Re-Potting Rooted Plumeria - Planting Instructions

Below you will find basic instructions on how to plant and care for your new plumeria.

Re-potting Rooted Plumeria:

Choose a pot: Choose a pot that has good drainage, preferably one with multiple drainage holes. 1- gallon black nursery pots work well, however if your plumeria is on the larger side you may need the next size up. A 2-gallon pot would work better in this case. The most important part of selecting a pot is that it has good drainage. If looking to use a decorative pot, Terra Cotta or Wood pots/containers are good options instead of a plastic nursery pot.

Potting Soil: Use a well-draining soil.

• Cactus Mix is a great option for those starting out. It can be purchased at most stores and is readily available. If it doesn’t seem to drain well enough, add a little perlite to the mix.
• Another option would be to use a mix of ½ perlite to ½ potting soil or ½ sphagnum peat moss.
• For those who are wanting to mix their own soils, I’ve had great success with using the following mix - 30% Peat Moss, 30% Coco Coir, 20% Perlite, 15% Worm Castings, 5% Bat Guano. I put all ingredients in a wheelbarrow and mix well.

Planting Instructions:

1. Fill the pot ⅓ with soil mix.
2. Remove your plumeria from the outer wrapping and place in the pot.
3. Add additional soil until the soil is within one inch of the pot rim, and plant is secure standing on its own. If plant is tall or on the larger side, it may be necessary to stake. Bamboo works well for staking
4. Gently press and firm the soil around the trunk.
5. Give it a good watering until water comes out the drainage holes.
6. Place the pot in a warm sunny location.

Tips:

• Do not overwater your plumeria. Plumeria are subject to root rot if the soil remains damp for long periods of time. It is recommended to let the soil thoroughly dry between watering’s.
• Using a moisture meter helps determine if soil is still wet down by the roots. Once it dries out water it well until you see water coming out the drainage holes.
• Plumerias need adequate sunlight to flower. Make sure they get 6-8 hours day at least of full sun.
• Plumeria do not like the cold, and will generally not survive in freezing temperatures. Plant them in pots and bring indoors for winter in colder areas. As a general rule, if it is below 40 degrees, it is too cold. If planted in the ground, they can be removed and stored bare root, just make sure the roots are not touching a cold surface. Wrap them in burlap or newspaper and store off the ground on a shelf, in the house or a greenhouse.
• Repot in the Spring after the last chance of frost. Springtime is also a good time to prune if necessary.
• When leaves have fully developed, you can begin fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer.
• In cooler locations, warming the bottom of the pot with a heating pad will help promote root development.
• For those in hot desert climates, regular watering daily or every other day may be required, and afternoon sun may be too intense at first. Gradually introduce the plumeria to the light and let it acclimate fully before putting it out in full desert sun.