How to Grow a Plumeria as a Houseplant

Plant plumeria in well-drained soil, because they require good drainage. A mixture formulated for cacti and succulents is a good choice, or mix regular potting soil with equal parts of both perlite and coarse builder's sand. Ensure the pot has good drainage holes because plumeria will not survive long with waterlogged soil.

Repot plumeria in late winter or early spring. Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the one it is currently potted in, or a pot approximately 1 inch larger. If the plumeria is too large to transplant, remove the top 2 to 3 inches of soil and replace it with fresh potting soil.

Put your plumeria in a location that gets sun all day, such as a south-facing window, or a location that gets at least five hours of sun a day.

Water plumeria from spring through autumn when the soil is dry to the touch 2 inches below the surface. Water thoroughly, until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Empty the water in the drip tray after 15 to 20 minutes; plumeria should never sit in standing water. Water less during autumn and do not water it at all during winter when the plant is dormant. If the leaves turn yellow, it usually means it is getting too much water.

Raise the humidity around the plant by setting it on a pebble-filled saucer. Add water to the saucer to a level just below the tops of the pebbles, so the bottom of the pot is not sitting in water. As the water evaporates, it will increase humidity around the plumeria.

Fertilize plumeria beginning in early spring with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed with water and applied in place of a regular watering. In early May, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus, to encourage the production of flowers. Choose a formulation with a high middle number in relation to the first number, such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Do not fertilize during fall and winter, while the plant is dormant.

Prune plumeria in late winter. Cut the branches back by one-third. While the plant is in active growth, pinch back the growing tips to encourage it to branch out. Flowers form at the ends of branches, so the more branches it has, the more flowers it will produce.