Growing Plumeria (Frangipani) from a Cutting: Care, Dormancy, and Blooming Tips

Two years ago, I brought a plumeria cutting back from Hawaii. It rooted well and grew large green leaves at the tips of its Y-shaped branches, but it hasn't bloomed. The plant has become tall and leggy, needing support, and drops its lower leaves as new growth appears, leaving a bare stem with just a few leaves at the top. It spends summers outdoors and goes dormant in winter. Will it ever flower? I'd love a full, bushy plant.

Understanding Plumeria Growth Habits

In Hawaii, plumeria (the lei flower) is pruned into a shrub for easy harvesting, but in nature it's a tree. It's cold-sensitive—temperatures in the 40s (°F) can damage it—so it can't stay outdoors year-round in Atlanta. However, with the right care, you can encourage blooming.

Winter Dormancy Care

Since plumeria drops its leaves in winter, store it in a cool, dark room (basement or garage) above 40°F. No light needed. To induce dormancy, strip all leaves now (and in late October in future years).

Spring Wake-Up and Summer Care

When day and night temperatures average 65°F, move it outside. Place it where it gets 4–6 hours of morning sun but afternoon shade. Fertilize with a high-phosphorus product like Greenlight Superbloom. Keep the soil consistently moist—never let it dry out completely. If the pot is small, repot into a larger container.

Reshaping for a Bushier Plant

To reduce height and the need for staking, consider cutting off both Y-branches next spring and rooting them in moist sand. You'll get two new plants to keep or share, and the original will regrow more compactly.

With this routine, your plumeria should eventually produce those fragrant lei flowers.