Plumeria rubra aka Frangipani

Taxonomy

Plumeria rubra, also known as frangipani or red-jasmine, is a deciduous plant species belonging to the genus Plumeria. Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela, it has gained popularity worldwide and is widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical climates. This ornamental tree can reach heights of 7-8 meters and spreads out with its fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow during the summer and autumn. Despite its common name, it is not a true jasmine and is not part of the Jasminum genus. Plumeria rubra is a shrub with succulent branches, oblong leaves, and terminal panicles of highly fragrant, yellow-centered rose-pink flowers. It blooms in late summer and autumn. This plant species is not only admired for its beauty but also for its various biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and larvicidal properties. It is also known for its antioxidative and free radical scavenging abilities, as well as its hypolipidemic and cytotoxic effects. With its diverse ethnomedicinal uses, Plumeria rubra has become a beloved garden and park plant, commonly found in temples and cemeteries.

Common names

Frangipani, Plumeria, Kamboja

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 keep your 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.

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 Kamboja.

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

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.

Humidity

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.

Fertilizer

The 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.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia