How to prepare your Plumeria for winter dormancy in a cold climate

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[@lizzybidgood469]

Mine is in the ground, and about to bloom! I'm in Ocala Zone 9A, it's gonna be around 32 here tonight. Yikes 🤯😱This Plumeria has never bloomed this late!

[@tedn2205]

I like that you're nice and calm while the bombing sirens are going off in the background at the beginning of the video.

[@TheBarlettano]

I love the way you plant the whole pot, so that you can always keep the plant in check and easily prune the extra roots to keep it small

[@vickystojmenov8046]

Hi Bill, I have followed your advice on preparing the plumeria’s for the winter for the past 2 years and it works well. Some of mine are getting too big now and preparing them for dormancy is quite a chore. Thanks for the advice and keep up the good work.

[@yoannabaumgartner9158]

I’m in zone 8b and as soon as temps dip below 50F my plumeria leaves start looking bad. Last year I followed your advice to just cut them all off before storing in the garage. It was nice not having all those big leaves fall off in the garage. My plant bloomed thru all of June and July this year!

[@822Anya]

Hi Bill. I followed your Tips list here just before winter my three Plumeria‘s did wonderful in the garage. Texas had a terrible summer mostly in the three digits. I couldn’t even put my Plumeria in the sun only one bloomed. The flowers quickly died because of the intense heat. Thank you for loving Nature & sharing with me. Anne

[@darrellkc48]

Thank you for a simple explanation! We have three in large pots on our back porch in Texas. This will be our first time to over winter them, and we were pretty lost on the correct way.

[@terrifecht5879]

Perfect I just retired and kept mine in my classroom all winter but no room at home now. I was worried about putting them in my basement in the dark. Great tutorial!

[@PlantzNThings]

it really is hard the first year. but once you figure out that it will survive the dormancy... it gets easier :)

[@bobwallace9364]

I’m in 7b so mine get brought in. Just a little later than you. Today is 10-17-20 and I will be bringing them into my garage within the next few days. I have found that exposure to a week or two worth of chilly nights (40’s) and warm (high 60’s low 70’s) during the day, seems to help them enter dormancy. I don’t trim off leaves. I let them drop on their own and collect them as they drop. Seems to encourage a more speedy break in dormancy in the spring. Again, SHORT periods of exposure to temps below 50F has zero effect. ANY exposure to near or below freezing temps will immediately damage them. They’re much tougher than is let on.

[@aisute8222]

This was very informative, thank you!

[@kikirover1]

I was wondering if I could grow them in zone 8a…and according to this vid….Yes! I m a happy camper now 😀 and will be owner of a Plumeria very soon🥰Thanks for the info about what to do for winter.

[@nelsonpuzon]

Great work!

[@dzonokwa1]

Thanks so much, very helpful.

[@craigsotnick9757]

I learned from your videos how to overwinter my plumerias. The first time I cut off all the leaves it broke my heart 😆 But it works!! I completely forget about them all winter and they come back to life in the spring. Thanks for the great information!!

[@PlantzNThings]

I'm so happy it was helpful for you... its so easy... but scary and heartbreaking your first time :)

[@elviragamero4845]

Is it an advantage keeping them in the house by a window (not completely bright sun) rather than put them in a garage with the leaves cut? Wiyld the leaves fall anyway if kept inside house?

[@elviragamero4845]

I live in Denton Texas . right now the weather is coldest at 39 - and warmest at 89.

[@daleandrews3552]

I have the luxury of living in a subtropical climate in Lake Charles, LA near the Gulf of Mexico where we only really freeze on occasion during our short winter period. I'm about to order some plumerias from Etsy where I can get 4 bare stalks/stems that are 8-12" for $29.95, which I thought was a good deal. I also have the luxury of being able to bring them inside a fluorescent lit room next to a patio where they will get morning sun until about noon, then shade the rest of the day, which I think is perfect. It's Feb. 6, 2022 and spring here is right around the corner, so by the end of March it would be a good time - at least here in Lake Charles - to begin to bring them out of their dormant state where they can get real sunlight and start their new growth. At that time I should be able to leave them outside in their terra cotta pots where they can begin their second "incarnation" in southern Louisiana! Thanks for all the great tips and happy growing to you. 😁

[@1untitled]

Excellent information. Thank you!

[@PlantzNThings]

Thanks

[@ahmedhumrani9920]

I love Indian jasmine plants

[@FosterFarmsOk]

Hey Bill. ive been growing plumeria for a long time too. What I do to speed up leaf removal is just grab a handful of them and pull straight down the trunk and snap them off. Love the channel.

[@PlantzNThings]

I don't disagree with you about it being faster. but i find they bleed a lot more sap that way.

[@FosterFarmsOk]

@@PlantzNThings yes they probably do. Sure is Nasty sticky stuff. Lol.

[@debpenn1689]

Hello, I m in zone 7 and have been trying to get my Plumeria to flower, it seems as though all I get are beautiful leaves and a tall plant. I bought a dwarfed Plumeria for patio and small spaces. I think the northern growing season is too short for flowering. Oh I’ve winterized as you do and also removed the plant from the pots and stored the silk too. Thanks Bill for your informative video. Finally someone who can give info to northern growers.

