Frangipani, also known as Plumeria, can be a bit of a “Goldilocks” plant when it comes to watering. It doesn’t like to be too dry, but it absolutely hates being too wet. To keep your plant happy and healthy, you’ve got to find that perfect middle ground.
Watering Basics
Watering a Frangipani requires a bit of a delicate touch. While these beauties can handle a little drought better than they can handle soggy soil, you still want to aim for consistency. The biggest rule of thumb? Avoid standing water at all costs—it’s the quickest way to kill a Plumeria.
To prevent your plant from getting “wet feet,” make sure you:
- Use pots with at least one good drainage hole.
- Create a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot using terracotta shards or gravel.
- Immediately empty any excess water from the saucer after watering or a rain shower.
Watering During Winter Dormancy
When your Frangipani goes into winter dormancy, you should stop watering altogether. Even a tiny bit of moisture during this time can cause root rot and kill the plant. However, you don’t want to just cut it off cold turkey or drench it suddenly in the spring. To avoid shocking your Plumeria, follow this schedule:
- Starting in mid-October, begin cutting back on water and fertilizer.
- Stop watering completely by November 1st.
- Around mid-April, once you see the first signs of green tips, start watering very lightly (no more than once or twice a week).
- Resume your normal watering routine once the plant has fully developed new leaves.
Watering During the Growing Season
From spring through fall, your watering schedule will depend on the weather and how dry the soil feels. You never want the root ball to dry out completely, so regular check-ins are key. A good rule is to water your Frangipani as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Summer Tips
When the summer heat really kicks in, you’ll want to check on your Plumeria every morning and evening. On those scorching days, it’s not uncommon for your plant to need a drink twice a day.
If the soil still feels damp in the morning after an evening watering, let it be. If it dries out during the day, wait until the cooler evening hours to give it another soak.
