Propagating plumerias is a great way to expand your collection, or share your favorites with friends.
In this post, I’ll talk about the different methods, tell you when and how to take cuttings, and then show you how to root them, step-by-step.
Though it sounds like it would be difficult, plumerias (aka: frangipanim, kalachuchi, or Hawaiian lei tree) are surprisingly quick and easy to propagate.
Below I’ll talk about the different methods you can try, and then dive into all of the information you need to know, including my best tips for success.
It’s fun and addicting once you learn how, and I’ll walk you through the exact steps in this detailed guide for propagating plumerias.
Can You Propagate Plumeria?
Over the years a lot of people have asked me “can I grow plumeria from a cutting?“. Well, I’m sure you know by now that the answer to that question is YES!
Since I’ve been asked that so many times, and I have several years of experience doing it myself, I finally decided to write a step by step tutorial on how you can do it too.
Plumeria Propagation Methods
There are two main ways to propagate plumerias: from seed or by rooting the cuttings.
In this article, I will show you how to grow plumeria from cuttings. I’ll save the seed starting for a future post.
I know it sounds scary, but it is actually pretty easy. First, let’s talk about when is the best time to try it.
When To Take Plumeria Cuttings To Propagate
The best time of the year to take plumeria cuttings for propagation is in the warm spring and summer months, especially when it’s humid outside.
If you take them too late in the summer, or in the fall as the mother plant is starting to go dormant for the winter, then they probably won’t root, or it will be much slower.
Rooting Plumeria Cuttings In Winter
Plumerias go dormant during the winter, so if you take the cuttings too late, they will likely won’t root. However, if you store them correctly, you can overwinter them until spring.
Just wrap the cutting with paper, or leave it in the pot and keep the soil completely dry. You can mist it every once in a while if you want, but don’t overdo it or it could end up rotting.
Then in early spring, give it a good, deep drink, and follow the step by step instructions below for rooting it.
How To Cut Plumeria For Rooting
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when cutting plumeria stems and branches for rooting.
It doesn’t make a difference where you cut it, so it’s just a matter of how big or small you want it to be. You can root any size cutting, but you’ll have the best chance if it’s at least 3-4″ long.
But you do want to be sure to use a sharp pair of pruners, and always sterilize them so you get a nice clean cut.
Also, plumerias are very prone to tip rot, so it’s extremely important to always make your cuts at a downward angle so that water can’t settle into the wound.
How To Grow Plumeria From Cuttings
Before you get too excited and stick your plumeria cutting directly into the dirt, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare it for the best chance of success.
First, remove the leaves from the cutting. This will allow it to put all of its energy into producing new roots, rather than maintaining the foliage.
Second, be sure to allow the wound to cure (dry out) before you attempt to root it. This step is super important, so don’t skip it, otherwise your plumeria cutting will likely rot instead of forming roots.
To do that, simply let it sit in a dry place until the wound is completely callused over. This can take several days to over a week, so be patient, and don’t rush it.
Related Post: How To Grow Plumeria In A Pot
Rooting Plumeria Cuttings In Water
Another common question I get asked is “can I root my plumeria in water?“. The short answer is yes, technically it is possible.
However, rooting frangipani cuttings in water isn’t always a huge success. Many times, the stems will only rot.
If you have plenty of extras to work with, then by all means experiment with this method. It’s always fun to try something new.
My preferred plumeria propagation method however is rooting them in soil. So, I’ll stick to that for now.
Planting Plumeria Cuttings In Soil
The best soil for rooting plumeria cuttings (also called “medium”) is one that is very quick-draining and doesn’t hold much moisture.
I make my own by combining equal parts of perlite, potting soil, and coarse sand, but you can use a commercial mix instead.
When planting a plumeria cutting in soil, it’s very important that you always use a clean pot to avoid any type of contamination.
Also, make sure you don’t use a huge container for rooting each cutting, otherwise you risk overwatering, which will only cause it to rot.
I use 4″ pots for rooting most of mine, and once in a while I might go up to a 6″ one for larger stems or branches.
Related Post: How To Choose The Best Plumeria Soil
Plumeria Cutting Care While Propagating
For the best chance of rooting, keep the air around your plumeria cutting humid, but the soil on the dry side.
If you live in a humid climate like I do, you don’t need to do anything special. Simply leave it outside, and soon it will root. Just be sure to keep it out of the full sun until then.
