Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a stunning tropical flower that thrives in warm climates. However, those living in areas with cold winters can still enjoy these fragrant, colorful blooms by providing a little extra care during the colder months. With the right steps, your plumeria can survive and re-bloom year after year.
Reasons for Winter Dormancy
Plumeria enters a dormant state in winter for two key reasons:
1. Lack of Light
Plumeria requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to actively grow. As the days shorten in winter, many plumeria don’t receive enough light. Entering dormancy conserves energy.
2. Cold Temperatures
Plumeria thrive in temperatures between 60-90°F Temperatures below 50°F signal dormancy. Leaf drop and slowed growth protects the plant from frost damage
While winter dormancy is normal, proper care is still required to ensure a healthy spring awakening Follow these tips for successfully overwintering plumeria
When to Expect Dormancy
The timing of dormancy varies by climate:
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In USDA zones 9-11, plumeria may only lose some leaves. Plants remain semi-dormant and flowering may continue year-round.
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In zones 8b-9a, dormancy typically begins in November and lasts through February.
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In cooler zones like 8a, dormancy can extend from October through April. Leaf drop is more significant.
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In marginal climates like zone 7b, it is best to overwinter plumeria indoors until spring.
Pay attention to your local forecast to anticipate plumeria’s winter dormancy period.
Encourage Dormancy Before First Frost
To ease the transition into dormancy, allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings about one month before first frost. Gradually withhold fertilizer as well during this period. In addition, bring plumeria indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F.
This gradual acclimation gives the plant time to set dormancy before cold snaps occur. Don’t force dormancy too early, though, or you may prevent flower bud set for next year.
Water Infrequently During Dormancy
Plumeria need very little water while dormant. Too much moisture can lead to rot and disease. Follow these guidelines:
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Indoor plumeria: Water every 2-3 weeks with just enough moisture to wet the soil. The goal is to prevent complete drying out, not encourage new growth.
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Outdoor plumeria: Water every 3-4 weeks if no rain has occurred. Avoid waterlogging.
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Bare-root plumeria: Pack in dry medium like vermiculite, perlite or bark. Store in a cool dark place. No water is needed for dormant bare root plants.
When watering dormant plumeria, water deeply to wet entire root ball, then allow excess to drain completely.
Ideal Light Conditions
While bright light is needed for active growth, dormant plumeria require less intense light. Follow these light guidelines:
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Indoors: Provide a bright window with a few hours of direct sun daily, turning the plant occasionally. Supplement with fluorescent lighting directly overhead to maintain a compact growth habit.
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Outdoors: Place in a spot with light shade or morning sun only. Filtered light is ideal while dormant.
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Greenhouse: 30-60% shade cloth provides an excellent overwintering environment.
Avoid total darkness or deep shade to discourage leggy, uneven growth.
Best Temperatures for Dormant Plants
The ideal overwintering temperature range is 45-55°F. Temperatures below 40°F can damage plumeria. Take these steps to provide adequate warmth:
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Indoors: Keep plants in a warm, sunny room around 50-60°F. Avoid drafty areas.
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Outdoors: Select a protected microclimate, against a warm wall or under eaves. Cover with frost cloth when temps dip below 45°F.
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Greenhouse: Maintain temps between 50-60°F with a space heater if needed. Ventilate on sunny days.
Prevent prolonged cold exposure or frost damage by moving plumeria indoors before cold snaps. A garage or enclosed porch around 50°F also works.
Humidity & Air Circulation
Unlike their native tropical habitat, most indoor environments have low humidity in winter. Leathery plumeria leaves release moisture and can shrivel. Boost humidity around overwintered plants. Options include:
- Grouping plants together
- Placing on a pebble tray with water
- Using a humidifier
- Misting periodically with soft water
Also ensure good airflow around plants to prevent mold and fungus. Gently blow air over plants regularly with a fan.
Stop Fertilizing by Early Fall
Fertilizing plumeria during dormancy is unnecessary and can cause tender new growth prone to cold damage. Stop feeding by early fall.
In warmer zones where plants remain semi-active, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every 4-6 weeks. Apply directly to moist soil to prevent burning.
Resume normal fertilizer in spring after new leaves emerge. Monthly feedings with a blooming formula will nourish abundant flowering.
Prune Selectively Before Storage
To conserve energy, prune plumeria before storing to:
- Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs
- Shape if needed
- Shorten overly long branches
Make cuts just above a node or branch. Avoid major pruning which stimulates new growth. Disinfect shears between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Check for Pests
Inspect plumeria closely before bringing indoors. Look for:
- Scale insects on leaves or stems
- Mealybugs in leaf axils or new growth
- Spider mites on undersides of leaves
Treat any pests found with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Otherwise populations may explode indoors.
Repot in Fresh Mix as Needed
To check root health, gently remove plumeria from pots. Replant in fresh mix if:
- Roots are crowding container
- Mix is old or depleted
- Disease is suspected
Use a well-draining tropical blend. Repot into a container one size larger, then water thoroughly.
Choose the Best Overwintering Method
There are 3 main ways to store plumeria in winter:
Indoors as a Houseplant
- Easiest for those in marginal climates
- Provides most control over environment
- May need grow lights to supplement
Outdoors in Milder Climates
- Works in zones 9-11
- Choose protected area against a warm wall
- Cover with frost cloth as needed
Bare Root Storage
- Ideal for zone 8 and warmer
- Shake off old soil, pack bare roots in dry medium
- Store in cool, dark place; do not water
Select the strategy that fits your climate, space and care commitment.
