Early spring is the best time to plant a frangipanis so it is established and blooming heavily by summer. Plunging, or burying a potted plumeria in the ground, can be done in cooler climates. This way you can keep your plant in the ground, yet still be able to easily move it inside during winter. [1] X Research source
If you have a patio or deck with outdoor seating, plant your frangipanis nearby so you can see and smell the beautiful blooms all summer. Or, if using a container, find a sunny spot on the deck to keep it. [2] X Research source Their shallow roots make them well suited for planting along pathways and other hardscapes, like pools and water features.
Terra cotta pots absorb heat, helping simulate a tropical environment for the roots, and provide good drainage since they are porous. They are also usually top heavy, which will help support the plant as it grows. You can use a plastic pot if you prefer or want a cheaper, decorative option, as long as you If you take special care to use a good quality, well-draining soil.
Cactus mix is a good option, or you can mix regular potting soil with pearlite or orchid bark. Place large rocks or broken pot fragments in the bottom of containers before adding any soil, so holes don’t become clogged. The best kinds of water-soluble fertilizers you can use will have a phosphorus content 50, fertilizers can get as low as 20, but higher content is OK as well. [4] X Research source
If the plant is already root bound, meaning the roots have grown around and filled the pot, you need to use a planting knife to cut them apart before planting. When using a root knife, make three vertical incisions near the bottom of the root ball, a few inches deep with each cut running through the bottom. To separate the root ball, use your hands to pull apart the roots from each other so they grow in different directions.
Watering the soil at midpoint will help it to settle and eliminate air pockets around the roots. [5] X Research source Be sure not to cover any of the exposed trunk with added soil. You only want the tree to be planted as deep as it was in its original container.
A good technique for potted watering is to water until it pools, wait 30 seconds for it to drain, and continue this until you see drainage.
For plants growing in containers, you could dress the container with Spanish moss. Be sure to keep it lose around the trunk.
Return your plumeria to the outdoors after winter storage when the temperature most nights reaches 50° or above. Place the container in a sunny spot or plant it wherever you want and water thoroughly. [7] X Research source
Begin watering your frangipanis for the season at the first sign of leaf growth. Stop watering when leaves begin to drop in the fall. This means the plant is starting to go dormant for the season. [8] X Research source Keep a rain gauge in your garden to measure weekly rain and/or the amount of water accumulated from sprinklers. Water containers until water comes out the drainage holes, then wait to water again when the first few centimeters of the soil becomes dry. Check the drainage holes of potted plants periodically and make sure they have not become clogged. [9] X Research source
In early spring, use a 15-15-15 mix. (Phosphorus is the second number displayed. ) In April, switch fertilizers to a 6-20-20 blend with micronutrients. Use 0-40-0 when buds start forming. For the last feeding of the season in early fall, use 6-20-20. Frangipanis stop growing when the average temperature is consistently below 65°F (18. 3°C). In Southern areas, they may bloom through November, but watch the nighttime temperatures in your location carefully to know when to stop feeding it. [11] X Research source
If your plant gets frost damage, the ends of branches will turn brown and the tips may turn black. Cut off any black parts and check brown sections for firmness. Any soft spots should be cut off, also. Treat the cut ends with a fungicide to prevent further damage to the wounded part of the plant.
Do not spray in the middle of the day in summer or you might burn the leaves. Spray in the morning or evening when the plant isn’t getting direct sunlight.
Plumeria are considered young for 3 or 4 years. After this, they only need to be pruned when they outgrow their space or require shaping. Never remove more than 10% of the branches to avoid stressing your frangipanis and inhibiting new growth. Blooms only grow at the end of branches and take two years to form on cut branches. Consider pruning only half of the tree one winter, and the other half the following year to maintain seasonal flowering.
Always wear work gloves and safety glasses when cutting. Branches ooze a milky sap when cut that can irritate skin.
Shortening branches encourages new shoots to grow out of the branch, making your tree fuller. If you want a branch to grow new shoots, do not cut it closer than 6 inches to the main trunk. Exactly where you trim your frangipanis and how much depends on your vision for the tree. Air on the side of caution to avoid over-pruning. You can always make a second round of cuts.
You may also remove lower limbs to create a canopy shape and keep the branches off the ground. Any limbs that look diseased, have been damaged by frost or exposure, or are infested with beetles should be cut and disposed of as soon as possible. Trim away any noticeable damage, infestations, or sickness as soon as you notice. Waiting may cause any of these to spread.