But, if you live somewhere dry, or you’re trying to root one indoors, then it’s a good idea to mist it every couple of days with a plant sprayer.
Just don’t water the soil, you want that to stay on the dry side. If it’s too damp, it will only cause your plumeria cutting to rot, and you don’t want that.
You’ll know your cutting has successfully rooted once you see new leaves forming the top.
How Long Does It Take Plumeria Cuttings To Root?
How long it takes for plumeria cuttings to root depends on the environment. But in the right conditions, the roots will start forming in as little as 2-3 weeks.
However, if it’s really dry, wet, or too cold, then it will take much longer. For the fastest results, keep them in a bright, warm, and humid location out of the direct sun.
Why Is My Plumeria Not Rooting?
Your plumeria may not be rooting due to over or under watering, lack of light, or the temperature is too cool.
The soil needs to be kept on the dry side at all times, and it should never be wet. A moisture meter can help you maintain the perfect balance
Also, the roots will form best when it’s between 75-85°F. You can use a heat mat placed under the pots to speed things up.
Transplanting Plumeria Cuttings After Propagation
Once your plumeria cutting has several mature leaves, then you know it’s propagated and ready to move into a new pot or the ground.
You certainly don’t need to worry about transplanting your kalachuchi cutting right away, you can leave it in the small container until it becomes pot-bound if you’d rather.
The best potting soil to use is a porous fast-draining mix, and you should always plant them a container that has drainage holes.
Or you can try to make your own by mixing coarse sand and perlite or pumice with general potting soil.
Once your new baby has become established, you can start fertilizing it to encourage flowers, the cuttings can bloom their first year.
Related Post: How To Care For Plumeria Plants (Hawaiian Frangipani)
Plumeria Propagation FAQs
Below I’ll give you answers to the most frequently asked questions about rooting plumerias. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, add a comment below.
Can You Replant A Broken Plumeria Branch?
Yes, with some care, you can replant a broken plumeria branch. Make sure the branch is dry and not rotten. If the broken end is mangled or crushed, then cut off the damaged parts so you have a clean edge. Clip off the leaves, and leave it to dry in a shady place for a few days. Then follow the steps below to root it.
How fast do plumeria cuttings grow?
Plumeria cuttings can grow very fast in the right conditions. It can take as little as 2-3 weeks for the roots to start forming.
How long do plumeria cuttings last?
Plumeria cuttings can last several months without being planting. However, they will slowly start to shrivel over time, so the sooner you root them after they’re properly callused, the better your success rate will be.
Can frangipani be propagated in water?
Yes, frangipani can be propagated in water. However, it’s not the best method to use, as the cuttings can easily rot. It’s a fun experiment to try if you have extras, but for the greatest chance of success, I recommend rooting them in soil.
Can you plant a fresh plumeria cutting?
While you can plant a fresh plumeria cutting, I highly recommend you let dry and fully callus over first. If you try planting it with a fresh cut, it has a much higher chance of rotting rather than rooting.
Plumeria propagation by cuttings sounds like it would be really hard, but it’s actually pretty easy when you follow these steps. It’s really fast too, so once you get the hang of it, you’ll have plenty of new starts to share with friends!
If you want to learn how to multiply any type of plant you can get your hands on, then my Propagation Made Easy eBook is for you! It has everything you need to know in order to start propagating your favorites right away. Download your copy today!
More Plant Propagation Posts
- The Best Plant Propagation Tools, Equipment & Supplies
- Plant Propagation: A Detailed Guide For Beginners
- How To Propagate Aloe Vera By Division
- Propagating Christmas Cactus From Cuttings Or By Division
- How To Propagate Banana Plants
- How To Propagate Snake Plant (Sansevieria) In Water Or Soil
Share your plumeria propagation tips in the comments section below.
Step By Step Instructions
How To Propagate Plumeria Cuttings
Rooting plumeria cuttings is easy once you know the right way to do it. Follow these detailed step by step instructions for the best results.
Instructions
- Take and cure the cutting - Use a clean pair of sharp pruners to take 3" or longer plumeria stem or branch cuttings. Then place them in a dry location out of direct sunlight for at least a week, or until the wound has callused over.
