Plumeria alba aka White Frangipani
Taxonomy ID: 2608
Plumeria alba is a species of flowering plant in the genus Plumeria, native to Central America, Puerto Rico, and the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. This small rounded deciduous tree grows up to 25 feet tall and has narrow elongated leaves with thick but weak upright branches that have a milky sap. The fragrant white flowers with yellow centers bloom in terminal clusters at the branch tips from spring to fall and are up to 3 inches wide. Plumeria alba is commonly known as white frangipani or nosegay and has been planted in tropical regions worldwide. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and soil that is extremely well-draining, and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles its size. The genus name honors Charles Plumier, a French monk, botanist, and traveler, while the specific epithet means white. Though super rare, Plumeria alba is not challenging to grow and is a native of the Caribbean.
Common names
White Frangipani, Wild Frangipani, Pagoda Tree, ChampaMore information about White Frangipani
How difficult is it to take care of White Frangipani
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for White Frangipani, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
What is the region of origin of White Frangipani
White Frangipani’s native range is Southwest United States to South America and the Caribbean.
What are the water needs for White Frangipani
White Frangipani does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for White Frangipani
To keep your White Frangipani healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
What is the sunlight requirement for White Frangipani
White Frangipani requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Champa is always in the right place to thrive.
What's the right humidity for White Frangipani
White Frangipani thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
How to fertilize White Frangipani
The White Frangipani is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Is White Frangipani toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
What seasonal care does White Frangipani need?
During the wintertime, it is common for White Frangipani plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
