If you’ve visited Trader Joe’s recently, you might have noticed something unusual near the entrance—a subtle but intoxicating scent reminiscent of a faraway island breeze. That’s no coincidence. Trader Joe’s has quietly started selling plumeria trees, a tropical treasure famous for its vibrant flowers and heavenly fragrance, instantly transporting anyone close enough to a mini-vacation vibe.
At first glance, these little trees might not seem like much—bare branches resting in a simple pot. But with a little care, they unfurl into stunning clusters of flowers that range from buttery yellow to sunset pink, often infused with a sweet, fruity aroma. Emma, a California resident and plant enthusiast, shared on TikTok how her Trader Joe’s plumeria surprised her. “I bought it on a whim and within two months, it bloomed. Suddenly, my balcony felt like a Hawaiian retreat—it was like bringing a spa home.”
The allure of plumeria is more than skin-deep. Aside from its show-stopping blooms and scent, it’s a fairly tough plant. Resistant to many common pests and needing minimal pruning, it’s perfect for both seasoned gardeners and beginners looking to add a touch of tropical charm to their space. But it’s important to know it isn’t entirely carefree—plumeria thrives best under the right conditions.
If you’re lucky enough to live in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 or 11, such as Florida or Southern California, planting plumeria outdoors is ideal. It loves full sun and well-draining, loamy soil. But heads-up: these trees can grow quite large—up to 25 feet tall and just as wide if left unchecked. For those with limited space or who want to keep it more manageable, growing plumeria in a large planter works beautifully and helps control size.
Jake, a Brooklyn-based gardener, has turned this into an art form. He keeps his plumeria in a heavy ceramic pot with wheels so he can move it around easily. “Every spring, I roll it out onto my balcony for all the sun it can soak up. Come fall, I bring it inside before the frost,” Jake explains. After three years of tending, he finally witnessed his first bloom—a soft, blush-pink flower that made the wait worthwhile. “It feels like a small victory every time it flowers,” he says.
For those living outside warm zones, plumeria is still an excellent indoor plant. The trick is to treat it like a seasonal visitor: bring it outside during warmer months and inside when temperatures drop. Plumeria won’t survive frost, so timing is crucial. During winter, the plant enters dormancy—it drops its leaves and looks bare, even lifeless. But that’s normal. Keep it in a cool, dry spot, watering just enough to keep the roots alive without encouraging growth. When spring arrives, fresh leaves and shoots will appear, signaling it’s time to increase watering and return it to a sunny spot.
One of the biggest questions is when will your plumeria bloom? The answer varies. Some gardeners see flowers within two months, like Emma, while others, including Florida’s Liam, waited three years. Liam posted on Instagram after his first bloom—an unforgettable peach-and-gold flower—“It was worth every single day of patience. Caring for this tree has been a lesson in mindfulness.”
Beyond its striking flowers, plumeria changes the atmosphere of your space. Imagine sitting on a city apartment balcony with nothing but concrete views around, then suddenly catching a whiff of that tropical fragrance. It’s a small but powerful escape, a reminder to pause, breathe, and savor the moment. It turns your home into a mini-vacation spot without needing a plane ticket.
And it’s not just about aesthetics or smell. The act of nurturing a plumeria—checking soil moisture, watching new leaves emerge, wheeling it indoors before frost—slows down time and offers a gentle rhythm in a hectic world. As Jake puts it, “It’s like having a little living companion who teaches you patience and care.”
Trader Joe’s hasn’t said how long these plumeria trees will be available, and stock varies by location. If you find one, don’t hesitate to take it home. It might be one of the best decisions you make this summer—a way to bring warmth, color, and a slice of paradise to your everyday life.
In a world that feels fast and disconnected, growing a plumeria reminds us that some things—like blooms and vacations—are worth waiting for. And sometimes, all it takes to brighten your day is a tree that smells like sunshine and salty ocean air.