Plumeria.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Shrub / Small Tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

4-6 meters tall

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Summer to early fall

Care

Provide plenty of sunlight and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Protect from frost as it is sensitive to cold. During dormancy in winter, reduce watering significantly and keep in a cool, dry place.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter.

Feeding

Fertilize during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for flowering plants. Do not fertilize in winter.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or diseased branches anytime.

Repotting

Repot when root-bound, typically every 1-2 years, using a larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

Soil

Well-draining, sandy potting mix

Soil pH

5.5 - 7.0

Temperature

10 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

The sap can cause skin irritation and is mildly toxic if ingested.

Pets

Can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested and skin irritation from sap.

Children

Ingestion of plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in children.

Contact allergens

The milky sap can cause skin irritation for some individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is generally not considered a significant respiratory allergen.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Waxy, leathery leaves
• Thick, succulent stems
• Strongly fragrant, pinwheel-shaped flowers
• Flowers appear in clusters
• Milky white sap when cut

Height

4 to 6m

Spread

2 to 4m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

Red, Pink, Yellow, White, Orange, 5 to 7cm

Fruit

Green, Brown, Late summer to fall

Common problems

• Spider Mites — Tiny pests that feed on plant sap, causing stippling on leaves and fine webbing.
• Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that cluster on stems and undersides of leaves, sucking sap.
• Fungal Leaf Spot — Circular spots on leaves caused by various fungi, often appearing in humid conditions.
• Root Rot — Occurs in overwatered or poorly draining soil, causing roots to decay.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Plant plumeria where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, and ensure companion plants do not create overly wet soil conditions.

Grows well with

• Hibiscus — Hibiscus shares similar tropical requirements for sun and well-drained soil, creating a cohesive planting.
• Bird of Paradise — Both plants thrive in warm climates and offer a similar exotic, tropical aesthetic.
• Bougainvillea — Bougainvillea also prefers full sun and good drainage, complementing the plumeria's vibrant display.

Keep away from

• Overwatered Soil — Plumeria is susceptible to root rot in constantly wet conditions, which can be exacerbated by companion plants with high water needs.
• Dense Shade — Plumeria needs abundant sunlight to thrive and produce flowers, so it will not do well in the shade of larger plants.

Similar species

• Adenium (Desert Rose) — Both have succulent stems and produce showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in warm climates.
• Mandevilla — Mandevillas are also tropical vines or shrubs known for their vibrant, fragrant flowers.

Science

Family

Apocynaceae

Genus

Plumeria

Order

Gentianales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical Americas

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

In its native tropical habitats, plumeria grows in well-drained soils and can tolerate some drought once established.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

moths, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental, fragrance

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I care for plumeria?

Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in cooler months.

Can plumeria be grown indoors?

Yes, plumeria can be grown indoors as a houseplant, especially in cooler climates, but they require bright light.

Why are my plumeria leaves falling off?

Leaf drop is natural during dormancy in cooler months or can be a sign of stress from over/underwatering or temperature fluctuations.

How do I propagate plumeria?

Plumeria is easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Plumeria honors Charles Plumier, a 17th-century French botanist and missionary. The common name Frangipani may refer to a 16th-century Italian noble family who created a similar-smelling perfume.

Good to know

• Plumeria is also known as Frangipani.
• It is the national flower of Laos and is sacred in many parts of Southeast Asia.
• The 'perfume' of the plumeria is often used in lotions and soaps.
• There are at least 7 known species of Plumeria.