Plumeria also known as frangipani are stunning tropical flowers that thrive 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.
Understanding Plumeria’s Winter Dormancy
Plumeria enters a dormant state in winter which is a period of rest when the plant’s growth slows down and it conserves energy. During this time, plumeria sheds its leaves and becomes less active. Allowing plumeria to properly enter dormancy is crucial to its health.
When to Start Preparing for Winter
The timing for winterizing plumeria depends on your climate. Generally, you should start preparing your plumeria for winter when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F This is usually in late autumn or early winter It’s important to give the plant enough time to enter dormancy before the coldest temps arrive.
How to Winterize Your Plumeria
Follow these key steps to winterize your plumeria properly:
Stop Fertilizing
Cease fertilizing about one month before first expected frost. Fertilizer encourages new growth that’s vulnerable to cold.
Reduce Watering
Gradually reduce watering as dormancy begins. Plumeria needs less water in winter but ensure soil doesn’t completely dry out.
Prune and Trim
Prune dead or damaged branches. Remove leaves that haven’t naturally fallen. Promotes air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning that stimulates growth.
Dig Up Container Plants (Optional)
In freezing climates, consider digging up container plumeria and storing indoors. Carefully dig up, shake off excess soil, allow to dry before storing in a cool, dark spot.
Protect In-Ground Plants
Cover in-ground plumeria base with thick mulch like straw or leaves to insulate roots. Use frost blankets or burlap to protect branches from frost.
Move Potted Plants Indoors
Place potted plumeria in a cool, dry spot like a garage or basement where temps stay above freezing. Ensure adequate light from nearby window or grow lights.
Monitor and Maintain
Periodically check stored and protected plants. Remove damaged parts. Adjust watering to keep soil slightly moist but not wet.
Gradually Reintroduce Outdoors
As weather warms in spring, slowly reintroduce to outdoor conditions starting with filtered sunlight and increasing over time. Resume regular care.
Additional Winter Plumeria Care Tips
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Monitor storage temps with a thermometer. Maintain between above freezing and 55°F to prevent premature growth.
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Inspect for pests before winter and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap.
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Label stored plants for proper identification and care.
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Prevent moisture accumulation by using breathable containers. Avoid sealing in plastic bags.
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Gradually reintroduce to sunlight in spring to avoid sunburn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave plumeria outdoors all winter?
In mild climates, established, protected plumeria may remain outside. But insulation like mulch is still beneficial.
What if my plumeria grows leaves during winter?
Indoor warmth and light exposure can cause premature growth. Move to a cooler spot and reduce light to encourage dormancy.
Should I heavily prune plumeria before winter?
Heavy pruning isn’t recommended pre-winter as it stimulates growth prone to cold damage. Only do light pruning.
How do I treat pests on plumeria in winter?
Act immediately using appropriate insecticidal soaps or treatments. Inspect nearby plants too as pests can spread.
Should I fertilize during winter dormancy?
No, cease fertilizing about one month before expected first frost to allow natural dormancy. Only resume in spring when new growth emerges.
Conclusion
Caring for plumeria during winter dormancy requires diligence but will reward you with vigorous, flowering plants in spring. Follow these tips to determine dormancy timing, modify water and light, maintain proper temperatures, increase humidity, stop fertilizing, selectively prune, check for pests, repot if needed, choose the best storage method, and gradually reintroduce outdoors next season. With proper preparation and care, your plumeria will sail through winter ready to bloom again.
Winter Care for Plumeria Guide
It is imperative to protect your plumeria from frost and from freezing.
If temperatures are forecast to dip to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or if you have a frost warning you should protect your plumeria from frost.
If temperatures are forecast to dip to 35 degrees Fahrenheit or below, you should protect your plumeria from freezing.
Your local forecast is an educated guess and vary from the actual temps in your garden. It is a good idea to check the temps in your garden and compare to local forecast to see if there is typically a difference. 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 cause new tender growth thats susceptible to cold damage.
- Remove as many leaves as possible by cutting the leaf leaving about 1/2″ on the branches. Leaving the 1/2″ of leaf stem will help prevent leaf node rot. Removing the leaves will help minimize moisture loss.
- Spray your plants with an insecticide two weeks and again a day or two for insects prior to storing.
- If Plunged, cut into the soil around the pot, then lift the pot out of the soil. Prune the roots to a manageable size and trim roots back to the same level as the pots drainage holes. This is a good time to make sure the roots havent stopped up the drain holes. If the roots are stopping up the drain holes, then repot in the Spring.
- For potted plants, lift pots from the ground and trim roots back to the same level as the pots drainage holes. This is a good time to make sure the roots havent stopped up the drain holes. If the roots are stopping up the drain holes, then repot in the Spring.
- If storing as bare rooted, do not allow the roots to touch concrete. The concrete will suck the moisture out of the roots.
- Water you plumeria a few days before you put them up for winter. You dont want to store your plumeria in soil thats saturated with water.
If your are leaving some plumeria in the ground and temperatures are forecast to dip to 35 degrees Fahrenheit you should protect your plumeria with frost cloths to store heat, incandescent spot lights or old Christmas light on branches will help to add warmth. Be sure you us lights that generate heat, LED lights will not help. You can also add additional warmth with electric or fuel heaters.
- Select a storage area that is protected from the winter cold, rain, and wind.
- You can store your plumeria in a greenhouse, garage, spare room, closet, enclosed porch or attic.
- Just be sure your plumeria stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check different spots in your storage area to be sure the coldest spot is above 40 degrees.
- You can stack plumeria and pots to save space as long as it is upright.
- Keep all the limbs and roots from contact with concrete.
- Maintain good air circulation in the storage area to discourage moisture build up and pests.
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 are storing in a traditional greenhouse, you will have moisture build up on the greenhouse walls and drip down onto the soil and on your plumeria. It is a good idea to check often to make sure your plumeria are sitting in a wet pot or wet spot.