- Prepare the rooting medium - Use a commercial fast-draining medium, or try mixing equal parts of regular potting soil with perlite and coarse sand. If it's bone dry, dampen it slightly. Then use your trowel to fill the pot.
- Apply rooting hormone - Dust the callused end of your plumeria cutting with rooting hormone. This will help it produce strong, healthy roots, and also make the process faster.
- Plant the cutting - Make a hole in the medium that’s deep enough so the cutting will stand up on its own. Put the cut end into the hole, and gently pack the soil down around the base. The roots will sprout out of the bottom of the stem, so you don't have to plant it very deep.
- Place somewhere warm and bright - Put your cutting in a humid location with bright light. Placing it on top of a heat mat can speed things up, but it’s optional. Once you see new leaves on top, that means your frangipani cutting has rooted. You can pot it up into fresh soil if you want, but only go one size larger than the current container.
Notes
- The larger your cutting is, the longer it should cure. You'll know it's ready when the cut feels dry and hard. Do not skip this step or it may end up rotting.
- While your plumeria cutting is rooting, keep the medium on the dry side. If it’s too wet, the cutting will likely rot. You can use a moisture gauge to monitor it.
Gloria stevens says
I have a plumeria that has been growing in the same pot for about 3 years. It’s never bloomed but it made three branches and has leaves. Today even though it’s August in Illinois it looked like it was dropping its leaves and starting to go dormant so I thought maybe it was root bound. I pulled it out of the pot and it only has one little 1-in root sticking out of the bottom and it feels soft at the end. I’m thinking I should cut that off and then do what you said in your article about letting it dry and repotting it again is that right or are there other ideas
Amy Andrychowicz says
Uh oh, it sounds to me like your plumeria is rotting from the base. In that case, the only way to save it is to cut off all the rot, and propagate it like I show in this article. Good luck!
Hope haylett says
My friend cut me a branch about two feet tall with flowers and the branch is green. Should I cut the flowers off and let it dry out before I put it in a pot. Do I need to do anything to the bottom while it dries-How long can I let it sit before planting. Tried to figure it out fro your great article but there was so much info I couldn’t figure out what to do at this point when I just got the cutting which he broke off the huge plumeria he has. I don’t want to lose it. II’s such a beauty, although 5e flowers just dried up. Just got it yesterday- 7/4. I noticed my friend had some cuttings, and she had them laying on her patio for several weeks. They looked a light brown as they were not as fresh as mine. I want to do what I need to do correctly. Thanks d9 much. Loved your email info.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you should remove the flowers and the leaves from your plumeria cutting before trying to root it. Once the cut end dries, dip it into rooting hormone before planting it. This is optional, but does help it root faster and more successfully. Good luck!
Grace says
I live in the north,I put my right in the ground,will they be ok??
Amy Andrychowicz says
Plumerias are only hardy in zones 10 or higher. So, if you live in a colder area, it will probably not survive the winter outdoors and must be brought inside. Here’s info about how to do that… How To Overwinter Plumeria Plants Indoors.
Al says
Thank you for this article!
I was gifted a very large plumeria branch with a dozen growth points each about 18” long. Would you recommend chopping it up into 12-18” sections, or can a large branch root?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh wow, what a great gift! It depends on how many plumerias you want. 🙂 The whole large branch will root for sure. But, you could certainly cut it up in smaller sections if you want more plants. How fun!
Gregg A says
We have 30-35 cuttings that we are rooting in small pots. Many are pushing flowers before they even start pushing leaves. My wife saw one article that said she should cut the flowers off to allow the plant to direct it’s energy to the roots. What is your recommendation?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If your plumeria cuttings don’t have any roots yet, then it’s best to remove the flowers as well as the leaves so they will focus all of their energy on growing roots. However, since it’s spring, they do have plenty of time to become established through the summer. And I’ve seen cuttings with both leaves and flowers form healthy roots. So, you could either cut them all off to be safe, take your chances by leaving them on, or keep them on a few to experiment and see if there’s a difference.
