep and tamp the soil down lightlyensuring the cutting stands upright. A stake can be added for support if needed. Give it a light wateringbut 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 warmbright 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 stageyou 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

Growing plumeria in containers is an excellent way to control their size and environment and ensure optimal growth. To prevent root rotuse a pot with several drainage holes. A 1- to 3-gallon pot is ideal for young plantswhile mature plants may need 10- to 15-gallon pots. Avoid oversized potswhich 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 soilsandand perlite. Avoid heavy garden or topsoilwhich will retain too much water. Water deeply but infrequentlyallowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Don't get the leaves wetas 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 greenhousesupplement with grow lights to maintain healthy growth.

 How to Overwinter Plumeria

Plumeria can remain outside in mild winter regionssays Clark Little of Little Plumeria Farm. Howevermost cultivars will enter a dormant phaseduring which they may experience leaf drop and reduced blooming.

In frost-prone areasbring plumeria indoors before freezing temperatures. Once indoorskeep the plant in a heated room near a sunny windowand 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-freethe longhorn beetle (plumeria borer) poses a threat. The beetle lays eggs in tree branches. Larvae can damage the centerpotentially killing the treesays Clark. Eggs are typically laid in areas where there is a break in the tree's outer protective layerparticularly when cuts are madeor 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 diseaserust 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.