How to Grow Plumeria Plants Indoors

Plumeria (Frangipani) flowering trees and shrubs grow in the tropics. Because plumeria shrubs are adaptable to many conditions, the plant can be grown in containers indoors as houseplants. Fragrant flowers of the plumeria are commonly used for making leis in Hawaii, but when grown indoors, the fragrance will fill the air. Flower colors include yellow, white and pink. Plumeria shrubs are relatively easy to grow with a little care.

Things You'll Need

• 10-inch container with drainage holes
• Fertilizer
• Topsoil
• Sand
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Plant the plumeria plant in a 10-inch deep and wide container with 1 part topsoil and 1 part sand. After two years, the plant will need to be repotted in a 12- to 14-inch deep and wide container.

2. Water the plumeria when the soil is dry. Stick your finger in the soil 1 inch. If the soil is damp, don't water. When the soil feels dry, add water to soak the plant.

3. Place the container in a sunny window where the plant will receive full sun with some shade during the day. If sunny windows are not available, grow the plumeria under a fluorescent light, but keep the light on for 15 hours a day.

4. Keep temperatures indoors 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If that temperature is too high for indoor living, the plumeria will do just fine with daytime temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Fertilize the plumeria with 10-50-10 (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) water-soluble fertilizer every other week to promote flowering.

6. Control the height of the plumeria indoors by pruning the branches. Use a sharp knife and make an angle cut to remove top sections of branches to keep the height manageable. New branches will start growing at the point where branches are pruned.

References

• Plumeria Care & Growing Tips!
• The Frangipani Gardens: Frangipani Care and Attention