Frangipanis—also known as Plumerias—are absolute showstoppers in any garden, thanks to those stunning tropical blooms and a scent that’s basically paradise in a petal. Since these beauties can’t handle a chilly winter, most of us here in the States (unless you’re in a tropical zone) need to grow them in containers.
The Perfect Spot
Plumerias are total sun-worshippers. They need a bright, warm spot to really thrive. Once the threat of frost has passed in late spring, feel free to move your plant outdoors so it can soak up all that summer sun and heat.
Just keep an eye on the thermometer come fall. As soon as the air gets crisp, it’s time to bring your Frangipani back inside—they really aren’t fans of the cold!
Care Tips
When it comes to keeping your Plumeria happy, your watering routine is the “make or break” factor.
Watering
The golden rule? Water your Plumeria only when the top of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s actually better to under-water than over-water. These plants absolutely hate “wet feet” and standing water.
During those scorching summer days on the patio, give your plant a quick check in the morning and evening. On super hot days, it might actually need a drink twice a day to stay hydrated.
Fertilizing
To get those iconic flowers, you need the right fertilizer. Keep in mind that young plants (under three years old) usually won’t bloom yet, so they just need a formula that supports healthy green growth.
If you have a mature plant and want to see those blossoms, you’ll need a different nutrient mix. You can alternate between a growth-focused and a bloom-boosting fertilizer, but honestly? The easiest way is to just pick up a specialized Plumeria fertilizer at your local garden center.
Repotting
Here’s some good news: Plumerias aren’t high-maintenance when it comes to their pots. In fact, they actually prefer not to be moved too often because it stresses them out. If you repot them too frequently, you might even notice the leaves starting to look a bit deformed. Aim to repot your Frangipani only once every three to five years.
Overwintering
When it’s time for your Plumeria to head into winter dormancy, it needs a spot that is:
- Cool (ideally between 50°F and 60°F) and
- Dry.
Don’t worry about finding a bright window for the winter. The plant will drop all its leaves when it goes dormant, so it doesn’t need much light—and it doesn’t need any water at all! You can pretty much stop watering entirely starting in November until the spring wake-up call.
