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Plumerias, with their beautiful, fragrant flowers, are a popular choice for many garden enthusiasts. However, if you live in a region with cold temperatures, it’s essential to understand the cold tolerance of these plants for better growth and to prevent damage, while maintaining your sanity. I hate to say it, but there is a lot of bad information, on plumerias and how to care for them. In this article, we will explore the temperature thresholds, plumeria can tolerate. Both cold and hot. And protection methods you can use the winter months to keep them safe. As well as the potential consequences of exposing your plants to extreme cold.
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Plumeria Cold Tolerance – Temperature Guidelines
Firstly, it’s important to know that plumerias are generally hardy to temperatures as low as 33°F degrees. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures at or below 33°F can cause significant damage. Such as frost damage, and even result in the death of your plumeria. Plumeria are not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by frosts and freezes. You should take extra precautions when temperatures start to drop by monitoring the weather forecast and planning for winter storage.
When growing plumerias, keeping them above 33°F is crucial to avoid frost damage and enable these heat-loving plants to thrive. For those that can move their plumerias indoors, over-wintering is an easier process. Outdoor plumerias require more care and attention during the colder months. By understanding the cold tolerance of plumerias and implementing proper protection methods, you can enjoy their beauty year-round.
Understanding Plumeria Cold Tolerance
Temperature Tolerance
Plumeria plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and require specific conditions to thrive. Ideally, your plumeria should be kept in areas where the temperature remains 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 require additional watering and need to be shaded to protect the plant from sunburn.
When temperatures drop below 50°F your plumeria will likely lose its leaves and start preparing for winter. When this happens, you should stop fertilizing and reduce watering to help prepare your plumeria for dormancy.
Keep in mind that exposing your plumeria to temperatures below 50°F will tell the plant it’s time to go dormant. Many plumeria growers are extremely cautious and end the growing season at this time and prepare their plumeria for winter. However, if your plumeria gets left outside on some 40°F nights, it will more than likely be okay.
If you live outside of the plumeria hardiness zones (USDA Hardiness Zones 10B-11), it’s important to monitor temperatures in the fall, so you can protect your plants from frost damage. Most plumeria growers in our area (Zone 8b) try to have their plants tucked away for winter around Halloween.
Overwintering Plumeria
During the winter months, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure the health of your plumeria. If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best keep your plumeria in areas where you can control the temperature. This will protect the plant from the harsh weather and any danger of frost damage. Plumerias can be brought inside your home, stored in a greenhouse or garage, where you can maintain a consistent temperature with a space heater, heat mats and LED lighting. I’ve linked to the ones we used last year, we didn’t lose a single plant!
As plumeria plants enter dormancy in winter, their need for water decreases. Therefore, you should water minimally, during this period, especially when they have no leaves. Excess moisture in cold conditions can cause root rot and pest and disease problems.
Check your plumeria frequently during dormancy, because dehydration can be just as serious as root rot. Adjust your care routine accordingly, and don’t be afraid to give them a small drink of water now and then to keep them hydrated.
Understanding the cold tolerance of these common Plumeria varieties, you can provide the proper care to ensure their health and longevity.
Caring for Plumeria in Cold Weather
Plumerias are beautiful tropical plants known for their fragrant flowers, which come in many colors, including red, yellow, white, pink, and orange. They require specific care to survive colder temperatures and continue growing and blooming. In this section, we will discuss various steps you should take when caring for your Plumeria in cold weather.
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Moving Indoors
If you have your Plumeria growing in containers or pots, it’s crucial to move them indoors when the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). Plumerias go dormant in colder temperatures, losing their leaves and requiring less water. Place your indoor Plumeria in a south-facing location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. If natural sunlight is limited, using a grow light can also help maintain your plant’s health.
Using Frost Cloth
When Plumeria plants are growing in the ground and cannot be easily moved, using a frost cloth can help prevent damage. In preparing for a frost be sure to water, cover and mulch. Cover your Plumeria with frost cloth, burlap or blankets when the temperature is expected to fall below 40°F. Secure the covering with rope or weigh it down with rocks to make sure it stays in place during the night. Remove the cloth during the day when the temperature increases to improve air circulation and exposure to sunlight.
Soil and Drainage
Plumerias thrive in well-draining, sandy soil that allows their roots to breathe and prevents root rot. If growing Plumeria in pots, read Expert Tips for Creating the Best Plumeria Soil Mix to promote proper drainage. During the colder months, ensure your soil is not too damp or heavy, as this can lead to stem rot and branch dieback.
Plumeria Cold Tolerance – Conclusion
Now that you know what temperatures can damage your plumeria, you can carefully monitor the weather forecast in the fall and plan for winter. Start thinking about where you want to store them, how you want to store them and if you need supplemental heating or lighting.
Be sure to carefully monitor your plants throughout the winter. I’ve heard many stories of plumeria lovers that have lost all of their plants in the winter months. Usually, this is because they stored their plants in a closet, garage or shed and never checked on them. Or didn’t water at all.
This happened to me, it was the first year I had plumeria. I lost a beautiful JJ Chablis and a two-year-old Noid. It was heartbreaking, but I learned from it. The biggest lesson learned was that these are tough and resilient plants.
Think about how they grow in nature. Poor soil like volcanic ash and swampy wet areas. They get rained on a lot. And they are never stuck in a dark closet. Make sure they have fast-draining soil, the right pots, occasional water or misting and check on them often. Even bring them out if you have a warm sunny day.
There is a popular saying in one of the Plumeria groups I belong too, “It’s possible to love your plumeria too much”. (Not really!)
FAQ – Plumeria Cold Tolerance
Plumeria plants generally prefer temperatures above 50°F. Once temperatures dip below this, you should consider taking measures to protect them from potential cold damage.
Some varieties of plumeria are more cold-hardy than others, but generally, plumerias are sensitive to cold temperatures and frost.
The first signs of cold damage in plumeria usually manifest as leaf drop, wilting, and in severe cases, blackening of the branches and stem.
You can protect your plumeria from cold by bringing potted plants indoors, using frost covers, or adding a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots.
Recovery from cold damage depends on the severity of the damage and the overall health of the plant. Minor damage may be reversible, but severe damage, particularly to the stem and roots, could be fatal.