My interests are:  Tropical Plants, Digital Photography and Videography

PLUMERIA CARE

Plumeria, also known as Frangipani or Hawaiian lei flower, is an exotic tropical that is easy to grow in the Houston area. It can be maintained as a small tree grown in a container on the patio or in the garden. Plumeria require at least a half day of sun to produce blooms. Mature plants bloom May through November.

WATERING

Plumeria should dry out between waterings, but excessive dryness will result in foliage loss. Soil should never stay soggy.

FEEDING

A consistent feeding program will produce vigorous plants with large showy clusters of flowers. Plumeria require fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number). SuperBloom and BR-61 are two excellent choices. Feed the plumeria every other week, but discontinue by September to allow new growth to harden prior to winter storage. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen to maintain compact growth.

PESTS & DISEASES

Plumeria are resistant to insects and diseases. The rare attack of spider mites is easily controlled with Safer Soap. Eliminate black fungus and rust with any fungicide containing benomyl. Fung-Away for lawns works well.

PROPAGATION

Plumeria are propagated from cuttings or seeds. Growing seedlings will not guarantee color true to the parent plant but does offer the excitement of developing new varieties. The only way to guarantee a duplicate of the parent is by cuttings. February through May are the best months to make cuttings. Allow them to callous two to three weeks, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone, and plant in a well-drained soil. Water a minimum amount the first two months until roots form to prevent rot.

WINTERIZING

Plumeria are tender to frost and must be moved to a garage or storage area when temperatures fall below 40 F. Maintain the storage area above freezing throughout the winter. Do not water or plants will rot. They require no light as the leaves drop and the plants sleep until Spring. Move them outdoors after danger of frost to resume the life cycle.

Author: Barbara Randolph - Houston, Texas

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This page last updated on May 31, 1999.

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