Monthly Checklist: What to Do When

A Month-by-Month Plumeria Care Calendar for Every Grower

Plumeria thrive when their care aligns with the natural changes in temperature, sunlight, and seasonal rhythms. But remembering exactly what to do and when—especially across different zones or for container-grown plants—can be overwhelming.

This month-by-month checklist is designed to simplify your plumeria care routine by providing a seasonal task list for each month of the year. Whether you’re growing in the ground or in pots, overwintering indoors or enjoying blooms outdoors, this guide will help keep your plumeria healthy, productive, and on track throughout the year.

January

Phase: Deep Dormancy (in most zones)

• Check for signs of stem rot or shriveling.
• Do not fertilize.
• Minimal or no watering unless stems begin to wrinkle.
• Maintain indoor storage temps around 55–65°F.
• Monitor stored plants monthly for pests (mealybugs, spider mites).
• Seedlings may stay partially active—provide warmth and light if needed.

February

Phase: Late Dormancy

• Still no fertilizer.
• Water only if stems start to shrink or wrinkle.
• Begin inspecting for early tip swelling on established plants.
• Start planning for spring: inspect soil, pots, labels, and supplies.
• Prune off any dry flower stalks (inflorescences) if not already done.
• Check indoor seedlings for stretching; adjust the lighting if needed.

March

Phase: Early Wake-Up

• Resume watering as needed when new growth appears.
• Apply Excalibur VI or IX around mid-to-late March in warm zones.
• Repot any rootbound plants before active growth resumes.
• Begin rooting cuttings in warm, sunny conditions.
• Resume pest prevention sprays as the temperature warms.
• Move outdoor plants into filtered sun once frost danger has passed.

April

Phase: Full Activation

• Plants show leaf growth and possibly early inflorescence spikes.
• Fertilize with slow-release again if you haven’t yet.
• Apply neem oil or horticultural soap for early pest suppression.
• Water deeply but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
• Stake tall cuttings if newly planted.
• Begin tracking growth in a garden journal.

May

Phase: Active Growth & Bloom Start

• First bloom spikes may open on mature plants.
• Apply Excalibur Boost or a balanced foliar feed like BR-61 (if desired).
• Increase watering frequency in hotter zones.
• Begin rotating the pots to ensure even sunlight exposure.
• Watch for rust mites, spider mites, and aphids.
• Deadhead faded flowers to maintain the health of the inflorescence.

June

Phase: Peak Blooming & Expansion

• Continue watering consistently (deep soak, not daily).
• Apply foliar sprays early in the morning if using.
• Monitor for pests weekly and treat at the first sign.
• Label blooming seedlings for evaluation.
• Avoid pruning during heavy blooming.
• Photograph and document flower color and scent for recordkeeping.

July

Phase: Sustained Growth & Blooming

• Maintain watering in extreme heat, especially for container plants.
• Refresh mulch around in-ground trees to retain moisture.
• Watch for sunburn on exposed cuttings or tender seedlings.
• Inspect leaf undersides for signs of rust or insects.
• Consider a light midseason feeding with Excalibur Boost if needed.

August

Phase: Late Bloom Cycle

• Continue watering regularly; watch for signs of overwatering.
• Begin to reduce foliar feeding—plants start slowing in late August.
• Begin cutting back on nitrogen-based fertilizers.
• Evaluate cuttings for rooting success.
• Take photos and notes of late-blooming cultivars.

September

Phase: Wind-Down Begins

• Stop all high-phosphorus feeding by mid-month.
• Reduce watering frequency slightly.
• Remove damaged leaves and clean around the base of trees.
• Finish taking and rooting any last-season cuttings.
• Prep overwintering area (clean shelves, test grow lights).

October

Phase: Pre-Dormancy Prep

• Fertilizing ends for the season.
• Start reducing water as temperatures drop.
• Move container plants to protected areas before the first frost.
• Cut flower stalks (if done blooming) to reduce fungal risk.
• Tag and label all potted plants and seedlings clearly.

November

Phase: Dormancy Onset

• Watch for leaf drop—it’s normal.
• Stop all watering once leaves are down and growth stops.
• Move containers indoors or under protection before a freeze.
• Inspect stems for firmness and remove dead tips if needed.
• Store containers in cool, dry spaces for winter rest.

December

Phase: Full Dormancy

• Do not water or fertilize unless stems are shriveling.
• Maintain stable storage temperatures.
• Check monthly for pests or mold in indoor storage.
• Review garden notes and prepare seedling logs or inventory lists.
• Reflect on your bloom success and begin planning spring propagation.

Conclusion

Timing is everything in plumeria care. Following a monthly checklist ensures that you’re not only meeting your plant’s changing needs but also staying ahead of problems before they develop. By syncing your care routine with seasonal transitions, you’ll grow stronger, more resilient plumeria that reward you with bigger blooms, fuller growth, and longer life.

Whether you’re nurturing first-year seedlings or managing a grove of mature trees, let this calendar guide your efforts month by month for success year after year.