Description

General aspect and origins - Plumeria rubra syn. Plumeria acutifolia is also known as plumeria tree, temple tree, West Indian jasmine or frangipani. This shrub or small tree is native to Mexico, and is well-known for its strongly perfumed flowers that can be of several colors. This tree can be up to 30 ft (10 m) tall, but will be smaller in culture. (About 6 ft or 2 m tall.) When grown indoors, this plant needs as much light as possible.
Leaves - The plumeria tree has alternate, linear and lanceolate leaves. They are glossy and dark green. They can be up to about 12 in (30 cm) long, and will fall during the dry season.
Flowers - The temple tree generally blooms from spring to fall. Flowers are pleasantly and strongly perfumed, and can be of different colors (white, yellow, orange, pink, red). The flowers are grouped at the tip of the branches.
Fruits - The temple tree bears long toxic fruits, which can be up to 12 in (30 cm) long.

Culture

The plumeria tree can be grown outdoors in very mild climates, and should be grown indoors elsewhere. When grown indoors, it should be given as much light as possible, and should be kept relatively dry in winter.
Soil - The plumeria needs a moist, but very-well drained ground. It needs to be frequently watered in summer. In winter however, it should be watered very sparingly. Plumeria rubra is very drought hardy, but will then loose its leaves.

Propagation

The plumeria tree can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or air layers. The best way to propagate it may be with cuttings, which is relatively easy. The cuttings, which should be about 10 in (25 cm) long, should be allowed to dry a few days before being potted in a well-drained soil mix. They should be sparingly watered, and kept at a relatively warm constant temperature.
When sown, Plumeria rubra will need 2 to 4 years to bloom.
This plant has winged seeds.