Plumeria obtusa aka Frangipani

Taxonomy

Plumeria obtusa, also known as the Singapore graveyard flower, is a species of the Plumeria genus that is native to the Neotropics but widely cultivated around the world for its fragrant and ornamental flowers. These small trees, also called Lei flowers or Frangipani, are native to tropical regions and are used in making traditional Hawaiian leis. The highly fragrant flowers bloom freely in colors like white, yellow, pink, and red from spring to fall amid large-leaved foliage that may be evergreen or deciduous. As a houseplant, Singapore Graveyard Flower is relatively rare but easy to grow and prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. It belongs to the Plumeria genus and is native to Central America and the Caribbean. Repotting each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Frangipani, Singapore Graveyard Flower, Champa

How to care for Frangipani

Difficulty

Frangipani presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Frangipani does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Frangipani, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Frangipani thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Champa.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Frangipani to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Frangipani prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Frangipani is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Frangipani’s native range is Southwest United States to South America and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia