Last weekend we bought a plumeria and repotted it from its plastic container to a clay one. We were watering it every other day but after a few days the leaves started turning yellow so we decided to water it less frequently for fear of over watering (which we have done in the past with our indoor plants). Now, a week later, the lowest leaves are solid yellow or brown. Is this normal, or have we done something wrong?

We live in Los Angeles and the plumeria gets a mix of partial shade and direct sun.

How does the rest of the plan look?
I think its just 'shock' from repotting. I have 7 plumeria and 3 of them have just dropped the first of their original leaves. They are trees and they will lose leaves in response to their environment. Since you are in partial shade you wont need as much water, but give it some fertilizer at next watering but do so lightly. What type of soil did you plant in and how is the drainage for that clay pot? You dont want any excess water or moisture at the bottom.

yourfavorite.

Transplant shock is very normal.
Tim gave you good advice: drainage is very important. Plumeria hate wet feet. When in doubt, don't water.

Your sitting area looks fantastic !! I love the clay pot I just hope it doesn't become your enemy...From my travels so far in Plumeria World they must have proper drainage ..If you have only 1 main drainage hole in the pot it could retain more water than you want...I have been experimenting with planting media with my Plumeria and have found they like a fast draining media...Bark Perlite and soil...I purchased a bag of Jungle Growth and found it to work very well...I'm rather new to Plumeria but I have 40 plus plants out there telling me I've done something right anyway...Good Luck !!

Good advice from everyone here. I have quite a few plumeria in clay/ceramic pots that only have 1 drainage hole. I like the look of them and it is ALWAYS windy here, so the weight of the pots stabilize the plants better. How I get around my trees having 'wet feet', is getting a larger pot than necessary and filling the bottom of it with gravel, stone, broken pot pieces, etc. to allow the water to drain away from the soil/growing media and therefore away from the roots.

I also have been known to be lazy and don't like moving or toting around ceramic/clay pots filled with stone, so another thing I use in my heavier pots is cut up pieces of swimming pool noodles. You know, the long macaroni type floaties that you can get pretty much anywhere in the Summer. They cut up super easily, and drain exceptionally well. I have never had an issue with them degrading quickly or causing any issues with plants or roots.

Hello yourfavorite! I agree with eveyrone. Give it time to acclimate. I would worry if I see sogginess at any part of the stem...or rotting at the tip. But otherwise our current weather is nice for it. It is good you have it in part sun/[part shade, it needs to get used to Cali sun and very dry weather.