The plumeria rubra, also commonly called the temple tree or the nosegay, is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. It is found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, producing pinwheel-shaped fragrant flowers in a variety of colors. Plumerias require soil that drains well with a pH of 6.4 to 6.8, and a perlite mixture will do the trick.
Select a large planting container for your plumeria. If you happen to live in a tropical climate, you can plant the plumeria directly in the ground in a location that receives full sun.
Cover the bottom of the large planting container with stones if the container lacks drainage holes.
Fill the large planting container three-quarters full with a mixture of half perlite and half potting soil.
Select a plumeria cutting that is between 1 and 2 feet long. According to the University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension Service, you must first set the plumeria cutting aside in a dry location for a period of 14 days before planting.
Dip the end of your plumeria cutting in a rooting compound with the ingredient .3 percent indolebutyric acid (IBA) before planting directly in the perlite soil. Plant the cutting 3 inches deep and pack the soil down around it.
Moisten the soil, but don't make it sopping wet. Repeat waterings once per week. Plumeria trees don't require a great deal of water.
Things You Will Need
- Large planting container
- Potting mix
- Plumeria cutting
- Rooting compound
- Gravel or broken pieces of clay can be substituted for the stones at the bottom of the large planting container.
- When planting more than one plumeria tree in your yard, space the trees 15 feet apart.
- Once your plumeria tree's roots have been established, you can fertilize with a 10-30-10 fertilizer. Repeat three times per year.
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