Watch for Signs of Life in Early Spring
How do you know when plumeria are waking up in spring? Look for:
- Buds swelling on tips of branches
- New leaves emerging from nodes
- Roots growing when scratched lightly
At first signs of new growth, water more often and move to a sunny location. Hold off fertilizing until leaves fully expand. Avoid any final frosts.
Common Problems with Overwintering
Follow these tips to overcome the most common challenges:
Leaf or Stem Drop
This is normal! Do not panic if plumeria drops some or all leaves when overwintering. It will regrow in spring. Just continue providing proper care.
Poor Flowering
Inadequate light, improper dormancy, or overwatering can limit flowers. Ensure it receives enough sunlight next season for best blooms.
Leggy Growth
Insufficient light leads to weak, stretched growth indoors. Supplement natural light with grow lamps or turn plants frequently.
Rot or Disease
Excess moisture together with low light/airflow raises disease risk. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Increase air circulation.
Enjoy Bountiful Blooms After Proper Care
Caring for plumeria during winter may require some extra effort, but your diligence will be rewarded with vigorous, floriferous plants in spring.
Follow the tips above to determine when dormancy begins, modify watering and light levels, maintain ideal temperatures, increase humidity, stop fertilizing, selectively prune if needed, check for pests, repot into fresh mix if desired, choose the best overwintering method, and watch for signs of reawakening.
With a little preparation and TLC, your plumeria will sail through winter ready to bloom again. The sweet fragrance and brilliant hues will be worth the wait!
Winter Care for Plumeria Guide
It is imperative to protect your plumeria from frost and from freezing.
If it’s going to get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or there’s a frost warning, you should keep your plumeria safe from the cold.
It is important to keep your plumeria from freezing if the temperature is going to drop to 35 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
Your local forecast is an educated guess and vary from the actual temps in your garden. See if there is a difference between the temperatures in your garden and the ones predicted for your area. It also makes a big difference how long the low temp lasts. The coldest temps are typically right before daylight.
- Stop fertilizing 30-45 days before you expect cool temps. Fertilizing will make new, weak growth that can be hurt by cold weather.
- Cutting the leaf off about 1/2″ from the branch is enough to get rid of as many as possible. The leaf node won’t rot if you leave the 1/2″ of stem on the leaf. Removing the leaves will help minimize moisture loss.
- Two weeks and one or two days before you store your plants, spray them with an insecticide to get rid of bugs.
- If Plunged, make a cut in the ground around the pot and then lift it out of the ground. Get the roots to a size that you can handle, and cut them back to the same level as the drainage holes in the pot. Right now is a good time to check that the roots haven’t clogged the drain holes. If the roots are blocking the holes for drainage, you should repot the plant in the spring.
- For plants in pots, take the pots off the ground and cut the roots back to the same level as the drainage holes in the pots. Right now is a good time to check that the roots haven’t clogged the drain holes. If the roots are blocking the holes for drainage, you should repot the plant in the spring.
- Don’t let the roots touch concrete when you store plants that are bare-rooted. The concrete will suck the moisture out of the roots.
- A few days before you put your plumerias away for the winter, water them. You don’t want to store your plumeria in soil that is too wet.
If you are leaving some plumeria in the ground and the temperature is going to drop to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cover them with frost cloths to keep the heat in. Putting incandescent spot lights or old Christmas lights on the branches will also help keep them warm. Be sure you us lights that generate heat, LED lights will not help. You can also add additional warmth with electric or fuel heaters.
- Pick a place to store things that will be safe from the cold, rain, and wind of winter.
- Plants can be kept in an attic, greenhouse, garage, spare room, closet, enclosed porch, or spare room.
- Just be sure your plumeria stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure the coldest spot in your storage area is above 40 degrees by checking different areas.
- Plants and pots can be stacked to save space as long as they are standing up straight.
- Keep all the limbs and roots from contact with concrete.
- Keep the storage area well-ventilated to keep moisture and bugs from building up.
Plumeria plants dont require light while theyre dormant. If stored in a sunny location they may break dormancy too early. Stored plants do not need water unless the are becoming dehydrated and look shriveled. You can mist weekly or monthly to help prevent dehydration problems. Always check your pots to make sure the soil is not wet, this can cause root rot.
If you store your plumeria in a regular greenhouse, water will build up on the walls and drip down onto the soil and flower stems. Check your plumeria often to make sure they are in a wet pot or place.
How to prepare your Plumeria for winter dormancy in a cold climate
FAQ
How do you take care of a plumeria indoors in the winter?
What temperature is too cold for plumeria?
Do plumeria lose their leaves in winter?
Do Plumeria need winter care?
These tropical plants thrive in warm climates but require special care during the winter months, especially in regions with cold temperatures. Proper winter care is essential to ensure the health and survival of plumeria plants. In this complete guide, we will discuss the steps you need to take to protect your plumeria during winter.
When should I start preparing my Plumeria for winter?
As a general guideline, you should start preparing your plumeria for winter when the temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C). This typically occurs in late autumn or early winter. It’s crucial to provide enough time for the plant to enter dormancy before the coldest temperatures arrive.
What temperature should a plumeria plant be kept in?
Ideally, your plumeria should be kept in areas where the temperature remains between 65-85°F during the growing season. However, it’s essential to note, that these plants can tolerate temperatures above 85°F, but they will require additional watering and need to be shaded to protect the plant from sunburn.
How do you keep a plumeria plant in winter?
Plumerias can be brought inside your home, stored in a greenhouse or garage, where you can maintain a consistent temperature with a space heater, heat mats and LED lighting. I’ve linked to the ones we used last year, we didn’t lose a single plant! As plumeria plants enter dormancy in winter, their need for water decreases.
