How to Plant, Grow and Care for Plumeria

If you’re excited about the Plumeria plant but don’t know how to cultivate it, you’ve landed on the right page. In this post, we’ll provide a complete guide on how to grow and care for Plumeria plant effortlessly.

Plumeria produces magnificent bright color flowers, enhancing the beauty of the garden spaces. Plumeria can be grown in garden spaces in tropical climate areas.

You need to maintain the right condition and protect your plant from insect and pest attacks. This is a definite guide for you to grow and care for plumeria if you finding on the internet. 

Also Read: How to Preserve Flowers?

So, let’s not just wait more time, read a small overview about Plumeria, then follow the guide and grow the plant successfully.

All About Plumeria

Plumeria / Frangipani

Plumeria Rubra is also known as the frangipani. This deciduous and tropical flowering plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family.

The plant grows in the warm and humid climate of Central America, Mexico and Hawaii, the Caribbean, and South America.

It’s a small tree with green leaves and bright, colorful flowers. The flowers are fragrant and have vibrant colors such as red, white, yellow, pink, and orange.

However, the flowers show dual-color, such as white flowers with yellow in the center. Cutting and flowers are used in cemeteries and temples. 

Another plant that has the same variations of flower colors are hibiscus. They come in different colors and shapes.

Find out some of the most popular varieties of hibiscus that you can grow at home.

And if you want to grow them, find out the guide on how to plant hibiscus and take care.

Plumeria Varieties

There are numerous hybrid plumeria varieties available that you can choose to grow in different regions.

However, you can also grow the plant from seeds and cuttings. Keep in mind that if you choose the hybrid variety, you may not be able to cultivate the healthier plant due to cross-pollination.

Furthermore, even if you cultivate them properly, you still not be able to collect seeds for further propagation. 

Hence, choosing a specific variety to cultivate in your region is essential. Here are some of the varieties of the plumeria that you can select. 

1. Candy Stripe

This is one of the best cultivars to choose from. It produces stunning blossoms 3-4 inches long and primarily orange, pink, and white blossoms.

Although the flowers don’t have fragrances, they produce fruity scents. The plant can reach up to 15-20 inches, and you may need to prune it after a certain period.

Also, keep it under the sun for at least 6 hours a day.

2. San Germain

This is one of the heavily scented flowers and smells like jasmine and honeysuckle. The flowers can grow up to three inches wide and have pointed petals with a yellow color center.

It can reach a height of 15-20 feet. You need to prune your plant timely. However, if you have space, it can be ground within Zones 10 and 11. 

If white is in your mind, you should grow sweet peas flowers in your garden.

3. Hilo Beauty

The Hilo beauty has a truly dramatic look and is also famous by the name Dakota Curling Red. The dramatic flowers can grow up to 3-4 inches blossom with a deep red base and black color tips.

The blossom has pointed petals with a curling back and a spicier fragrance. This plant can grow up to 24 inches in length. It can be the best variety to plant in your area. 

4. Singapore

The species is known as P. obtuse Singapore, rich in fragrance. It shows white blossoms with a yellow center and has a jasmine scent with rounded petals.

This variety is more structured than others, growing erect to altitudes of up to 24 inches with clumps of blooms and leaves appearing consistently. It thrives in shadier areas of the environment and is a perennial in tropical areas.

Azalea is another beautiful flower species that you can grow easily in your home garden.

5. Dwarf Pink Singapore

Although most examples of this dense dwarf cultivar are substantially lower, usually no taller than 3 – 5 feet, the cultivar often stays under around ten feet in height.

As a result, they create the ideal backdrop for clusters of white to light pink blooms with magenta filaments and peach to orange centers.

This perennial is ideal for pots at least 18 inches thick. This variety may branch to produce numerous trunks covered with flowers and foliage with a little trimming.

These are some of the varieties of the plumeria that you can grow easily. Find the one that is easy to grow in the area where you live and follow the guide below. 

Also Read: How to Grow and Care Hydrangeas

How to Grow Plumeria

Now, that you know the varieties, you must be thinking about how to grow plumeria? Well, do not worry, follow the below step-by-step guide to grow 

Part 1. Find the Place to Plant and Things that you Need

The first thing that is important in growing plumeria is finding the location where the success of growing it is best.

This section will help you to find the proper location and things you need to grow plumeria. Have a look!

1. Select the Warm Locations

The minimum temperature required to grow the plant is 65 to 80 degrees. Temperature below 55 ℉ is too low for them to live.

Any plant components that come into contact with cold temperatures will perish. Therefore, picking the appropriate place is crucial.

Do not put your Plumeria in the earth outside if the temperature regularly or often falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 13 degrees Celsius). 

 Although plumerias have rigorous temperature needs, they are adaptable in that they can bloom outside or indoors. So, instead, grow it in a pot that you really can bring inside because it gets chilly.

2. Be Sure to Provide Proper Sunlight

This plant species grow excellently in sunlight. Keep the plant under direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

So, find out the location where the plant receives regular sunlight. If you are growing in indoor places, then be sure to keep it near the open window so that it can receive light.

3. Provide Adequate Space Outside

You may put your Plumeria in the earth or a pot if you grow it outside. However, to give their roots enough room to expand, plumerias should be placed 15 – 20 feet apart if they are to be planted on the earth. 

 You can bury a root system in a trench two to three times wider than the root ball but at the same depth as the roots.

Select a planting place where Water doesn’t pool after a rainstorm and the soil drains effectively. Keep the Plumeria away from areas where it will be heated by heat radiating from a concrete block wall.

Also Read: How to Choose Succulent Pots the Right Way

4. Use The Black Nursery Container

It’s advantageous to plant your Plumeria in a pitcher so you can bring it inside if the weather turns chilly. Or you could just grow your Plumeria all year long indoors.