Angie says
Hello! Great page and thank you for the helpful tips. I bought a cutting in Hawaii this past September. It took me about a week to plant it in a small pot. I probably have been overwatering and I didn’t realize I needed to winterize it so it has not grown at all but it is still green at the top. How do I tell if it has rotting and if it is still viable. Any advice to bring it to life would be great. I live in the Bay Area of Cali so it is a little humid but too cold outside, so I keep it indoors. Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, so glad you enjoyed the article! 🙂 Plumerias go dormant during the winter, so that is probably what’s going on with your cutting. I would just keep it inside until it’s warm enough to put it back outside, and make sure the soil dries between waterings. To check if it’s rotting, gently squeeze all along the main stem, starting at the very bottom. If it feels soft or mushy, then it’s rotting. If it feels firm, that means it’s still healthy and it should start leafing out once the weather warms up. Here are a couple of other articles that will give you more info…
– How To Overwinter Plumeria (Frangipani) Plants Indoors
– How To Grow & Care For Plumeria Plants
Angie says
Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Linnea says
I too live in Minnespolis. I have an 8 ft Plumaria I got from the MN. State fair and it was 8 inches long.
My question is can I make several propagations from one branch? One branch cut into 8 inch pieces? Also the trunk of Plumaria is almost 2-3in in diameter. What do I do it’s getting so big and live in Mn. It will eventually out grow my home
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you can certainly cut the longer plumeria branches into multiple pieces to propagate them like you mention. You can manage the size by keeping it trimmed. They can take a pretty hard pruning, so cut it back to the size you prefer. Wait until spring or early summer to take cuttings or prune it though, that’s the best time.
Shagirlie says
What a fantastic article! Informative and easy to read. I had successfully rooted and established a cutting last year but it started rotting at the base and on a branch in late January (this is my first plumeria). I have successfully taken 2 cuttings to try rooting again. This article answered my questions. I was hesitant before but I think I can give it another go. Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it! Good luck rooting your new plumeria cuttings, hope they will grow great for you this time. 🙂
Stella says
I live in So. CA and I am in the process of rooting some Plumeria cuttings. I potted them yesterday, but I think I may have to repot them. I initially used 2/3 cactus soil and 1/3 perlite. But, then I added a less than 1/3 peat moss. I believe that was a mistake. Do you think they will rot being that I added peat moss? Shall I repot w/o adding peat moss? Do I keep them inside or outside under eves with moderate sun? Do I need to buy a heating pad? Thank you for your advice.
Amy Andrychowicz says
As long as you’re careful not to overwater, then your plumeria cuttings should root just fine even with the peat moss added to the medium. If it’s warm enough, then I would just leave them outside to root. It may take longer in the winter, but they should start to leaf out once it warms up in the spring.
Stella says
Thank you Amy, my Plumerias are starting to show some growth at the tips, but no leaves yet. I have not watered them at all and I’m keeping them inside with plenty of sunlight on a warming mat. My friend says I should definitely water them, that’s why they do not have leaves yet. Do you think I should water them? Or wait until they sprout leaves at least 1-2″ in length? Shall I put them outside now that Spring has arrived?
Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
The fact that your plumeria cuttings are starting to show new growth on top is a good sign that they are forming roots. You definitely could start watering them, but be careful. Make sure the soil is not wet first. Then give them a deep drink, and let it dry out again between waterings so you don’t overdo it. They do go dormant during the winter, and probably won’t start leafing out until it starts warming up a bit more. I’m not sure how cold it is where you live, so it may be a few more weeks/month before the leaves start growing, which is totally normal. Here’s a post about how to care for them (which includes details about watering them) now that they seem to be developing roots. It sounds like you’re doing everything right, so keep up the good work! 🙂
David Kravitz says
I have a seven year old plumeria I bought when it was about four inches high. I have grown it in a six inch diameter terra cotta pot and it is now about five feet high, growing straight up with leaves at the top, never branching. It has never flowered, as I have not fertilized it. My concern is the straightness and lack of branching, Is there something I should have done or should be doing to allow it to branch? I live in southern California, where the weather is warm year round and humidity is low. I have a photograph if needed. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you very kindly!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can prune your plumeria in order to get it to branch out. Simply cut off the tip or top at your preferred height, and new branches will eventually form underneath the cut. Just be sure to make the cut at a downward angle so water can’t settle in and cause rot. Here’s more info on how to care for them… How To Grow Plumeria Plants.
Alfreada says
Thank for responding. Question, when you say sand, what kind of sand are you talking about?
Thanks again.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! I recommend using a coarse sand rather than something that is very fine.
Alfreada says
I live in north central FL. My friend’s mother passed and she wants to give me some plumeria cuttings before the house is rented or sold. Do you think I could winterize them and plant in the Spring?
