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Winterizing Plumerias |
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If your Plumerias seem to be getting yellow leaves, and you are starting to see leaves wither and fall off, don't fret . . . your Plumerias are going dormant. This is a good thing because they will go to sleep for the winter and awaken in Spring with renewed strength, leaves, and blooms.
What we don't want to happen is for our Plumerias to freeze! Here's some info to help prevent freezing and ultimately losing your precious plants.
Since Plumerias are very sensitive to frost, they should be moved into a garage or storage shed when the temperature goes below 40 degrees F. They do not need light while dormant. If this is not possible, you can keep them close to the house and keep them as warm as possible by lighting them and aiming the light at the trunk of the plant or stringing Christmas lights on them. You may also want to cover your Plumerias with a blanket (something breathable - not plastic). The trapped air will stay warmer and protect the plant. Remember to remove the blanket during the day if it gets over 40 degrees F. Try to maintain an air temperature around your Plumerias above 40 degrees F at night.
You may also bring your Plumerias inside. If your home is around 65 - 70 degrees F, they will not go dormant. Water them sparingly and watch for spider mites. Cuttings and seedlings should stay inside during the winter.
As winter approaches, stop feeding fertilizer with high nitrogen because you do not want your plumerias to start growing at this time. You can give them some potasium, as well as, give them a dose (1 TBL per gallon) of Epsons Salts. Another tip in keeping them warm is to mulch around the trunks with a course mulch. This will keep them warmer during colder night time temps. Don't use a fine mulch as it will hold moisture and might rot your trees.
Water is the killer of Plumerias in winter. Once you see that your Plumerias are going dormant by dropping leaves and seeing no new growth, you may stop watering. Your once lush plant will look like a barren stick. Not to worry. Once warm weather comes again, new leaves will start to sprout.
Since our winters in Arizona are not harsh, most Plumerias can be kept outdoors under house eves or against the house on a patio or porch with some lighting or cover.
For more information, visit our club website at - Valley Of The Sun Plumeria Society and click "Plumeria Info". There are lots of great links and info there.
May your Plumerias bring forth many blossoms next Spring!
© 2003-Valley Of The Sun Plumeria Society
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