Moderate Tropical Toxic to pets

Frangipani

Plumeria rubra

A tropical tree or shrub celebrated for its stunningly fragrant, waxy flowers in a multitude of colors.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

40–60 %
Temperature

15–35 °C

How to care for your Frangipani

Everything you need to keep your Frangipani healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Plumeria rubra, commonly known as Frangipani, is an iconic tropical plant revered for its incredibly fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers that appear in clusters at the branch tips. These blooms come in a spectacular array of colors, from white with yellow centers to vibrant pinks, reds, and oranges. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, preferring warm temperatures and a dry winter dormancy. Often associated with tropical resorts and leis, it makes a striking statement in a warm garden or as a container plant.

Watering your Frangipani

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry; less during dormancy.

How to know it needs water

Top 2-3 inches of soil are dry
Leaves may show slight wilting in intense heat

How much light a Frangipani needs

Full sun

Full sun (at least 6 hours direct sun daily).

Direct sun tolerated: 6 to 10 h a day
Orientations that suit it: South, South-east, South-west, East, West

Humidity and misting

40–60 %

Moderate (40-60%). Does not require misting; prefers dry foliage.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 14 days

Fertilize every 2 weeks during summer; stop in fall/winter.

Recommended feed: High phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming. · 5-10-5

Repotting your Frangipani

Every 24 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with well-draining succulent or palm mix.

When: Spring (before new growth)
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coarse sand

The tell-tale signs

Roots filling the pot
Stunted growth

Pruning your Frangipani

Late winter or early spring (dormant period), or after flowering. Cut back leggy branches to encourage bushier growth; latex sap will bleed.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 18 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

18 J
18 F
13 M
7 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
14 N
18 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Sap is mildly irritating and can cause stomach upset if ingested. Skin contact can cause dermatitis.

Good to know

Known for its highly fragrant flowers, used in Hawaiian leis.
The common name 'Frangipani' comes from a 16th-century Italian nobleman.

Frequently asked questions about the Frangipani

How do you care for a Frangipani?

Water it every 7 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 40–60 %. Ideal temperature: 15–35 °C. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry; less during dormancy.

How often should you water a Frangipani?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry; less during dormancy. How to know it needs water : Top 2-3 inches of soil are dry ; Leaves may show slight wilting in intense heat.

How much light does a Frangipani need?

Full sun Full sun (at least 6 hours direct sun daily). 6 to 10 h a day

Is the Frangipani toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Sap is mildly irritating and can cause stomach upset if ingested. Skin contact can cause dermatitis. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Frangipani leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Frangipani?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring (before new growth). Repot into a slightly larger pot with well-draining succulent or palm mix.