Overwintering Plumeria: How to Store and Protect Your Plants in Winter

Plumeria plants are typically associated with warm, tropical climates, but for gardeners in colder regions, growing these beautiful plants can present a challenge during the winter months. Plumeria is not cold-hardy, and frost or freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to the plant. However, by inducing dormancy and properly storing your plumeria during the winter, you can help them survive the cold months and ensure they thrive again in the spring.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of overwintering plumeria, including how to induce dormancy, store plumeria as bare-root plants, and revive them once spring arrives. We’ll also cover the ideal storage temperatures and care tips to keep your plumeria safe during the colder months.

1. Inducing Dormancy: Preparing Plumeria for Winter

Plumeria plants are deciduous, meaning they naturally go dormant in response to cooler temperatures or shorter daylight hours. In cold climates where temperatures regularly dip below 50°F (10°C), plumeria plants need to be moved indoors or into a protected area to survive the winter. Inducing dormancy in your plumeria is the first step in ensuring it stays healthy through the winter.

How to Induce Dormancy:

• Stop Watering: To induce dormancy, stop watering your plumeria about 4-6 weeks before the first frost. Plumeria does not need water during dormancy, and excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
• Cool Temperatures: Move your plumeria to a cooler location with temperatures between 50°F and 60°F (10°C–15°C). This helps the plant enter a resting state, as it would in its natural tropical environment during the cooler season.
• Reduced Light: If you’re growing plumeria indoors, place the plant in a dark or low-light area, such as a garage or basement. This reduces the amount of light exposure, signaling to the plant that it is time to rest.

Signs Your Plumeria is Ready for Dormancy:

• Leaves Yellowing and Falling Off: As the plant prepares for dormancy, the leaves will yellow, wilt, and drop off. This is completely normal and a sign that the plant is slowing down.
• Stopped Growth: The plant will stop producing new leaves and branches, and growth will slow considerably.

2. Storing Plumeria as Bare-Root Plants

Once your plumeria has gone dormant, you can prepare it for winter storage. In cold climates, it’s best to store plumeria as bare-root plants to protect the roots and stems from freezing. Storing plumeria bare-root is a common practice for growers in regions with freezing temperatures.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Storing Bare-Root Plumeria:

1. Dig Up the Plant:
   If your plumeria is planted in the ground, carefully dig it up, being careful not to damage the roots. Use a shovel to gently lift the plant, starting from the outer edges of the root ball.
2. Remove Excess Soil:
   Shake or wash off the soil from the roots, taking care not to damage them. The plant can now be stored as a bare-root plant.
3. Trim the Leaves and Stems:
   Cut back any damaged or dead wood, leaving a few inches of stem above the root system. This reduces the size of the plant, making it easier to store. You can leave 1–2 feet of stem, depending on the size of the plant.
4. Let the Roots Dry:
   Allow the bare-root plant to dry in a cool, dry location for 2–3 days. This helps prevent any potential mold or rot from developing during storage.
5. Storage Location:
   Place the bare-root plumeria in a cool, dry location where it will remain dormant. The ideal storage temperature is between 45°F and 60°F (7–15°C), but it should never freeze. A garage, basement, or shed is ideal for winter storage, as long as temperatures remain above freezing.

3. Winter Care and Maintenance

Even when dormant, your plumeria still needs some care during the winter months. Although it won’t need water or much attention, you can follow these simple steps to ensure it stays healthy:

1. Monitor Storage Temperature:

• Avoid Freezing: Ensure that the temperature where the plant is stored stays above freezing but below 60°F (15°C) to keep the plant dormant. If the temperature fluctuates too much or falls below freezing, the plant could suffer permanent damage.

2. Check Occasionally:

• Inspect for Pests or Rot: Occasionally check your plumeria during storage to ensure it’s not developing rot or attracting pests. If you notice any soft spots or mildew, trim the affected areas to prevent further spread.

3. Avoid Overhandling:

• Minimize Movement: During dormancy, your plumeria does not need to be disturbed. Avoid repeated handling or movement, as this can stress the plant. Let it rest undisturbed until spring.

4. Reviving Plumeria in Spring: Bringing Your Plant Back to Life

Once the weather warms up, and temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C), it’s time to revive your plumeria and prepare it for the growing season. Here’s how to bring your plumeria back to life after winter storage:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Reviving Plumeria in Spring:

1. Gradually Reintroduce Water:
   Begin watering your plumeria lightly as it comes out of dormancy, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Increase watering gradually as the plant begins to show new growth.
2. Place in a Bright Spot:
   After the plant has rested through the winter, place it in a bright, sunny location with direct sunlight. This will help stimulate growth and prepare it for flowering in the coming months.
3. Fertilize:
   After your plumeria begins to leaf out and show new growth, fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer (or one with higher phosphorus) to encourage flower production.
4. Prune for Shape:
   Trim back any dead or damaged branches from winter and shape the plant as it begins to grow. This will help encourage a fuller and bushier plumeria tree.

5. Conclusion: Successfully Overwintering Your Plumeria

Overwintering plumeria in cold climates can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right care and attention, your plant will survive the winter months and be ready to thrive when spring arrives. By inducing dormancy, storing bare-root in a cool, dry location, and reviving the plant in spring, you can ensure that your plumeria stays healthy year after year.

Remember to monitor temperature, minimize disturbance during dormancy, and provide the plant with the right care once it wakes up in the spring. With these steps, your plumeria will flourish again and reward you with its stunning blooms in the next growing season.