Deciduous vs. Evergreen Plumerias: Winter Behavior Differences

Plumeria plants are often admired for their stunning flowers, but their winter behavior—whether they drop their leaves or retain them—can vary significantly between species and cultivars. While most plumeria varieties go dormant during the cooler months, shedding their leaves to conserve energy, certain types of plumeria are evergreen and can retain their leaves year-round, given the right conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences in how deciduous and evergreen plumerias behave during the winter season, how temperature and climate influence leaf retention, and how container-grown plumerias may behave differently compared to those planted in the ground.

1. Deciduous Plumerias: Leaf Drop in Winter

Plumeria rubra, one of the most common species grown, is a deciduous plant, meaning it will shed all its leaves during the winter months in response to cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. This behavior is typical for P. rubra varieties, such as ‘Leipzig’, which will go completely bare in winter, even in mildly cool climates.

Why Deciduous Plumerias Drop Their Leaves:

• Adaptation to Winter: In their native tropical habitats, plumeria plants have adapted to the dry or cooler seasons by shedding their leaves. This helps conserve moisture and energy while the plant rests during its dormant period.
• Sign of Dormancy: When plumeria drops its leaves, it is entering dormancy. This is a normal process and ensures that the plant survives through the cooler months with minimal water and nutrient needs.

Signs of a Deciduous Plumeria in Winter:

• Yellowing Leaves: As plumeria prepares for dormancy, the leaves will first yellow and then fall off, leaving the plant with bare stems.
• No Growth: During winter, the plant won’t produce any new growth, and no flowers will appear. It’s important to reduce watering and avoid fertilizing during this period to allow the plant to rest.

2. Evergreen Plumerias: Retaining Leaves in Winter

Some plumeria varieties are evergreen and can retain their leaves throughout the year, even during the winter months. Plumeria obtusa (e.g., ‘Singapore White’) and Plumeria pudica are two examples of evergreen varieties that can keep their leaves if the temperature remains warm.

Why Evergreen Plumerias Keep Their Leaves:

• Adaptation to Frost-Free Climates: P. obtusa and P. pudica are evergreen in frost-free climates because they do not experience the extreme temperature drops that trigger dormancy in deciduous varieties. In tropical and subtropical climates, these plants can continue to grow and retain their foliage year-round.
• Continuous Growth: Evergreen plumerias generally continue to grow and may even flower throughout the winter months, provided that they are in a warm environment with plenty of sunlight.

Signs of an Evergreen Plumeria in Winter:

• Healthy Green Leaves: Even during the cooler months, evergreen plumeria retains its green leaves, showing no signs of leaf drop.
• Reduced Growth: While they may still keep their leaves, evergreen plumerias may slow down growth during the winter due to the reduced light and colder temperatures.

3. Evergreen Plumerias in Containers: How They Can Act Deciduous

Even evergreen plumeria varieties, such as P. obtusa or P. pudica, may lose their leaves when grown in containers or subjected to subtropical winter conditions indoors. The lack of natural sunlight or the colder temperatures indoors can signal to the plant that it is time to rest, causing it to shed its leaves.

Why Container-Grown Evergreen Plumerias May Lose Their Leaves:

• Limited Light Exposure: Indoor or container-grown plumerias may not receive enough light during the shorter days of winter, causing the plant to enter a semi-dormant state. Even evergreen cultivars may shed their leaves as part of this natural resting phase.
• Cooler Indoor Temperatures: If the plant is kept in a cool room indoors (especially below 50°F or 10°C), the plant may enter a state of dormancy, similar to deciduous varieties.
• Water Stress: Indoor plumerias in containers might not be watered as regularly during the winter months, which can also contribute to the plant shedding its leaves.

How to Care for Evergreen Plumeria in Containers During Winter:

• Provide Adequate Light: Ensure your plumeria gets 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight or use grow lights to keep it thriving during the winter.
• Maintain Warmth: Keep plumerias in containers in a warm space (above 50°F/10°C) to prevent them from entering full dormancy.
• Water Carefully: Water sparingly during the dormant period but ensure the soil is not completely dry. Reduce watering if the plant is not actively growing.

4. Conclusion: Deciduous vs. Evergreen Plumerias in Winter

Understanding the behavior of plumeria plants during the winter months is essential for proper care. While P. rubra varieties are typically deciduous and will drop their leaves, varieties like P. obtusa and P. pudica can remain evergreen if the temperature and conditions are warm enough. However, even evergreen varieties may shed their leaves when grown indoors or in containers, especially if they experience cooler temperatures or insufficient sunlight.

Whether you are growing deciduous or evergreen plumerias, dormancy is a natural part of their cycle, allowing them to rest and prepare for the next growing season. By understanding the differences between deciduous and evergreen plumerias and adjusting your care routines accordingly, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and productive year after year.