Also known as a white plumeria, West Indian Jasmine, or nosegay, this tree has thick, gray-green, succulent branches and long, leathery green leaves. The tree often forms into an umbrella shape. Though they can grow to be quite large, white frangipanis are slow growers. They can be kept in pots for easy moving and to keep them more compact. Common pests and diseases include the frangipani moth and caterpillar, scale, mealybugs, nematodes, and frangipani rust. Plumeria trees are tolerant of drought, heat, salty air, and sandy soil. This makes them ideal plants for areas near the salty coastline.
Light
These tropical flowers can be grown in sun and partial shade, but fare the best in abundant sunshine; at least six hours per day is ideal.
Soil
The white frangipani is tolerant of a wide array of soil types, as long as it is well-draining. Soil that does not drain well can cause root rot. It does the best in loamy, rich, well-draining soil that is neutral or slightly acidic.
Water
These trees do well with about one inch of water per week. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. When in dormancy, do not water outdoor frangipanis. Water indoor frangipanis about every two or three weeks during their dormancy. Established plants are drought tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity
These famous tropical trees only thrive in hot, tropical climates. Anything colder than USDA zone 10 will not allow these trees to thrive, as they cannot handle frost. As for humidity, they do well in the high humidity often present in tropical areas.
Fertilizer
White frangipanis require high-phosphorus fertilizer. Avoid giving these trees too much nitrogen, as this will produce more foliage than flowers. Feed this tree every month during the growing season for the best results. Established trees may not require yearly fertilizing.
Pruning White Frangipani
Pruning in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears can help this tree maintain its desired shape. When pruning, it is important to remember that the tips of the branches produce the tree’s famous flowers. Cut branches will not flower until the following year, so prune carefully. To create a taller tree with a central trunk, prune away all lower branches near the trunk. For a shorter, denser shrub, prune all the branches back to around half of their length.
Propagating White Frangipani
White frangipani is very easy to propagate with cuttings. This is best done in the spring. Here’s how to do it:
How to Grow White Frangipani From Seed
Growing these trees from seed is possible, though the seeds will almost never produce a plant identical to its parent. If you would like to try this method, it is best to test the seed’s viability before putting in the work of growing it. Simply place the seed in water and let it soak for a few hours. Seeds that sink are most likely viable, while seeds that float are most likely dead. After testing the seeds, follow these steps:
Potting and Repotting White Frangipani
A shallow root system makes the white frangipani an ideal potted plant. This is great for areas just outside of the frangipani’s growing zones since the pot can be taken indoors before temperatures begin to chill. Choose a large, wide pot to accommodate the plant’s shallow roots. This will help prevent the tree from becoming top-heavy and toppling in windy conditions. Be sure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Because white frangipanis are slow-growing, they will not need to be repotted often. When the plant does outgrow the container, gently loosen the roots from the pot by tapping the outside of the pot. Gently slide the tree out, being sure not to knock the branches against anything and cause damage. Move the tree to its new, larger container and fill it with well-draining soil.
Overwintering
When frangipanis are cultivated within their growing zones, overwintering is simple. Allow the plant to enter dormancy and withhold watering. For those grown outside its growing zones, these plants will need to be taken indoors before the colder temperatures arrive. Allow these plants to enter dormancy inside, only watering every two or three weeks.
How to Get White Frangipani to Bloom
This tropical plant is famous for its waxy, long-lasting, sweetly fragrant blooms. Plumeria alba flowers are around three inches long and are white with yellow centers. They grow in beautiful clusters near the tips of the plant’s branches. They appear yearly during the summer months after the plant is about three years old. To encourage blooming, provide the plant with at least six hours of sunlight a day. Give it high-phosphorus fertilizer monthly during the growing season, and water once the surface of the soil feels dry. When flowers are spent, deadhead the blooms to encourage more flowering and discourage seedpod production.
Common Problems with White Frangipani
The white frangipani is usually easy to care for and is not prone to having problems. However, there are a couple of common issues that may pop up when caring for this tropical tree.
Wrinkled, spongy, or soft branches: This is often caused by a fungus in the roots or branches and is normally brought on by cool, wet weather or overwatering. To help avoid the problem, do not water the frangipani in winter. If the problem occurs, cease watering and spray the plant with an anti-fungal treatment and, if possible, remove affected branches. Yellowing leaves: This is a sign of root rot, also caused by overwatering. If the frangipani is in a pot, make sure the drainage holes are not blocked. Cut back on watering until the soil is completely dry and set the pot in an area that easily allows excess water to drain away. If it is planted in the ground, cut back on watering. If the soil is holding too much moisture, amend the soil with sand or another fast-draining material.
