Frangipani / प्लुमेरिया फूल
Frangipani / प्लुमेरिया फूल
Plumeria obtusa, also known as Singapore frangipani, White Frangipani, or Evergreen Plumeria, is a beautiful tropical tree prized for its fragrant white flowers with yellow centers and its rounded, evergreen leaves.
Here are key gardening tips for successfully growing and caring for Plumeria obtusa:
Light Requirements
- Needs full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) to bloom well.
- It tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Soil Conditions
- Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.
- Avoid heavy, clay soils unless amended with sand or perlite.
- Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0).
Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently — allow the soil to dry out between watering.
- Overwatering can cause root rot.
- During dormancy (in cooler months), reduce watering drastically.
Flowering Tips
- Blooms best in warm, humid conditions — usually in spring through fall.
- Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Feed during growing season (see fertilizer section below).
Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead/damaged branches.
- Don’t prune heavily — flowers emerge from new growth tips.
Fertilizing
- Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer (like 10-30-10) to promote blooming.
- Fertilize every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.
- Stop feeding in winter when the plant slows down or goes dormant.
Pests & Problems
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Rust fungus (orange powdery spots on leaves)
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as a natural treatment.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Climate & Hardiness
- Ideal for tropical to subtropical climates (USDA zones 10–12).
- Cannot tolerate frost — in colder climates, grow in containers and move indoors or into a greenhouse during winter.
- Indoors, place in a sunny window or under a grow light.
Container Growing
- Plumeria obtusa grows well in large containers.
- Use a cactus or succulent potting mix with added perlite or sand.
- Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and prevent root binding.
Propagation
- Easily propagated by stem cuttings.
- Let cuttings dry for 1–2 days to callus.
- Plant in well-draining soil and water sparingly until roots form.
- Can also be grown from seed, but flowering may take years.
