The Plumeria (or Frangipani) plant is grown by placing it inside a pot or in the ground in a sunny area, but shaded during the hottest hours. It must be sheltered from the wind so that it does not suffer lacerations on the leaves and tolerates marine aerosol very well.
Plumeria needs extremely fertile and coarse soil that can be enriched with the addition of perlite or pumice on the substrate, or a small layer of clay or gravel on the bottom of the pot. Thanks to its tropical origins , in open ground it also develops in sandy , arid and stony soil.
In Frangipani cultivation , watering is essential. If the plant is in a pot, you will have to wait until the soil is dry between waterings. If the plant is in open ground, an emergency watering should be done if it does not rain for at least two weeks.
Cultivation and soil for Plumeria
Plumeria prefers soils that are very rich in organic substances and have excellent drainage. In addition, the plant appreciates the presence of sand and other materials that are able to dispose of excess water very quickly.
What are the best areas to grow it? Those where the alternation of seasons is very clear, that is, periods of intense rain are followed by periods of drought.
The sun is necessary to give the plant's flowers very bright colors. In semi-shade conditions, growth slows and blooms are reduced , as well as the brightness of the colors. It is necessary that the plant remains under sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Plumeria tolerates the saltiness of the sea very well , provided that it is protected from the prevailing winds, which can damage it. The plant can also be exposed to frost for short periods, but if the low temperatures continue for long days, it is best to shelter it in a greenhouse or an indoor garden.
The plant can be grown all year round in tropical areas or temperate climates, as long as the temperature does not approach eight degrees . Otherwise, it would be better to grow it in a pot.
Cultivation in the garden or on the terrace must take place close to a wall facing south, sheltered from the wind and illuminated by the sun for most of the time. Instead, in the winter period the Plumeria must be grown inside a pot, in a protected place, with good ventilation and the presence of sunlight.