Frangipanis, also known as plumeria, are beautiful, fragrant flowering plants that make a lovely addition to your garden or outdoor space. Propagating frangipanis may seem intimidating but with these five simple steps, you can grow new plants from cuttings and enhance your landscape.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Cutting

Choose a healthy branch from an established frangipani plant as your cutting. Look for branches that are around 12 to 18 inches long with multiple nodes (the places where leaves or branches emerge). Avoid using young, green shoots; instead, choose branches with older wood that is slightly brown and firm.

Step 2: Cutting Preparation

Using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears, carefully cut off the selected branch at a slight angle. Remove any leaves or flowers from the cutting. For best results, let the cutting dry out for a week in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This will allow the cutting end to form a callus which can help prevent rot during the propagation process.

Step 3: Rooting Hormone Application

To encourage root growth and increase the chances of successful propagation, apply rooting hormone to the callused end of your cutting. You can find rooting hormones in powder or liquid form at most garden centers. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for proper application and dosage.

Step 4: Planting the Cutting

Fill a pot with well-draining potting mix and make a hole wide enough to accommodate your cutting. Gently insert the treated end of your frangipani cutting into the hole, ensuring that at least one node is buried under the soil. Press the soil around the base of your cutting to provide support and stability.

Step 5: Growing Conditions

Place your potted frangipani cutting in a spot that receives indirect sunlight, protected from strong winds or heavy rain. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—over-watering can cause the cutting to rot. It may take several weeks for roots to develop, so be patient. Once you see new leaves emerging and feel resistance when tugging on the cutting gently, the propagation has likely been successful.

With patience and care, these five steps can guide you through propagating your own frangipani plants from cuttings. In time, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these lovely tropical plants in your own backyard or garden.