How to Propagate Plumeria Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide

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On 09/10/2025

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At Espaço Verde, we believe every home deserves a touch of tropical beauty. Plumeria, also known as frangipani, enchants with vibrant, fragrant blooms. Propagating Plumeria cuttings is an enjoyable and rewarding way to grow your own tropical plants and expand your garden collection.

Plumeria cuttings should be selected from healthy, disease-free branches and be approximately 10-15 cm long. Using sterilised pruning shears, make a clean cut, be careful not to let the sap touch your skin as it can cause irritation. Allow the cutting to callous in a shaded, dry area for 1–2 weeks. This step helps prevent rot and prepares the cutting for successful rooting.

How do I make a cutting?

Once your Plumeria cutting has calloused, it is essential to start rooting Plumeria. While some gardeners root cuttings in water, this method often causes rot. This is our preferred method for successful Plumeria propagation:

- Choose a transparent vase with holes in the bottom (orchid vases work well). This way, you can observe root development as these tropical plants begin to grow.
- Dip the cut end of your cutting in this special rooting hormone powder.
- Insert it 5 cm deep into a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be slightly acidic to encourage healthy root growth.
- Water thoroughly. Water again in a month's time. Once there is a visible root system water when the soil is dry. Avoid watering the cutting itself to prevent rot.
- Place the cuttings in a sunny place. This ensures healthy growth for Frangipani cuttings and encourages future flowering.

Most plumeria cuttings (rubra, alba or obtusa) develop roots within 6 to 8 weeks. Avoid tugging the cuttings to check for resistance, as this can damage new roots and require restarting the propagation process.

Once roots are fully developed, fertilise with a balanced, slightly higher-phosphorus fertiliser to encourage flowering, while avoiding excessive nitrogen that promotes foliage over blooms.

When ready, carefully transfer the rooted Plumeria cuttings from the vase into larger containers or plant them directly in the garden. Just cut the bottom of the old vase and plant it! Avoid touching the roots or pulling the plant from its old vase. Regular pruning of damaged or diseased leaves helps maintain plant health and encourages robust growth, ensuring these tropical plants flourish.

You can also get plumeria cuttings here ↓

White plumeria

Baby pink plumeria

Red plumeria

Multicoloured plumeria

And then what...?

- Choose a transparent vase with holes in the bottom (orchid vases work well). This way, you can observe root development as these tropical plants begin to grow.
- Dip the cut end of your cutting in this rooting hormone powder (opcional but recommended).
- Insert it 5 cm deep into a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be slightly acidic to encourage healthy root growth.
- Water thoroughly. Water again in a month's time. Once there is a visible root system water when the soil is dry. Avoid watering the cutting itself to prevent rot.
- Place the cuttings in a sunny place. This ensures healthy growth for Frangipani cuttings and encourages future flowering.

Once roots are fully developed, fertilise with a balanced, slightly higher-phosphorus fertiliser to encourage flowering, while avoiding excessive nitrogen that promotes foliage over blooms.

When ready, carefully transfer the rooted cutting from the vase into larger containers or plant them directly in the garden. Just cut the bottom of the old vase and plant it! Avoid touching the roots or pulling the plant from its old vase. Regular pruning of damaged or diseased leaves helps maintain plant health and encourages robust growth, ensuring these tropical plants flourish.

Keep following our blog for more gardening tips. Until next time!
Together, we’ll create a greener world!

Andreia Vasconcelos