How to Grow Frangipani from Cuttings

Growing frangipani from cuttings is one of the easiest ways to enjoy this iconic tropical tree in your garden. Cuttings root quickly, require little equipment, and thrive in Australia’s warm climate when given the right care. Here’s how to successfully strike frangipani cuttings step by step.

1. Preparing Your Frangipani Cutting

Choose a healthy branch around 30–60cm long. Larger cuttings can grow, but they take longer to root.
Cut the branch cleanly with sharp secateurs and remove any leaves or flowers.
Leave the cutting in a shaded, dry place for 5–7 days so the base can callous over. This prevents rot once planted.
Frangipani sap is sticky and mildly toxic, so wear gloves when handling.

Once your cutting has dried and hardened, it’s ready for planting into soil or directly into the garden.

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2. Planting and Caring for Frangipani Cuttings

Planting a frangipani cutting is straightforward, but the right soil and conditions make all the difference:

Soil: Use a free-draining sandy mix. Heavy soils should be lightened with coarse sand or perlite to avoid root rot.
Planting depth: Insert the cutting 10–15cm into the soil, ensuring it is upright and stable.
Watering: Lightly water after planting. Allow the soil to dry between waterings as frangipani cuttings dislike staying wet.
Sunlight: Position in full sun. Frangipanis need at least 6 hours of direct light daily to thrive and flower.
Container growing: If planting in pots, choose a large container with drainage holes and avoid overwatering.

Roots usually develop within 6–8 weeks in warm weather. Once established, the cutting will produce new leaves and can be treated like a young frangipani tree.

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3. FAQs About Growing Frangipani from Cuttings

Q: How long should I leave a frangipani cutting before planting? Around 5–7 days in a dry, shaded spot to let the cut end callous.
Q: Can I plant a frangipani cutting straight into the ground? Yes, but make sure the soil drains well and that you don’t overwater in the first few weeks.
Q: How big can a frangipani cutting be? Small cuttings (30–60cm) root fastest, though large branches can grow if treated carefully.
Q: When will my frangipani cutting flower? It usually takes 2–3 years of growth before cuttings mature enough to bloom.

Fertiliser Tip: Once your frangipani cutting has grown roots and leaves, support its growth with a balanced fertiliser. Complete Grow’s All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 is ideal for young frangipanis, encouraging strong root development, leafy growth, and future flowering.