Growing Plumeria in the South 101
A Practical Guide from Plumeria Fans Nursery
Growing plumeria (also called frangipani) in the South is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences you can have. These tropical trees produce some of the most fragrant and beautiful flowers imaginable, and with the right care they thrive in our long, hot summers.
This guide is written specifically for Southern growers — especially those in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas — where heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, and the occasional freeze all play a role.
1. Start with a Healthy Plant
When you bring home a rooted plumeria from us, it has already been growing in an air-pruning pot. These pots encourage strong, fibrous root systems instead of circling roots.
Important: Leave your plumeria in its air pot for the first 12–24 months. Moving it too soon into a regular nursery pot or the ground can slow growth and increase the risk of root problems. The air pot is doing important work during this establishment period.
2. Watering – The #1 Rule
Do not overwater.
This is the most common reason plumeria struggle in the South. Our heavy rains and high humidity already provide a lot of moisture.
- Water thoroughly, then allow the pot to dry significantly before watering again.
- In summer heat, this may mean watering every few days to once a week, depending on pot size, weather, and airflow.
- In cooler weather or after heavy rain, you may not need to water for 10–14 days or longer.
- Always check the weight of the pot or stick your finger into the soil. If it still feels damp, wait.
Overwatering leads to root rot faster than almost anything else. When in doubt, wait another day.
3. Light Requirements
Plumerias love sun with a minimum of 6-8 hours daily, but in the Deep South the intense afternoon heat can stress young plants.
- Aim for full morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright filtered light.
- Mature plants can handle more direct sun once established.
- Good airflow is just as important as light — it helps keep leaves dry and reduces fungal issues in our humidity.
4. Soil & Fertilizing
We grow all of our plants in a well-draining mix that works with air pots. A good general mix is roughly:
- 50% quality potting soil
- 35% perlite or pine bark
- 15% worm castings or compost
We recommend fertilizing during active growth (spring through early fall) with a organic fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus to encourage blooming. Stop or reduce fertilizing in late fall and winter when growth slows. A fertilizer with high nitrogen can cause plumeria to grow lanky and taller than normal.
5. Named Plumeria – Don't Lose the Identity!
Every named variety has its own unique flower color, size, fragrance, and growth habit.
Always keep the plant tag on your plumeria, or immediately write the name down in a notebook or phone note.
A plumeria without a name is called a NOID (No Identification). Once the name is lost, it can be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to identify later. Named plants are also more valuable if you ever share cuttings or sell plants in the future.
We highly recommend photographing the tag with the plant when you first bring it home.
6. Overwintering in the South
Most of the South experiences mild winters, but freezes do happen.
- When nighttime temperatures consistently drop into the 45s, start preparing and stop watering.
- We recommend cutting all the leaves off leaving ¼" to ½" stem around 11/1.
- Move potted plants to a protected area (garage, porch, greenhouse, or covered patio) around 11/15 or when temps drop below 45.
- Plumerias will go dormant in winter — this is normal. Stop watering during dormancy.
- Return them outdoors after the last chance of frost has passed in spring.
7. Common Southern Challenges & Quick Tips
- Heavy rain → Air pots and excellent drainage are your best friends.
- High humidity → Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal spots.
- Summer heat → Afternoon shade protects young plants.
- Slow growth the first year → Completely normal. Focus on root development in the air pot rather than top growth.
We're Here to Help
Growing plumeria is a journey, and every plant (and every gardener) is a little different. If you have questions about your specific plant, watering, fertilizing, or anything else, please reach out. We're happy to help you succeed.
Welcome to the plumeria-growing community — we're glad you're here.
Kurt & Bonnie Brochhausen
Plumeria Fans Nursery — Denham Springs, Louisiana