How to Grow Plumeria Flower (Champa) at Home Easily: Step-By-Step Guide

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How to Grow Plumeria Flower (Champa) at Home Easily: Step-By-Step Guide

Most of the bridal photo shoots trending on social media often have this flower as jewelry!

A big white flower with either a yellow or pink gradient intensifies the bridal attire and mood for a happy occasion.

This flower often forms part of a welcome greeting in tropical locales.

Yes, you guessed it right—it's plumeria, also known as frangipani. With a mesmerizing scent, this flower is profusely used in the perfume industry.

Want to know more?

Essential oils made from plumerias are known to be anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac. It also has potent antioxidants that can be used for overall well-being.

The beauty of this flower is unmatched. So, to make your home garden more interesting, you can learn plumeria growing tips from our blog. We will cover the following aspects in our blog:

  • Lovely facts about Plumeria flowers
  • How to grow plumeria at home
  • How to take care of plumeria flowering plants
  • Benefits of plumeria flowers

Let’s get started.

Lovely facts about Plumeria flowers

  1. The refreshing and beautiful plumeria is a tropical flowering plant with more than 300 species worldwide.
  2. These flowers are indigenous to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.
  3. The 17th-century French botanist Charles Plumier, who traveled to the New World and documented several plant and animal species, is the inspiration behind the name plumeria.
  4. Plumeria is one of the most famous flowers in Karnataka. The bride and groom exchange cream-colored plumeria garlands at weddings in that state of India. The majority of temples in this state have this plant.
  5. Contrary to how it is perceived in India, plumeria in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, is often associated with cemeteries and is known as a “ghost flower.”
  6. Want to know something spooky? In Indonesia and Malaysia, folklore says that the scent of plumeria attracts Kuntilanak – an evil spirit of a dead mother.
  7. Plumeria is the national flower of Nicaragua and Laos
  8. In many Asian countries, plumeria plants are found in temples, and that’s why sometimes they are referred to as “temple trees.”

How to grow plumeria at home

Plumeria is a tropical and sub-tropical shrub or tree famous for its beautiful flowers. This flowering plant would require good care, and you have to be patient because it will take up to 3 years to bloom. It can be easily grown in your garden if you follow certain instructions mentioned below: -

The seed method

Buy seeds online or offline

The first and foremost thing to do is buy seeds from a local nursery or online. Seeds can be harvested in the spring or fall, allowing propagation of the plumeria plant.

Seed germination

In this step, you must place the seeds on a wet paper towel for 24 hours. It will allow the seeds to absorb enough moisture, and the seeds will swell up too. The seeds' swelling is substantial because it indicates that they are ready to grow. While germinating on a wet paper towel, ensure the environment is warm.

Plant the seeds

Take a well-draining medium-sized container and fill it with potting soil. Press the seeds into the soil at a depth of 5 mm. Make sure the swollen end of the seeds remains at the bottom. Use one seed for one pot or container. For your ease, you may plant them in a small pot of around 500 ml first, and after root development in a month, transplant them into a larger pot of 9.5 liters.

Time to transplant

Once the seedlings reach a height of about 3 inches, you can transplant them into a larger pot. Carefully remove the seedling from its soil and place it in a larger pot filled with potting soil. Cover the roots with soil and tap the soil firmly.

Water adequately

Remember to water the plumeria at least once a week from March and April through November and December. You can cease watering it when the leaves begin to drop, and do not water it when it is dormant. Overwatering this plant can be hazardous, so allow the soil to dry out first.

Apply fertilizer

During the blooming season of plumeria, i.e., May to November, you may add a high-phosphorus fertilizer twice a month. The NPK ratio of the fertilizer should be 10-30-10. You must dilute the fertilizer by mixing 1 or 2 tablespoons with one gallon of water. Remember not to fertilize the plant during its dormant time, i.e., the winter season.

Prune if needed

Pruning is essential for better growth. If you see branches getting very long, prune them in late winter. Just cut the branches 1/3rd, which is enough to improve the plant's overall health.

Look out for pests and insects

Mites, aphids, or flies can attack plumeria plants. Consult a local nursery or experienced gardener if you see horticultural oil or malathion insecticide application to leaves is not solving the problem.

Winter care

If your region experiences cold waves and the temperature drops below 13 degrees Celsius, it is suggested that you move the plumeria pot inside for a warmer environment. They can survive even in low light during the winter season.

Repotting

If your plumeria plant has outgrown the container, repot it in a larger pot.

Keep taking care of the plumeria plant with patience. In three years, the plant will start blooming.

The stem-cutting method

Get a stem-cutting

The stem-cutting should be taken in early summer or spring. The stem-cutting that you pick for your plant should be healthy, thick, and 12 inches long. Take a garden shear and look out for the branches that are dark brown or dark green, proving their maturity, and cut the stem. And before cutting, rub the garden shear with rubbing alcohol.

Remove flowers and leaves

The stem you just cut must have lovely flowers and shiny leaves. You have to remove them; otherwise, the plant would concentrate more on sustaining the leaves and flowers than on new growth. Use sterilized scissors to remove the leaves and flowers from the stem-cutting.

Store the stem-cutting

You must store the stem-cutting in a shady area for a couple of weeks. That’s because before you plant the stem, it should be scorched. Choose a warm and humid place for keeping the stem.