Use a container with a hole or multiple perforations in the bottom to facilitate soil and Water draining if you’re putting your Plumeria in it.

A plumeria won’t thrive in a container with moist feet. Use a container of at least one gallon to give it enough room to develop. 

Due to the porous structure of clay, which permits roots to embed in the walls and humidity to escape too rapidly, black nurseries vessels are preferred to clay pots.

Black nursery boxes are available at your neighborhood garden center. Plastic pots are yet another option.

5. Choose the Coarse Soil

Overwatering can be the biggest hazard for this plant. So, choose the soil that ensures fast-draining, such as the cactus mix.

If the soil is dense, then it may hold excessive Water. The coarse soil is an ideal solution to maintain adequate drainage. You can also mix some sand and perlite to enhance drainage. 

You need to also check how to prepare the soil for planting in pots.

6. Purchase the Pre-Planted Plumeria

If you don’t want to grow your Plumeria with seeds, then purchasing the pre-planted plant from the nursery is best.

But, first, ensure the plant is healthy and avoid wilted leaves with faded color flowers. 

Part 2. How to Plant Plumeria

You must have noted all the things that you need to grow plumeria, now it is time to plant the sapling. Follow these steps to plant your Plumeria properly.

1. Get the Cuttings and Seeds

You need to have the cuttings and seedlings to grow the plant. Unfortunately, these are not available commercially, so you’ve to cultivate them on your way.

This can be trickier for beginners. Therefore, the best way to get some cuttings or seeds is from the people who are already growing this plant. 

The spring and fall seasons are the best time to get the cuttings. This would be the right time for the propagation of the plant. 

2. Seed Germination

This process involves the placement of the seed in the wet paper tower for 24 hours. Make sure that the seed absorbs the moisture and swells out.

The swollen seed indicates that it is ready for planting. It is helpful to produce roots quickly. Be sure to keep it in a warm place. 

3. Plant the Seedlings and Cuttings

Now take a container or pot and fill it with soil mix. Now, insert the seed about 2 inches deeper into the soil.

If you are using cuttings, place them two inches deep into the soil. Cover the seed or cut with soil. If you are using cutting, then be sure it remains upright. 

You can also use different pots to transplant seedlings and cuttings after rooting them into another container. The name cultivation pot knows the smaller pots you can use to grow seedlings.

Related: How to Grow Balloon Flowers

4. Wait for sometime to Add Water to the Cuttings

The cuttings don’t need water immediately, and the roots are delicate. Therefore, make sure to add minimal Water.

In addition to this, you can provide proper heat and light for at least three weeks. Then, after a certain period, you can start adding water gradually. 

Start with only half a cup of water every week. Later you can add more water if required. Within a month, the plant will show leaves and start growing.

This is the right time to add Water regularly every week. 

5. Transplant your Seedlings

Once the seeds start producing leaves and grow to three inches, the plant is ready to transplant into the bigger pot.

First, remove the seedlings from the smaller plant and ensure not to destroy the roots. Next, fill the large container with soil, put the roots partly in the soil, and cover it with an additional layer of soil. 

Part 3. How to Care for Plumeria

No matter how keenly you grow your plant, you still need to take care of the plumeria while the growing season. So let’s follow these steps to grow plumeria healthier. 

1. Water Requirements

Plumeria requires water frequently; that’s why you need to add water into the soil at least once a week. When the plant starts producing blossoms in the season, you can add Water regularly.

However, you must stop watering your plant when the falling season arrives or the leaves start dropping. Avoid over watering the plant as it can damage the Plumeria. 

In case of overwatering, let the soil dry completely and avoid irrelevant watering. Do not add water or fertilizer while dormant conditions. 

2. Prune if Required

Although pruning doesn’t require pruning, you have to prune it during later winter to maintain the plant’s shape.

Cut the dead twigs and stems at least 1/3rd inches long. Again, it is helpful to improve the health of the plant. 

3. Control the Insects

Plumeria can be damaged by the insects such as flies, mites, and aphids. So, if you notice any insect attacking the plant, you can use insecticide and hand-picked those insects and destroy them.

In addition, you can use horticultural oil on the plant to protect it from insects. However, insecticide spray-like malathion is best suited to control insect attacks. 

4. Move the Plant Inside Home During Winters

The plant cannot tolerate extreme winter conditions, so keeping the plant inside the home during winter is better. You can remove the plant from the container and store it in the basement and garage.

Bring your plant out of the home when the climate gets normal, or the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. During dormancy, keep the plant warm and dry.

The plant doesn’t survive without bright sunlight in winter, but if you store it properly during winter, it can grow brighter and healthier next season.

Related: How to Grow Asparagus

5. Collect the Seeds and Cuttings For Propagation

During spring, cut out the stems at least 2 feet long and collect the seeds. Keep the cuttings aside to dry for at least two weeks. You can also collect the seeds when their pods are split open.

However, keep in mind to dry them unless the seeds are ready to plant. It would be great to dry the seeds for three months. 

6. Repot the Plant When Roots Protrude

When the plant is outgrown in the container, this is the right time to transplant or repot it into the next pot. Take a large container, fill it with soil, and place the rooted plant. 

These are some of the the plumeria caring tips that you need to follow. These best caring tips for plumeria will ensure a healthy growth of the plant with beautiful flowers in the season. 

Would you Grow Plumeria

Plumeria is the best plant that you can grow in open spaces. Since it requires little care, a beginner can easily grow the plant in their garden spaces.

Be sure to add water regularly and prune it timely to remove the dead twigs and let the plant blossom properly.

What do you think? Would you grow and care for plumeria? If it is a yes, don’t forget to follow the guide and grow plumeria easily to decorate your garden.

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