Frangipani Trees in Australia: How to Feed, Grow & Maintain Healthy Plumeria

Frangipani trees (Plumeria spp.) are prized in Australian gardens for their fragrant, vibrant blooms and drought-hardy nature. But to thrive, especially in pots or poor soils, they need targeted feeding and proper care. This guide explains the best fertiliser for frangipani in pots or the ground, when and how to apply it, and what to avoid.

Frangipani Characteristics and Soil Preferences

Frangipani (also known as plumeria) is a tropical to subtropical tree that can grow up to 6–8 metres tall in the ground, but it also performs well in large pots and containers. Native to Central America, it’s now widely grown in coastal regions of Australia, including Queensland, NSW, and Perth.

Key botanical traits:

Deciduous habit: Frangipani trees lose their leaves in winter and regrow them in spring
Thick, succulent branches: These store water, making the plant drought-tolerant
Fragrant flowers: Typically bloom in summer in white, pink, yellow, or multicolour

Soil Requirements:

Well-draining soil: Frangipani roots are highly susceptible to rot; sandy or loam-based soils are ideal
Neutral to slightly acidic pH: pH 6.0–7.0 is optimal
Low organic matter tolerance: Avoid over-rich soils which can encourage fungal issues

In pots, frangipani prefer a light, free-draining mix such as coarse potting mix with added perlite, river sand, or orchid bark.

What is the Best Fertiliser for Frangipani?

Frangipani trees require moderate feeding to support flowering and stem health. Because they are adapted to tropical climates with low-fertility soils, they respond best to fertilisers that are:

High in potassium (K): Supports flower production and stem firmness
Low to moderate in nitrogen (N): Prevents leggy growth and encourages blooms over foliage
Contains magnesium and calcium: These are essential for chlorophyll production and structural strength

Recommended products from Complete Grow:

NPK 20-20-20 – Best for vegetative growth phase or young plants after transplanting
Advanced Formula NPK 4-18-38 with Cal-Mag – Ideal for established frangipani during flowering season

Fertilising Frangipani in Pots

Frangipani in containers have limited access to soil reserves and need regular but diluted feeding.

Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks from early spring to mid-summer
Application: Apply 3–4 mL of liquid fertiliser per litre of water directly to the soil surface
After flowering: Reduce feeding and stop by early autumn

Fertilising Frangipani in the Ground

Ground-grown frangipani are more resilient but still benefit from seasonal feeding.

Frequency: Three times per year—early spring, mid-summer, and late summer
Amount: Apply fertiliser to the drip line (edge of the canopy), not near the trunk
Mulch: Use coarse bark or sugarcane mulch to retain moisture and add trace nutrients

Avoid overwatering after fertilising—this can cause stem rot in wet conditions.

Frangipani Propagation & Growing From Cuttings

Frangipani is one of the easiest trees to grow from cuttings, making it a favourite among home gardeners and collectors.

Steps to Propagate Frangipani

Take a thick, healthy branch (30–60 cm) in late spring or early summer
Allow the cutting to dry in shade for 5–7 days until a callus forms over the cut end
Plant in a coarse mix (2 parts sand to 1 part potting mix)
Do not water for the first 10 days after planting to prevent rot
Resume light watering once roots begin to develop (typically 4–6 weeks)

Once the plant has leafed out, begin monthly feeding with diluted liquid fertiliser.

Common Frangipani Growing Problems

Yellowing Leaves: Often due to nitrogen deficiency or cold weather. Feed lightly in spring and wait for warmer conditions
Black tips or stem rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Improve soil aeration and withhold water after rain
No flowering: May be caused by excess nitrogen or insufficient sun. Ensure 6–8 hours of direct light per day and use a bloom-boosting fertiliser

Frangipani Fertiliser Summary – Our Product Picks

For young or recently propagated plants: NPK 20-20-20
For mature flowering trees: Advanced Formula 4-18-38 with Cal-Mag

Both are:

Highly soluble and easy to apply
Buffered for pH stability in sandy or neutral soils
Suitable for pots, cuttings, and large landscape trees

Explore Our Full Range of Plant-Specific Fertilisers

Whether you’re feeding tropical ornamentals or edible fruit crops, the Complete Grow shop has tailored fertilisers for every plant type—including flowering, foliage, and hydroponic ranges.