Plumeria , also known as Frangipani , is a stunning tropical efflorescence that thrives in warm climates . However , those living in areas with cold wintertime can still bask these fragrant , colorful heyday by provide a little additional care during the colder months . With the right steps , your genus Plumeria can survive and re - bloom year after year .
Reasons for Winter Dormancy
Plumeria enters a inactive state in winter for two key reasons :
1. Lack of Light
Plumeria involve at least 6 hours of unmediated sunlight per day to actively develop . As the days shorten in wintertime , many plumeria do n’t take in enough light . participate quiescence conserves muscularity .
2. Cold Temperatures
Plumeria thrive in temperatures between 60 - 90 ° F Temperatures below 50 ° atomic number 9 bespeak quiescence . folio drop and slowed growth protects the plant from Robert Lee Frost damage
When to Expect Dormancy
The timing of dormancy varies by mood :
In USDA zone 9 - 11 , genus Plumeria may only lose some leaves . plant remain semi - dormant and flowering may continue year - round .
In zona 8b-9a , dormancy typically begins in November and lasts through February .

In cooler zones like 8a , dormancy can reach out from October through April . folio drop is more significant .
In marginal climates like geographical zone 7b , it is good to winter plumeria indoors until springiness .
Pay tending to your local forecast to anticipate plumeria ’s wintertime dormancy geological period .
Encourage Dormancy Before First Frost
To ease the transition into dormancy , tolerate dirt to dry out slightly between waterings about one month before first frost . bit by bit recoup plant food as well during this stop . In addition , get plumeria indoors before nighttime temperature drop below 50 ° F .
This gradual acclimatisation gift the plant time to set dormancy before cold snaps occur . Do n’t pull dormancy too early on , though , or you may preclude blossom bud countersink for next yr .
Water Infrequently During Dormancy
Indoor plumeria : Water every 2 - 3 weeks with just enough wet to wet the soil . The goal is to prevent complete dry out out , not encourage raw ontogeny .
Outdoor plumeria : water supply every 3 - 4 workweek if no rain has occurred . forfend waterlogging .
marginal - root plumeria : Pack in ironic medium like vermiculite , perlite or bark . Store in a nerveless dark stead . No water is need for dormant bare antecedent plant .
When watering dormant Plumiera , water deeply to wet entire root ball , then allow inordinateness to enfeeble completely .
Ideal Light Conditions
Indoors : put up a vivid windowpane with a few hours of direct sun daily , turn the industrial plant once in a while . Supplement with fluorescent fixture lighting straightaway overhead to maintain a summary growth habit .
Outdoors : Place in a spot with light shade or morning Lord’s Day only . Filtered light is ideal while hibernating .
Greenhouse:30 - 60 % subtlety textile furnish an excellent overwintering environment .
keep off total darkness or deep shade to discourage leggy , uneven growing .
Best Temperatures for Dormant Plants
The ideal overwintering temperature reach is 45 - 55 ° F . Temperatures below 40 ° F can damage genus Plumeria . Take these tone to provide decent warmheartedness :
Indoors : Keep plants in a warm , sunny way around 50 - 60 ° F . Avoid drafty areas .
Outdoors : Select a protected microclimate , against a warm bulwark or under eaves . deal with frost textile when temporary dim below 45 ° F .
Greenhouse : uphold temps between 50 - 60 ° F with a distance heater if needed . Ventilate on sunny days .
Prevent prolonged cold exposure or rime damage by moving Plumiera indoors before cold picnic . A service department or enclosed porch around 50 ° F also influence .
Humidity & Air Circulation
Unlike their native tropical habitat , most indoor environments have low humidness in winter . Leathery plumeria get out unfreeze wet and can shrivel up . hike humidness around winter plants . Options let in :
Also ensure good airflow around industrial plant to prevent mould and fungus . Gently blow air over plants regularly with a fan .
Stop Fertilizing by Early Fall
feed plumeria during dormancy is unneeded and can cause tender new outgrowth prostrate to cold damage . intercept give by early drop .
In warmer zones where plant remain semi - active , use a balanced , water - soluble fertilizer at one-half durability every 4 - 6 weeks . Apply directly to moist soil to foreclose burning at the stake .
Resume normal plant food in spring after new leaves emerge . Monthly alimentation with a blooming recipe will nourish abundant anthesis .