Prepare the stem-cutting

  • Once the stem has dried and hardened, it is ready to be planted. You have to choose a large pot, and remember that the size of the pot will determine the growth of the plumeria. The pot can be 1 gallon or around 4 liters with suitable drainage holes.
  • Fill the pot with perlite and potting soil in a 2:1 ratio. While buying potting soil, pick up the one that says “fast-draining potting soil."
  • To give the cutting a proper medium to grow in and eliminate spillage when you water, fill the container 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the brim.

Water

Water the soil and make sure it exits from the drainage holes. If it doesn’t, you must add vermiculite to the soil to make it more porous.

Root hormone (optional)

Use a root hormone powder to encourage the first roots to emerge from the stem cutting. Dip the end of your stem-cutting into a cup of water, and then cover it with root hormone powder to a depth of 1-2 inches.

Plant the stem-cutting

Right in the middle of the pot, insert the stem-cutting into the potting soil mix to a depth of 3–4 inches. Add an extra layer of potting soil to keep the stem in place. Also, pat the ground to prevent the cutting from shifting and staying firm.

Offer support

Use a stake to keep the stem-cutting upright in the pot if it's too big and tipping over. Put a stake deeply into the potting soil. The stake should then be secured to the stem-cutting with wire or string.

Root development

You have to keep the pot in a warm place with a temperature above 16 degrees Celsius for them to take root. A plumeria will take around 4–8 weeks to establish its roots.

Basic care until blooming

  • Water the plant one inch every week. Allow the soil to dry before watering, and avoid overwatering.
  • Ensure the plumeria plant receives bright, direct sunlight for at least 8 hours daily.
  • When winter approaches and the temperature drops below 13 degrees Celsius, bring it indoors.
  • Spray fertilize the plant once every one-three weeks using a tropical plumeria plant fertilizer during the growing season.
  • Prune when the leaves become more prominent and also keep a check on insects or pests.

Have patience and take good care of your plumeria plant, which will bloom between one and three years.

How to take care of plumeria flowering plants

Taking care of plumeria is not at all problematic. Just stick to the following instructions: -

Location

A warm location is what plumerias want the most. Choosing the right site is essential because this plant won’t survive in temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius. So, in case your region experience cold weather, refrain from planting it outside or bring it inside when winter gets tough. Plumeria can be sustained in pots inside. Don’t worry if summer in your region is sweltering because plumeria is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius.

Sunlight

Ensure adequate sunlight. Plumerias grow best in full sunlight, at least 6 hours a day. Find a location where the tree will be exposed to regular sunlight. Plumerias grow well in greenhouses or near a big window with lots of light if you grow them inside.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for the growth of plumerias is between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Soil

As long as the soil is well-draining, the plumeria plant can grow in various soil types. Root rot can be brought on by poor drainage in the ground. It thrives on neutral or slightly acidic, loamy, rich, well-draining soil.

Fertilizer

Opt for a high-phosphorus fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers would give rise to more foliage and not blooms—remember that while feeding your plant. Also, if the plant is established, it may not require additional fertilizer.

Water

About one inch of water each week is sufficient for these trees. Water deeply and wait until the soil is parched before watering again. Do not water outdoor frangipanis when they are dormant. During their dormancy, indoor plumerias require watering roughly every two or three weeks. Established plants can withstand drought.

Benefits of plumeria flowers

Besides imparting beauty to your garden and indoor space, this flower also has other uses. One of the significant uses of plumeria flowers is in the making of essential oil, which has many benefits as mentioned below: -

  1. The deep cleansing properties of frangipani oil help clear impurities and dirt from within your skin and unclog pores.
  2. This essential oil is hugely used in aromatherapy for its seductive and energizing scent that strengthens the mind and body.
  3. This essential oil's anti-inflammatory nature helps make your skin blemish- and spot-free.
  4. Plumeria oil is well known for reducing tinnitus, back pain, headaches, and inflammation.
  5. The frangipani flower has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to improve general health.
  6. Rich in antioxidants, plumeria oil improves skin health by removing harmful pollutants and free radicals that might otherwise oxidize good skin cells.
  7. The astringent property in frangipani essential oil is beneficial for preventing dandruff, hydrating the scalp, protecting the hair from UV damage, and strengthening hair follicles.
  8. This plumeria oil has soothing properties, too, that may help people with sleeping disorders.
  9. Like many other essential oils, plumeria essential oil may help relieve stress.

There is no denying the fact that plumeria is a jewel of a garden. The bright, shiny, and long leaves, coupled with a gorgeous bloom, can erase all your worries and fill your mind with joy. Bring this plant home and care for it to transform your garden.

FAQs related to Plumeria Flowers

What is plumeria known as in Hindi?

Plumeria is known as gulchin or champa in Hindi.

Can I grow plumeria in pots?

Yes, plumeria can be easily grown in pots. Opt for a 500-ml pot while starting, and then use a larger pot when the roots establish themselves.

Is plumeria a summer or winter flower?

Plumeria is a summer flower. It has a long blooming season from May to October.

How long does plumeria take to bloom?

If grown through the stem-cutting method, the plumeria plant may bloom within one to three years, assuming you have taken reasonable care. The plumeria planted from seeds may take three years or more to bloom.

What is the spiritual symbolism of plumeria or frangipani flowers?

Plumeria or frangipani flowers symbolize birth, new beginnings, spring, hope, good luck, warmth, love, romance, and positivity.

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