Frangipani care guide
Plumeria rubra
How to keep frangipani healthy at home: how much to water it, the light it needs, and how to catch common problems early.
Not sure it’s this plant?Check yours with a photo, freeAt a glance
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
Almost dry · winter - Climate
- 15–29 °C (59–84 °F)
- Humidity
- 30–60%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
When and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebAlmost dry
Water your frangipani when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry, typically every 6 to 8 days while it grows. In winter it rests: keep it almost dry and water only sparingly until new growth starts in spring, because wet roots can rot during the rest. Let any excess drain and never leave the pot sitting in water.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Frangipani needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your frangipani every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate15–29 °C (59–84 °F)
Humidity30–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 15–29 °C (59–84 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses IVIS (A. Knight, Colorado State University) where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. The IVIS veterinary chapter names Plumeria rubra and warns that its sap can irritate cats and dogs that chew the plant. It describes drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, without establishing oleander-like severity.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · synonyms · native range · life form
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · under-glass position · soil · moisture · temperature · feeding · pests · Position · watering · potting · repotting · winter protection
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of ExtensionCulture · light · watering · potting mix · fertilizer · dormancy · insects
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionPlanting and care · containers · cold protection · diseases · sap and safety
- Queensland Poisons Information CentreBotanical name · common species · sap · ingestion · skin, eye, and gastrointestinal effects
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