It is not necessary to remove leaves when transplanting from a pot into the ground. I would keep an eye on it afterwards though. It all depends on how much the roots get disturbed. If you see the plant wilting it might be advisable to remove some of the leaves. It will make new ones soon enough!

Haberdashers - wow, great job with your plumeria. I'm actually just north of Long Beach in Downey so I see a lot of beautiful Plumeria trees growing and now wanting to get in on the action. What was the ratio of the perlite you mixed in with potting soil? I'm probably going to dig a hole like yours but wondering if I should also dig in a post/rebar like you did if my potted plumeria is already growing nice and straight.

Oh fantastic! Yeah, there are a lot of lovely plumies down here. If I remember correctly, I mixed either 1:1 or 2:1 soil to perlite, although I don't remember exactly. As far as the post goes...it might be worthwhile just in case. The perlite / potting soil mix is fairly light and loose and I seem to recall having the tree tip after a deep watering at one point.

It's already May he 26 and no leaves.what wrong

@Ronettasmith, where are you located and what are your temperatures, growing conditions etc.

Ronettasmith said:It's already May he 26 and no leaves.what wrong

Depends on your ambient conditions there. It was also very, very slow this year on my side, finally my Plumies waking up this June.

Ideally it likes temperatures stable at 65F to 70F to wake up, and once in leaf it can take full sun and increased watering. As long as your Plumie has no soggy part, no blackened area, I would not worry. Just have to keep waiting patiently, keep it warm, in part shade/sun, resist watering if there is no leaf at all.

Y'all have given me hope. I've always wanted mine in the ground but was nervous to do it. We're in south-central Texas do 90% of the time it's plenty warm enough. What about that rare occasion casino when it gets cold? Cover it? How cold is too cold?

Below 40 is too cold, below 32 they will die. People do cover them (not with plastic but with frost cloth), and also put heat lamps near them if that is an option. I know the Houston area (where there are many plumeria growers) gets a wet winter and everyone there digs their plants up around Thanksgiving and replants them around Easter - a big commitment.