Gardening Tips for Healthy Plumeria and Frangipani

How to Grow Healthy Plumeria and Frangipani

Ever since my first trip to S. Asia, during my previous travel planning preperations, I have fallen in love with the plumeria or frangipani tropical tree, and the beautiful flowers, and aroma that the flower emits when the plumeria are in full bloom.

Many are familiar with the Hawaiian lei wreaths that are comprised of the frangipani and plumeria flowers that adorn the necklaces of the many tourists that come to visit the islands of Hawaii on holidays.

Although the plumeria and frangipani plants are indigenous to the tropics, these beautiful trees can be grown almost anywhere globally.

Providing , that if you live in colder regions of the world, that you bring in your plumeria and frangipani plants before the first frost in your growing season to prevent death and dying.

The plumeria plants that you see on my site are my very first plumeria and frangipani plants that began as plumeria seeds in April 2009 .

I prefer starting or growing frangipani from plumeria seeds, as you can see how the plant develops and grows over time. However if you are growing a frangipani plant from plumeria seeds is not your thing, you can purchase a starter plant from your local nursery in your area or online as well.

My very first Plumeria Buds

If you are going to grow frangipani from plumeria seeds, as I have done, the key is to follow the directions from your plumeria supplier, and there are also excellent online sources as well such as www.plumeria101.com,which I have utilized in taking care of my plumeria plants.

The key is to not over water especially at the very beginning stages, as these delicate frangipani and plumeria plants are very subject to root rot which is a type of fungus which will kill the plants.

At the very beginning when starting with plumeria seeds, until your plumeria seeds germinate (2-4 weeks) , they only need misting to keep the seeds moist, and it is best to keep the seeds in between a warm damp paper towel in a window sill where they will be exposed to daily sunlight.

Your key smart goals really is patience, and to not over water in the beginning. If you are patient, you will be rewarded with beautiful flowers within 1-2 years from starting with plumeria seeds as I have done.

I began both my plumeria plants from plumeria seeds in April 2009, and had blooms on one plant that began in June 2010, and by the end of September 2010 the plant was in full bloom. Each spring, I replant my plumeria and frangipani plants into bigger pots, this is important as the roots grow and expand; you need to ensure a big enough surface area.

You also need to make sure you use the correct amount of pea gravel, and soil mixture so you have proper drainage. Plumeria need 100% sunlight and water, so make sure you have proper drainage.

Picture of First Flower Blooms June 2010

If you live in the tropics then you can easily transplantinto your yard, but if you are in a northern climate like here in Northern Virginia, then you need to make sure you take your plumeria plants indoors prior to the first killing frost.

When indoors, the plumeria will eventually lose their leaves and go dormant during the winter months.

You do not water the plumerias during this time. Then after spring temps are consistent above freezing, you can then take your plumeria plants outdoors in a sunny area for optimal growth and watch as leaves and flowers once again return.

August 2011 UPDATE

Both Plumeria plants are doing very well, and both plants have started to bloom! Last year only one plumeria plant bloomed, but this year-both have. You see pictures of flower buds below.

Picture of First Plumeria Flower Buds August 1, 2011

Be patient and water your plumeria plants during the hot summer months.

Flower Blossoms August 31, 2011

You just need the self discipline , and the self motivation to make sure plumeria plants are properly watered during the hot summer season.

Flower Blossoms Full Bloom September 5, 2011

Over watering during the summer months is not an issue, and will not hurt your plumeria plants.

It is only during the winter months when you bring the plants inside, where watering is not required, as the plants go into a dormancy period.

Otherwise you will kill your plumeria plants.

If I can raise beautiful plumeria plants so you can too.

You just need to develop the self motivation mindset and a positive attitude in everything you do.

Now get out there and grow something....

Remember: ”The only Unfulfilled Goals in Your Life are the Ones you Never Attempt”

personal goal setting