How to care for a potted frangipani (plumeria) plant: the latest guide
Frangipani, also known as Burmese frangipani, egg-yolk flower, dajihua, etc., is a deciduous shrub or small tree of the genus Plumeria in the Apocynaceae family. In Xishuangbanna, China, and some Southeast Asian countries, it is designated by Buddhist temples as one of the “Five Trees and Six Flowers” and is widely planted, and it also has high ornamental value. The whole tree looks gracefully balanced and naturally beautiful. Let us take a look below at how to care for a potted frangipani!
Growth habits of frangipani
Frangipani is a sun-loving species that prefers high temperatures, humidity and a sunny environment, but it can also grow in semi-shade, though in shaded conditions the branches grow leggy and it blooms little or produces leaves without flowering. The best soil for planting frangipani is a deep, fertile, well-aerated, organic-rich acidic sandy loam. It is drought-tolerant, dislikes waterlogging and has good stress resistance, but drought is not good for plant development and in severe cases leads to poor growth, while waterlogging easily causes root rot. It has poor cold tolerance; the most suitable growing temperature is 20-26°C, and during overwintering, prolonged periods below 8°C make it prone to cold damage. In the vast towns and cities south of the Tropic of Cancer in China, outdoor cultivation can generally overwinter safely, while in Central China and North China it is only suitable for pot cultivation, moving into a greenhouse for the winter.
Propagation methods of frangipani
1. Cuttings: Frangipani branches root easily from cuttings, and it is mainly propagated by cuttings. In tropical and subtropical areas suitable for outdoor cultivation, cuttings can be taken all year round. Select robust 1-2 year old branches, cut 20-30 cm long sections from the base of the branch, let the white milky sap flowing from the cut dry in the shade, place in a cool, ventilated spot for 2-3 days, then insert into the growing medium, and roots will form in 30-35 days.
2. Sowing: Frangipani does not produce many fruits, but most varieties in outdoor planting sites can also yield a small amount of seed. The suitable germination temperature for seeds is 18-24°C, and they are generally sown immediately after collection. Sow evenly at a spacing of 5-6 cm, then cover thinly with a layer of sandy soil or coconut coir. Water moderately to keep the medium moist. In spring they generally germinate and emerge in 8-12 days, and in summer in about 5 days. After that, carry out normal routine management, keeping it moist, but the seedbed must not become waterlogged.
3. Grafting: Because of the strong compatibility between rootstock and scion, grafting frangipani is relatively easy to do and has a very high survival rate. In tropical and subtropical regions such as South China it can be done all year round, but the best times are spring and autumn. In winter and spring it is better to wait until the temperature is stable at an average daily temperature above 18% and to avoid grafting during prolonged rainy weather in winter and summer.
How to care for a potted frangipani?
1. Soil: Frangipani is not strict about soil and grows best in loose soil with more humus. When planting, the roots can be left slightly exposed when potting. After potting, place it indoors in a shaded spot, after one week give it weak light, and after another half month it can be placed in a sunny spot.
2. Watering: Frangipani likes moisture and is also drought-tolerant, but it fears waterlogging. Therefore watering should be moderate, following the principle of not watering when dry but watering as soon as it dries, and watering thoroughly when you do, without allowing waterlogging. In spring and autumn, water once every 1 to 2 days when the soil is dry; on sunny days in summer, water once every morning and again in the evening if the soil is dry; in the rainy season, be sure to pour out accumulated water in the pot to prevent root rot; in winter, water once every ten days to half a month, keeping the potting soil slightly moist without drying out.
3. Fertilizing: Frangipani likes fertilizer. When potting or repotting and changing soil, it is best to add 20 to 30 grams of bone meal and 50 to 80 grams of superphosphate to the growing medium (because it likes to grow in calcareous soil, be careful to supplement calcium). From May to October, apply a light, thin amount of decomposed organic fertilizer or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days. Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer alone, to prevent leggy growth, and do not fertilize in winter.
4. Light: Frangipani is a strongly sun-loving flowering plant. The more sunlight it gets, the more luxuriant its growth and the more numerous and fragrant its flowers. Apart from needing shade for 7 to 10 days after potting or repotting and changing soil, at all other times it should be placed in a sunny spot. Although it can also grow in semi-shade, in shaded conditions the branches grow leggy and it blooms little or produces leaves without flowering.
5. Repotting: Frangipani grows quickly and needs repotting once every spring, generally into a pot with a diameter of 30 cm. The potting soil can be mixed from 4 parts garden soil, 4 parts horse manure soil and 2 parts river sand, and each pot should also have 100 grams of cake fertilizer or sauce residue and 50 grams of superphosphate or bone meal added. After repotting, water thoroughly, and move it outdoors to a sunny spot around Grain Rain.