Growing Plumeria Indoors: Tips for Thriving Houseplant Frangipani

Plumeria, commonly known as frangipani, is typically associated with tropical gardens, but it’s entirely possible to grow this stunning flowering plant indoors—especially if you live in a climate where outdoor growing isn’t an option. While plumeria plants love warm weather and full sun, you can still grow them successfully as houseplants with a bit of extra care.

Whether you’re trying to grow a beautiful houseplant or simply want to bring the fragrance of plumeria indoors, this guide will show you how to meet the specific light, temperature, and watering needs of plumeria indoors. We’ll also discuss the best varieties for indoor growing and how to manage their natural winter dormancy.

1. Can Plumeria Grow Indoors?

Plumeria can grow indoors, but there are a few challenges to keep in mind. The biggest obstacle is their need for light. While they naturally grow in full sun in tropical climates, indoor plumeria requires plenty of bright light to thrive and bloom. Without enough light, plumeria may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Key Considerations for Indoor Plumeria:

• Light Requirements: Plumeria requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. If grown indoors, plumeria often needs to be supplemented with grow lights to provide adequate light.
• Temperature Needs: Plumerias prefer warm temperatures, typically between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–29°C). Cold temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage, so ensure your indoor space stays warm.
• Dormancy Period: Even indoors, plumeria still needs a winter rest period. During this time, the plant slows its growth and may shed its leaves, especially if it’s not receiving enough light.

2. The Importance of Grow Lights for Indoor Plumeria

While plumeria plants thrive in tropical sunlight, indoor spaces may not provide enough direct light. In this case, grow lights are essential for ensuring your plumeria gets the required light for healthy growth and flowering.

Why Grow Lights Are Essential:

• Light Spectrum: Plumeria plants need a full spectrum of light to mimic the sunlight they receive in their native habitats. Full-spectrum grow lights replicate natural sunlight, promoting photosynthesis and healthy leaf and flower production.
• Intensity: Plumeria needs high-intensity lighting to mimic the direct sun exposure they get outdoors. LED lights or fluorescent grow lights are ideal for providing consistent light.
• Duration: To maintain healthy growth and flower production, plumeria needs 6-8 hours of light daily. Grow lights can help meet this requirement during the winter months or if natural light is insufficient.

3. Best Placement for Plumeria Indoors

If you’re not using grow lights, selecting the right indoor placement for your plumeria is essential. While plumeria thrives in full sun, there are ways to make sure they get enough exposure indoors.

Ideal Locations for Plumeria:

• South-Facing Windows: South-facing windows provide the most direct sunlight throughout the day. This is the best location for growing plumeria indoors, as it will receive a consistent amount of light.
• West-Facing Windows: West-facing windows also provide strong afternoon sunlight, though the plant may need some protection from the intense midday heat.
• Avoid North-Facing Windows: North-facing windows don’t provide sufficient sunlight for plumeria and are generally not ideal for growing them indoors.

Maximizing Light Exposure:

• Rotation: To ensure even growth, rotate your plumeria regularly so that all sides get exposure to sunlight. This helps the plant maintain a balanced, symmetrical shape.
• Temporary Shelters: If you’re in a low-light environment, use reflective materials like aluminum foil or white walls to bounce more light onto the plant.

4. Managing Winter Rest: Plumeria Dormancy Indoors

Plumeria naturally goes into dormancy during cooler months, and indoor plants are no exception. During dormancy, plumeria slows growth, sheds its leaves, and enters a period of rest before the next growing season. However, plumeria still needs care and attention during this time.

Signs of Dormancy:

• Leaf Drop: As plumeria enters dormancy, it will shed its leaves. This is normal, especially for deciduous varieties. The plant may look bare during winter but will bounce back in spring.
• No Growth: Growth slows, and new leaves may not appear during the winter months.

Tips for Managing Dormancy Indoors:

• Cool Location: Keep your plumeria in a cool, dry place (between 50°F and 60°F / 10°C–16°C) during the winter months. This temperature range helps the plant remain dormant.
• Minimal Watering: Water less frequently during dormancy. Only water when the soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering, as plumeria doesn’t need much moisture while dormant.
• Do Not Fertilize: Since the plant is not actively growing, avoid fertilizing during the winter months. Start fertilizing again once new growth begins in spring.

5. Best Plumeria Varieties for Indoor or Greenhouse Culture

Certain plumeria varieties are better suited for indoor growth or greenhouse environments due to their evergreen nature or compact size. These varieties are more adaptable to indoor conditions and tend to stay manageable in size.

Plumeria obtusa (e.g., ‘Singapore White’)

• Evergreen Nature: Plumeria obtusa retains its leaves year-round in tropical conditions, making it ideal for growing indoors. Even if it loses leaves due to winter dormancy, it will still maintain green foliage in tropical climates.
• Compact Growth Habit: The compact growth and bushy form of P. obtusa make it suitable for indoor growth or greenhouse environments where space is limited.

Dwarf Varieties:

• Dwarf Plumeria Varieties such as ‘Dwarf Yellow’ or ‘Little Nicky’ are perfect for container gardening and small indoor spaces. These plants grow more slowly and stay smaller, making them more manageable indoors.
• Ideal for Small Spaces: Dwarf plumerias are perfect for patios, balconies, or small rooms, where full-sized plumeria trees might be too large.

6. Conclusion: Growing Plumeria Indoors Successfully

Growing plumeria indoors is definitely possible with the right care and conditions. To help your plumeria thrive indoors, focus on providing the right amount of light—either through a south-facing window or grow lights—and ensure warm temperatures to support healthy growth. Indoor plumeria will also need a dormancy period in the cooler months, during which they should receive minimal water and no fertilizer.

By selecting dwarf varieties or evergreen types like Plumeria obtusa, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of plumeria in your home, even if you live in a cooler climate. With the proper attention to light, temperature, and rest, your indoor plumeria will be a thriving, blooming houseplant for years to come.