A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum Squishy Plumeria, please help

Hi All! I bought a plumeria while vacationing in San Diego in September (I live in wyoming :wink:). I have been struggling with it ever since I got it. It would leaf out, but I would water it and the leaf/leaves would fall off. If I didnt water it the tips of the leaves became brown and crunchy. I transplanted it last week to a new, bigger, planter and havent watered it since. I have seen no change. The plan is now squishy and I fear it is rotting. Please help me. This plant has so much sentimental value. Thank you in advance.

I have attached photos. If you need the full size ones, let me know.

the whole plant


the squishy spots



it wants to grow leaves...

Plumeria sleep in the winter. You should be keeping it in a dark cool but not freezing place. At most a small drink of water once a month.
In spring, when night time temps remain over 50* bring it out into a sunny location. Plumerias like lots of watering then as long as they are in fast draining soil. They are also heavy feeders. That is when you want to see those little leaves peeking out of the branch tips.
For now, if your soil is damp, repot once again into nearly dry soil and let that plant sleep in a closet for another little while.

Look here for year round care for your memory plant. http://www.austinplumeria.com/page2/page2.html
I don't think it is too late to save it.

I transplanted it not too long ago (a week maybe?) and haven't watered it since. Since I grow it indoors, should I still go by your suggestion of "In spring, when night time temps remain over 50* bring it out into a sunny location"?

So do I need to worry about the squishyness? will that go away after some time in the closet? I am sorry for all the questions, I just really want this little one to make it.

Yes, they really need that 'down time' even in San Diego's mild temps. So still let it be its dormant self.
I think the squishy will clear up with proper care. But also read the link I gave you to make it all clearer. Losing part of plumerias seems to be pretty normal.

yes I did read that link. well I suppose it will go away to the closet for a while. I guess i was a bit vauge on my other question. it is pretty late into the spring/summer that we reach 50* at night. So should I go by wyomings temperature? Or just assume I can bring it out in Mayish?

If it is indoors, I think you can bring it out after it has a rest whether the outdoor temps have reached ideal temps or not. But let it rest at least a month or better first. And it does best with a lot of light. spring will allow more light for longer into your windows.

great. thank you SOOO much. you have certainly eased my fears of this being a complete loss.

Hi crazy plant lady, I can understand you being attached to this plant. I am a fairly new frangipani grower as well; for me it is a link to when I was growing up in the tropics. Good luck with the plant; I hope it goes well!

Thanks for the helpful link, jonni. I have filed that for future reference. Our upcoming winter will be the first for my frangipani. Having read that link, I think I will keep it in the pot, as our soil here is clay. And I can bring it in for storage.

You are welcome. Frangipani is high on my list of want to try as soon as I get my garden time back to myself.

I hope you get some time soon! Are you going to grow them in pots?

No. My potted plants are always in peril from lack of water. I have even killed off cacti.
I will grow in the ground in a protected location. My problem really is time right now. First, I need time to repair the watering system I do have and expand it. Then time to plant. It will come.