Can You Grow Plumeria Inside? A Complete Guide

Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a stunning tropical flower that is often used in leis and perfumes Its sweet floral fragrance and colorful blooms have made it a hugely popular ornamental plant. While plumeria thrives outdoors in warm climates, many people want to know if you can grow plumeria inside as a houseplant.

The good news is yes, you can absolutely grow plumeria indoors! With the right care and conditions plumeria makes an excellent indoor plant that can flower and thrive year-round.

In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about successfully growing plumeria indoors, including:

Choosing the Right Plumeria for Indoors

When choosing a plumeria plant for growing indoors, look for compact varieties that do well in pots. Dwarf plumeria like Plumeria pudica are ideal, staying under 2 feet tall. Other good compact varieties include Plumeria obtusa and Plumeria stenophylla.

Full size plumeria can reach over 15 feet tall outdoors. While they can be grown in pots indoors, their growth will be restricted. For best results, look for a dwarf or semi-dwarf plumeria variety.

Providing the Right Growing Conditions

Plumeria is a tropical plant that needs consistent warm temperatures and lots of bright light to thrive indoors. Here are the key conditions to provide:

• Temperature: Plumeria does best with temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F.

• Light: Bright, direct light is essential. Plumeria should get at least 4-6 hours of direct sun per day. South or west facing windows are ideal. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix made for cacti and succulents. Add perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.

• Pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots help absorb excess moisture. Size up pots as the plant grows.

• Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Low humidity can cause leaf tip burn.

• Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Encouraging Plumeria to Bloom Indoors

Getting plumeria to bloom indoors takes patience and good care. Here are some tips:

• Ensure the plant gets enough bright light. Plumeria needs at least 4 hours of direct sun per day to bloom. Supplement natural light with grow lights if needed.

• Use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to promote flowering. Look for a ratio like 10-30-20.

• Allow the plant to experience a slight dormancy in fall and winter by reducing water and stopping fertilizer for 6-8 weeks. This mimics its natural cycle.

• Maintain temperatures above 60°F during dormancy. Cooler temps can cause leaf and flower bud drop.

• Prune lightly in early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth and blooms.

• As the plant matures, it is more likely to bloom each year. A younger plant may take a few years to reach blooming size. Be patient!

Caring for Plumeria Year-Round

Caring for your plumeria indoors is easy as long as you stick to a proper watering, lighting, and fertilizing routine.

• In spring and summer, water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Mist leaves occasionally to boost humidity.

• In fall and winter, allow soil to dry out more between waterings. Water just enough to keep leaves from wrinkling.

• Check for pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap to prevent infestations.

• Prune back leggy growth in late winter/early spring. Remove any dead or damaged branches anytime.

• Repot in spring every 2-3 years as needed. Use fresh potting mix and go up 1 pot size. Handle roots gently.

• Rotate the pot regularly so growth stays even on all sides. Plumeria tends to grow toward the light source.

With the right growing conditions and care, plumeria can thrive indoors for many years. It’s a true tropical treat!

Troubleshooting Common Plumeria Houseplant Issues

Growing plumeria indoors comes with some challenges. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Problem: Leaf drop

Cause: Cool temps, overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light

Solution: Maintain ideal temps, adjust watering, provide more sunlight

Problem: Leaf tip burn

Cause: Low humidity, tap water (fluoride/chlorine), overfertilizing

Solution: Mist leaves, use filtered water, reduce fertilizer

Problem: Leggy growth

Cause: Insufficient light

Solution: Provide more direct light or supplement with grow lights

Problem: Failure to bloom

Cause: Insufficient sunlight, improper pruning, too young

Solution: Increase sunlight, prune correctly, wait 1-2 more years

Problem: Root rot

Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage

Solution: Allow soil to dry out more, repot in better draining soil

How to Propagate Plumeria Plants from Cuttings

An easy way to multiply your plumeria houseplants is to propagate from cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Take 6-8 inch cuttings from the tips of healthy branches in spring or summer. Cut at an angle below a node.

2. Optional: Dip cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.

3. Allow cut end to callous over for a few days.

4. Plant cutting 2-3 inches deep in well-draining potting mix.

5. Keep soil moist but not soggy while roots develop.

6. Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun until rooted.

7. New leaf growth will signal roots have formed, usually in 4-8 weeks.

8. Gradually expose to more direct sun over a week or two.

9. Transplant into a larger pot once well rooted.

In no time you’ll have new plumeria plants to expand your indoor garden!

Growing Plumeria in Hanging Baskets

Due to their vining growth habit, plumeria plants can make gorgeous display specimens in hanging baskets. Their cascading branches and colorful blooms look stunning suspended in the air.

Choose a dwarf variety like P. pudica that stays compact. Allow the branches to trail down naturally. Provide bright light, warm temps, and well-draining soil as usual. Water more frequently and fertilizer regularly to support the rapid growth typically seen in hanging plumeria.Rotate the basket periodically for even shaping. Prune to redirect growth as needed.

With the right care, a hanging plumeria can become the focal point of your indoor garden room in no time!

Final Tips for Success Growing Plumeria Indoors

• Quarantine new plants before introducing to avoid spreading pests
• Keep leaves dust-free by wiping with a damp cloth often
• Avoid cold drafts and heating vents that can shock the plant
• Humidity trays or a humidifier can help raise humidity
• Rotate pot to encourage even, upright growth
• Talk, sing, or play music to your plant for better growth!

With its alluring fragrance and vibrant blooms in shades of white, yellow, pink and red, it’s easy to see why plumeria has become a much-loved houseplant. Give this tropical a try – with the proper care, plumeria can thrive indoors for years to come!