Plumeria Care

Plumeria plants (Plumeria sp), which are also known as Lei flowers and Frangipani, are actually small trees that are native to tropical regions.

They are highly fragrant and bloom freely from spring throughout fall in multiple colors like white, yellow, pink, and red. These flowers stand out nicely amid the large leaved foliage, which may be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the type.

Plumeria care, for the most part, is minimal. While plumerias don’t like wet feet, they should be watered deeply when irrigated and then allowed to dry out some before watering again. Reduce watering in mid fall and stop completely once the plants enter dormancy in winter. Resume regular watering as new growth appears in spring. A high phosphate (phosphorus) fertilizer, like 10-30-10, will help encourage blooms. Giving them too much nitrogen will only result in more foliage growth and less flowering.

Place your plumeria in a sunny window that receives bright light (direct sunlight) 4-6 hours per day. South-facing windows should be strongly considered because they provide the brightest light for the longest duration. Some people even go to the lengths of moving their plants throughout the day to meet the lighting requirement.

Your plumeria will also appreciate a little humidity, courtesy of a morning and bedtime mist on its leaves.

Plumerias may be pruned as needed, up to 12 inches (31 cm.) from the ground in late winter or early spring (prior to new growth), however, any drastic or hard pruning done may reduce flowering.