Imagine your garden filled with the tropical fragrance and vibrant colours of frangipani flowers, all grown from cuttings. It’s easier than you think, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to make it happen If this is your first time propagating frangipanis, you might not know what to do. The good news is that frangipanis are very low maintenance and thrive in arid or tropical conditions, making them very easy to grow.
They grow everywhere in my part of Australia, and it’s common for people to leave their trimmings on the side of the road for collection. Every so often, I will pick up one of these discarded trimmings during my walks and grow new frangipanis in my yard. I’ve successfully grown tons this way, so I’m confident that with a little effort, anyone can do the same.
How to Grow Frangipanis from a Cutting
Frangipanis are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings, as you can take a cutting from nearly any part of the plant and simply stick it in the ground for it to grow. The success of the cutting isn’t limited by its size; you can even propagate entire branches. These plants are super hardy, and I’ve had a lot of success using cuttings that were left on the roadside for weeks before being planted.
Materials Needed
- Knife/Pruner – Whenever cutting plants, using blades sterilized with alcohol is good practice to avoid spreading disease.
- Rooting Hormone(optional) – The base of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of roots growing but you can succeed without it.
Step 1: Take a Cutting
Before taking a cutting, ensure the mother plant is healthy and free of any diseases. Frangipanis barely get any diseases so you will probably be good to go with any cutting you find or take. One thing to consider is the size. You can succeed with massive branches or with smaller cuttings.
Smaller cuttings are easier to manage and care for during the rooting process, while larger cuttings offer the advantage of more established growth and shape, so you can quickly have a mature-looking plant.
When taking a frangipani cutting, it’s best to make the cut below a node, which is the point where a leaf or branch joins the stem, as this is where new roots are most likely to form, increasing the chances of successful propagation. Cutting at a 40 degree angle will help reduce the chance of water seeping into the wound and causing rot.
If you are cutting a branch, you want a fair amount of stem including in this cut, which will help anchor the plant in place until it grows roots. When I take a branch that is particularly large I put a stake in the ground and tie it to the stake.
Frangipanis naturally shed their leaves, so don’t worry if your cutting ends up looking like a stick. As long as new buds appear at the top of your cutting after a few weeks, you are on the path to success.
Step 2: Prepare Cutting
Take your cutting and let it sit for around 10 minutes while the cut wound scabs over and dries. This will help prevent the stem from rotting. At this point you can dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone if you wish.
Step 3: Place Cutting in Soil
You can place the cutting directly in the ground or in a pot and keep it in a bright location. Frangipanis love lots of light, and direct sun is okay for a cutting. They prefer free-draining soil and don’t need much in the way of nutrients—they grow well in the sandy soils we get here in Perth. However, for the best results, use good quality soil or potting mix. This will help retain moisture, making it easier to keep the cutting hydrated.
You can also use compost if you have any on hand. Just sprinkle a few handfuls around the base of the plant if you are planting it directly in your yard, especially if you’re using a no-dig approach. This method minimizes soil disturbance, allowing beneficial organisms to thrive and improving soil health. After transplanting, give the plant a good soaking once its transplanted to help prevent it drying out.
Step 4: Monitor
It usually takes a few months for a Frangipani to develop roots. You’ll know the cutting has rooted when you see new leaf growth or when you feel resistance if you gently tug on the cutting. Frangipanis, in general, have very small root systems, so my advice is to simply wait until you see buds and leaves starting to grow.
Water your cutting every two weeks or so as long as the soil doesn’t become too soggy. They can sometimes look dead when they are just a stick in the ground but be patient and you will most likely see them spring to life eventually.
If you grew your cutting in a pot, it’s a good idea to repot it into a larger pot as it matures, as this allows for more root development and gives the plant the space it needs to thrive
How to Grow Frangipanis from Seeds
Growing frangipanis from seeds is going to be a much slower process than from cuttings, as they can take a few years to reach maturity and start flowering. But you might get some cool varieties out of it so here is how to do it:
Materials Needed
- Frangipani Seeds: You might be able to get these online or collect from seed pods on a mature frangipani tree. Fresh seeds will germinate better but older ones will work too.
- Seedling Tray or Small Pots: Use small containers with drainage holes for starting seeds.
- Free-Draining Potting Mix: A light, sandy, or cactus mix works well to prevent waterlogging.
- Plastic Cover or Humidity Dome (Optional): This helps maintain humidity, aiding in seed germination. Fairly useful if your in a very dry area.
Step 1: Sow the Seeds
Fill your seedling tray or small pots with the free-draining potting mix. Place the frangipani seeds on the surface, ensuring they are spaced out. Lightly press them into the soil but not too deep.
Step 2: Water
Lightly water the seeds to moisten the soil without making it soggy. If you have a plastic cover or humidity dome, place it over the tray or pots to help retain moisture and warmth, which will speed up germination and prevent the seeds drying out.
Step 3: Give Light
Place the seed tray or pots in a warm, bright location. Frangipani seeds germinate best in temperatures around 24-29°C (75-85°F). If you have a very hot, harsh climate, putting them in a spot with afternoon shade is a good idea.
Step 4: Monitor and Transplant
Germination can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Keep the soil slightly moist during this period, but avoid overwatering. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground.
FAQ
Can You Grow Frangipani in Pots?
Yes, frangipanis grow well in pots and can become quite large even when planted in smaller containers. If you keep them in pots, make sure the potting mix is free-draining to prevent waterlogging, as frangipanis are susceptible to root rot. Choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.
Can You Grow Frangipani Indoors?
You can grow frangipanis indoors, but you might have trouble getting them to flower since, in the wild, they thrive in bright direct sunlight. If you have them indoors, keep them in a spot that receives as much light as possible for as long as possible. If you don’t have the access to good light from windows, you can use a grow light which might help the plant produce flowers.
Frangipanis need much less frequent watering compared to other indoor plants, and they prefer to dry out slightly between watering’s.
How Big do Frangipani Trees Grow?
Frangipanis can grow quite large, reaching around 8 meters (26 ft) tall, but there are smaller varieties available that can grow only 1-2 meters (3-6 ft). They also grow very slowly, so if you have a smaller plant indoors, it’s not going to outgrow your room anytime soon.
Frangipanis can have a broad canopy spread, sometimes reaching around 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) wide, so they are good as shade trees. Regular pruning can help manage their size and promote bushier growth.
Conclusion
I’m a big fan of frangipanis, both for their nice scent and delicate, beautiful flowers. Propagating frangipanis from cuttings is a straightforward and easy process that will let you enjoy their delicate flowers and sweet fragrance in your garden. With their hardy nature and adaptability to various conditions, these plants are perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
So why not get started? Find some healthy plants to get cuttings from and start your frangipani propagation today. You will have a lush tropical garden in no time.
