Plumeria pudica (Frangipani) is a popular small tropical tree that is ideal for courtyards, patios and small gardens.
They’re fast growing, with evergreen leaves and a long flowering season.
In this article I’ll share my tips for growing and caring for plumeria pudica plants.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read the disclosure for more info.
Plumeria pudica trees are native to Venezuela and Colombia, so they’re ideal for tropical and subtropical areas but they can also be grown outside the tropics in containers and overwintered indoors.
They can grow up to 16 feet (5 metres) tall but you can trim them regularly to keep them to a smaller size.
Plumeria pudica leaves are long and spoon shaped and they keep their leaves year round in warm climates.
They’re fast growing and not affected by rust like some of the other plumeria varieties.
Flowers
Plumeria pudica flowers are generally white and unscented but there’s also a light pink variety available that has a slight fragrance.
The trees bloom from spring until summer so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful flowers in your garden.
Climate
Plumeria pudica trees grow best in warm climates because they can’t tolerate freezing temperatures.
In the US, plumerias can be planted outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Outside these zones, it’s best to plant your plumeria pudica in a large pot and place it on a plant stand with wheels so you can move it indoors when the temperature starts to cool down.
In windy areas the plants may require staking to keep them upright.
Soil
Plumerias like soil that is slightly acidic and easily draining so that it doesn’t become waterlogged.
It’s a good idea to dig some aged compost or soil improver into the soil before planting.
Water deeply after planting and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Sunlight
Plumeria plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day to flower well.
If your plumeria pudica is located in a shady spot, you may need to move it to a spot that receives more sunlight to help it flower better.
Humidity
Plumeria plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas so they grow best when humidity levels are high.
If you live in an area with low humidity you can spray the leaves with a spray bottle or use a humidifier indoors to increase the humidity level.
Fertilizer
Applying a liquid fertilizer to your plumeria every two or three weeks while it’s flowering will help to increase the number of flowers and extend the bloom time.
Choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus like Bloom Booster Flower Food to support flower production.
Caring for potted plumeria pudicas
Plumeria pudica plants can be grown in pots as long as they receive at least six hours of sun each day.
Indoor plumerias will grow best in a bright sunroom or in front of a big window.
Choose a large pot with drainage holes in the bottom and place it on a pot stand with wheels so it’s easy to move it around.
Use a good quality potting mix and start feeding the plants when buds start to appear.
Pruning
It’s best to wait until late winter or early spring to give your plumeria pudica a light prune.
Trim the top of the tree to encourage new branches to grow at the sides to give it a fuller shape.
Pruning each year will keep the tree to a small, compact size and helps to keep it healthy by removing any diseased branches. [1]
Plumeria pudica is also known by a variety of other names including:
Dwarf Frangipani, Everlasting Love, Hammerhead Frangipani and Golden Arrow.
RELATED ARTICLES
So there is my guide to plumeria pudica plants.
By following these care tips your plumeria pudica tree should reward you with a beautiful display of blooms each year.
Do you have any other tips for growing and caring for plumeria pudica plants? Let me know in the comments below.
Are you on Pinterest? I have boards dedicated to Flowering Plants and Gardening Tips that you may enjoy. You can also find me on Facebook.
Hi, thank you for those tips. I have something eating my young plumeria pudica leaves. What sort of insect or bird do you think is doing this and how can I stop them from doing this? Note we do get bush turkeys and they are small holes in the leaves. I keep pulling the leaves off that are damaged.
My 2nd query is I managed to grow one to waist height but I don’t know how to get it to branch out, can you please tell me?
Also how often should I fertilize a young plant with no flowers on it yet?