Another question, what ratio of ingredients do you use to make your soil?
Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you can overwinter the plumeria cuttings and plant them in the spring. Here’s how to do it. The mix I make for rooting the cuttings is 2 parts coco coir or peat moss, 2 parts sand, and 1 part perlite.
Jenny Johnston says
I have one large plumeria plant that now has 3 branches coming off the top. It’s getting so tall I feel like I need to cut it back, but I’m not sure where to make the cuts and when? I live in East Texas where it’s still in the 90’s now (early September) and my plumeria is still blooming. Should I cut all three branches off and leave the main trunk and if so, will the main trunk send out new shoots next Spring and bloom? This plumeria has very sentimental value to me so I really need to do this correctly. Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
While they can handle a heavy pruning, cutting off all of the branches at once can keep your plumeria from blooming for a while. So I would start small and do one branch at a time. Yes, the new growth will come out just below where you make the cut. However, they do go dormant (at least partially) in the winter, so if you prune in the fall, it might not put on new growth until it wakes up in the spring. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring. Here’s a post that has more details about their care, including pruning tips… How To Grow & Care For Plumeria Plants.
Janet Davenport says
Is he first of September too late to take cuttings for propagation?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It depends on where you live. If you’re somewhere warm, then it’s not too late to root plumeria cuttings. If you live in a cold climate where you have to bring them inside for winter, you can still take cuttings in the fall – but they may not root until spring.
Sherry Kizer says
Thank you Amy. Today I potted the two 14 inch cuttings. I used 5 inch pots. I placed a layer of Orchid Mix, heavy in bark, on the bottom for extra drainage, then filled the pots with Miracle Grow quick draining, cactus, palm, & citrus mix. I poked a hole in the center with my thumb, dipped the ends in the root hormone powder and carefully placed them in. Then I tamped the soil in around the stalk and added more soil to fill the pot continuing to tamp it in. They are both curved half way up and did not want to stand up well so I added an orchid stick to each gently fastening them with twist ties. I had also read that could add Quick start liquid to the water for their first watering so I did. I slowly added the water until it began to drain. That settled the soil even more so I added a bit more and a little more water. I drained them on a cake cooling rack until they quit dripping them moved them to wire rack in the screened room where they will stay for now. The instructions on the quick start watering said to do it again in 7 days but I don’t want to over water. Should I let the soil dry out at this point? I resized the rest of the cuttings and they are drying again until next weekend. Do I cut the whole bud stalk off or just the actual buds & their little stems? They have burgundy colored stalks in the middle with buds on the ends. I cut the 8, 9, & 10″ shoots off as they seemed woody enough at the bottom of their stalks. I cut the 18″ away from the primary stem. I left the one with the three shoots, 4,5,& 8″, intact as the shoots seem rather tender, not very woody, but I shortened the main stalk. I cut the 18″ with the two short shoots away from the 20 inch stalk but left the shoots on as they are very green as well. That leaves me with 5 more to plant next week. The leaves pretty much took care of themselves. I just left them alone and most of them wilted & fell off. I just need to take the buds off once I know where to cut. I also have 3 empty stalks remaining that I cut all of that off of. Can those be restarted too? If so, what do I do, if anything, to the tops? I am assuming they will dry up like the bottoms. How do they regenerate new growth? Thanks again! And, yes, I am having fun with this new experience.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Sounds like you’re doing everything right for rooting your plumeria cuttings. I’m not familiar with the “quick starter” you’re referring to, so I can’t speak to that. But, you want to keep the soil on the dry side, and the air around the cutting humid. I would cut the whole flower stalk off to keep the cuttings from blooming. You can root any part of the stem, so the other cuttings you have should work too. Once rooted, they will sprout new leaves just below the cut on top.
Julie Bennett says
My Dad has a pretty large Plumeria tree in his sunroom. He is wanting to get rid of it. My question is can I cut it into much more manageable size pieces and then root them and replant them? I would like to have the whole tree but he loves in Missouri and I live on the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama. It will be much easier to bring it if it is only about 4 feet tall (instead of 10) and not 10 feet in diameter.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you can take cuttings from your dad’s plumeria plant and root them when you get back home. The wounds need time to cure over anyway, so that would be perfect. Just follow the instructions in this post, and you’ll be good to go!