Prune Selectively Before Storage
To husband energy , prune genus Plumeria before storing to :
Make cuts just above a lymph node or branch . head off major pruning which stimulates newfangled ontogenesis . Disinfect shear between snub to keep disease spread .
Check for Pests
visit Plumiera closely before bringing indoors . depend for :
Treat any pests found with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap . Otherwise populations may explode indoors .
Repot in Fresh Mix as Needed
To mark off origin wellness , softly remove plumeria from pots . Replant in fresh mix if :
Use a well - drain tropical portmanteau word . Repot into a container one size of it large , then weewee good .
Choose the Best Overwintering Method
There are 3 main ways to store genus Plumeria in wintertime :
Indoors as a Houseplant
Outdoors in Milder Climates
Bare Root Storage
Select the strategy that fits your climate , place and upkeep committal .
Watch for Signs of Life in Early Spring
How do you know when plumeria are waking up in give ? Look for :
At first sign of new growth , urine more often and move to a sunny location . Hold off fertilizing until leaves fully flesh out . fend off any final frosts .
Common Problems with Overwintering
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 cover providing right aid .
Poor Flowering
Inadequate brightness , improper quiescence , or overwatering can limit flower . Ensure it get enough sunshine next time of year for good blooms .
Leggy Growth
Insufficient light leads to weak , stretched growth indoors . Supplement natural light with grow lamp or turn works frequently .
Rot or Disease
Excess moisture together with small light / airflow raise disease peril . provide filth to dry between waterings . Increase air circulation .
Enjoy Bountiful Blooms After Proper Care
Caring for plumeria during wintertime may ask some superfluous effort , but your industry will be rewarded with vigorous , floriferous plants in spring .
With a trivial preparation and TLC , your Plumiera will sail through winter quick to flower again . The sweet fragrance and brilliant hues will be deserving the wait !
Winter Care for Plumeria Guide
It is imperative to protect your Plumiera from frost and from freezing .
If it ’s going to get below 40 stage Fahrenheit or there ’s a frost warning , you should keep your Plumiera safe from the coldness .
It is important to keep your plumeria from freeze if the temperature is perish to drop to 35 point Fahrenheit or less .
Your local forecast is an school guess and alter from the factual temp in your garden . See if there is a difference between the temperatures in your garden and the ones predicted for your region . It also makes a big deviation how long the low temp last . The cold temps are typically right before daylight .
If you are leaving some plumeria in the ground and the temperature is going to dribble to 35 degrees Fahrenheit , you should cover them with rime cloths to keep the heat in . Putting incandescent spotlight illumination or quondam Christmas lights on the branches will also avail keep them warm . Be sure you us lights that generate heat , LED lights will not help . you could also add extra warmth with electric or fuel warmer .
Plumeria plants do nt ask light while they re dormant . If stored in a gay location they may break sleeping too early . Stored plants do not need water unless the are becoming dehydrated and look shrivel up . you’re able to mist over every week or monthly to help preclude drying up job . Always check your pots to check that the dirt is not soused , this can cause source rot .
If you stash away your plumeria in a regular greenhouse , water will make up on the walls and drip down onto the soil and prime stems . Check your plumeria often to check that they are in a wet flowerpot 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 Plumiera ?
Do Plumiera suffer their leave of absence in winter ?
Do Plumeria require wintertime care ?
These tropic plants thrive in warm climates but require especial care during the wintertime months , especially in neighborhood with cold temperatures . Proper winter care is essential to ensure the health and survival of Plumiera plants . In this complete guide , we will discuss the step you require to take to protect your Plumiera during wintertime .
When should I depart devise my Plumeria for winter ?
As a general road map , you should start preparing your plumeria for winter when the temperature systematically knock off below 50 ° fluorine ( 10 ° speed of light ) . This typically occurs in late fall or early winter . It ’s important to provide enough time for the plant to figure quiescence before the coldest temperatures get .
What temperature should a plumeria plant life be preserve in ?
Ideally , your genus Plumeria should be kept in areas where the temperature rest 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 command additional watering and need to be shaded to protect the plant from sunburn .
How do you keep a plumeria plant life in wintertime ?
Plumerias can be brought inside your abode , stored in a nursery or garage , where you may maintain a ordered temperature with a outer space heater , heat matting and LED lighting . I ’ve link to the ones we used last yr , we did n’t lose a single plant ! As plumeria works go in dormancy in wintertime , their indigence for water decreases .