Potted Plumeria

• When the weather is hot, water the potted plumeria more often than you think necessary. If it’s planted in a clay or terra cotta pot, especially, the soil loses moisture rapidly. Water slowly until the water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Wait until all the water drains and then water it again, slowly. How often you water it will depend on the size of the tree and the type of pot in which it’s being grown. Use a water meter, stuck 6 inches into the soil, to determine when to water it next. Stop watering plumeria completely in winter.
  
  

Ground-Grown Plumeria

• A moisture meter is the best tool you can purchase to determine when to water the plumeria planted in the garden. The second best tool, if you don’t have a drip irrigation system, is a soaker hose. Insert the moisture meter 6 inches deep, at the plumeria tree’s drip line. When the meter indicates the soil is completely dry, run the soaker hose to water the tree slowly and deeply. Take readings with the meter every hour to determine how long to run the soaker hose in the future. Don’t water the tree at all over the winter.
  
  

Symptoms of Improper Watering

• A plumeria tree will tell you when it isn’t being watered properly. Watch for wilting foliage, a sign that it’s getting too much water. Water less often for the next month but keep an eye on the foliage. If it still droops, try watering it more frequently. Moisture requirements vary by plumeria species, so determine which species you are growing to serve its needs.
  
  

Water and Soil

• A plumeria tree requires soil that allows water to get to the roots quickly while not holding onto excess moisture. The Plumeria Society of America recommends creating your own mix for the potted plumeria by combining equal parts of potting soil, bark mulch, sheep or cow manure, perlite and sand. Throw in one-sixth part of bone meal for fertilizer. Amend garden soil with chunky compost or other organic materials to make it drain quicker.