Plumeria: Grow Your Own Lei Flowers at Home

Botanical Name: Plumeria rubra

Vigorous and prolific, plumeria produces big clusters of fragrant, waxy 2-inch flowers (5 overlapping petals) in pink, red, yellow, white, or combos from early summer through fall. Thick woody branches carry pointed leaves up to 12 inches. Native to Central America, it needs warmth, sun, and humidity to thrive indoors.

Keys to Blooming

5+ Hours Direct Sun

No sun = no flowers. Minimum 5 hours direct sun daily.

Repot Young Plants; Top-Dress Large Ones

Spring repot when roots fill pot (move up one size). Too big? Top-dress: replace top 2–3 inches soil annually.

Prune for Size and Blooms

Prune late winter/early spring. Cut at 45° above a node. Flowers form on branch tips, so pruning = more blooms. Cutting back by ⅓ is fine — it's vigorous.

Winter Dormancy

Leaves drop in winter. Cool rest (55°F+ / 13°C+) in basement/garage. Water sparingly, no fertilizer until spring growth.

Quick Reference: Plumeria Care

• Origin: Central America
• Height: Up to 10 ft (3 m) in container
• Light: Bright to full sun
• Water: Evenly moist spring–fall; sparing in winter. Yellow leaves = overwatering.
• Humidity: Moderate; pebble tray. Mist foliage (not flowers) in summer.
• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C); bring in below 55°F (13°C) nights
• Soil: Peat-based mix
• Fertilizer: High-phosphorus spring–fall for blooms
• Propagation: 10-inch stem tip cuttings spring. Dry cut ends 5–7 days before planting (prevents sap ooze).