[@PlantzNThings]

They will bloom you just need to feed them like crazy... like every time you water... use an ultra bloom fertilizer... maybe at half strength every watering..

[@PlantzNThings]

It won't happen immediately... but it will start blooming.. start next spring after they wake up

[@hannahschulte3456]

Hi Bill. I am glad I found your videos as I have a plumeria I am trying to save. I live in Alberta Canada and have a plumeria that has been growing for two years now in my house, but in a bright sunny window in the summer and winter. I am now going to try putting it in the dark over the winter. It is not warm here in the winter, but I usually have my house quite warm. It has surpsirsingly done very well with little issues. My only problem is that the past couple of months it has been getting dry brown spots all over the leaves. Many of the leaves have come out not normal shapes and have some brown/black ish sections on the leavs. Also would you still put it in the dark and cut the leaves off being that it already half way through winter here for me?

[@elparaisodedenis]

Hi Bill great video, you are amazing. I have a new video about my ferns, a lot of greetings from Serbia-Europe !

[@myfairyterracegarden]

Like 70 good information thanks for sharing ❤️

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Lol. Just planted mine. I usually get my cuttings or trees in winter. I just ploppem in a clay pot with good soil, maybe a heatpad if i have a spare not occupied by snakes under a light inside, given enough water to keep the soil moist. Not wet. Moist. 100% success rate so far. Only rooted reds so far, supposedly the hardest to root. If 100% effortless rooting is hard, i guess so.

[@NOIZENUISANCE]

Hello Bill! Great videos! I have mine in a larger pot, it’s not flowering yet, is it okay to put in a smaller pot so I can store it in the closet? I may have to cut some roots off. What would be your suggestion? Thanks!!

[@socalgal714]

Perfect timing. I brought the girls in yesterday. But I'm not sure where to store them. No basement or attic. Garage is un-heated. Suggestions? We're in zone 5b. Thank you!

[@PlantzNThings]

Anywhere out of the way really... i put mine behind my furnace to be honest. somewhere relatively dark is good... but mine will get some light because it's in my grow room.

[@bradmoyse6162]

Beautiful castor bean behind you.

[@8pmSilhouette]

Hi Bill! Can they be stored without soil and cutting off all the roots? Or do you have better luck leaving them in their pots with roots?

[@valspring2917]

Hi Bill. I found your video very informative. Thanks. One question: Do you keep your plumeria growing in the same pot year after year, or do they require bumping up to a larger size after lots of growth?

[@PlantzNThings]

I will bump them up as they require it... when its a nursery pot that I sink into the ground for summer I keep the pot a manageable nice so I can easily lift the plant in the fall.. but if they are solely container grown I give them more space since the roots can't escape the drain holes into the garden

[@dot.dot.7578]

When bringing them back from winter, do you re-pot, fertilize (with what)?

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Got any tips to make tropicals reach full dormancy? I can only ever reach partial if any. This year im close with my pachypodium lamereii, but still one stubborn leaf away after 4+ months of not one sip. Had to finally give it one with being so dry.

[@user-kl1vn5yl9q]

Hi Bill, I bring my Plumeria into the greenhouse for the winter in zone 8b. It has a small heater with grow lights. In the coldest months I can keep it around mid 40 degrees f. I do not water much or fertilize at all during the winter, considering the conditions I provide, would you water and add fertilizer during this time? even though it's a pretty decent environment, my plant does lose most of its leaves. I'm not sure if it's because it's just a bit to cold or it's a lack of water and nutrients.

[@hannahschulte3456]

Also is October when you usually start putting them into dormancy? Where do you live? How warm does it get in the summer and how cold does it get in the winter? Just trying to see when would work best for me in Canada

[@startwilight9102]

Hi nice video, I’m from Texas doesn’t get to cold here . Is covering them with a blanket a good idea ?

[@PlantzNThings]

If it doesn't get cold there you might not require anything... anything below 40 and I think it would require some protection... but 45 and above it should be ok... if it stays in the low 50s you might need to keep the soil more dry if its in a pot to prevent rot

[@amyperkins1710]

Other than saving space, do you find that pruning the plants back helps with pests like spider mites during the inside months?

[@taddmanning5331]

What can k do with the leaf clippings afterwards? Toss ?or keep as compost?

[@francescoss2634]

Hi Bill, boy that HURT to watch you cut those beautiful green leaves off of your plumeria...I don't have any plumeria but I'm going to have to take you word for it that it's necessary pruning and winter care!

[@PlantzNThings]

lol... it hurt me too the first time... now it's just the process... the leaves fall off anyways.. this process just takes away a lot of the mess in the house later and minimize pests

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Myeeeeh. Not for me. Ive tried it a couple times with plumies and pachypodiums here in missouri. They just grow back. Even with an awful draft from the windows and front door. Ive never once reached full dormancy with anything yet. Lol. Gotta say however, my plants tend to look more naturally shaped than the typical specimens. Getting reaaaaally close with my pachypodium lamereii this year, but still one stubborn leaf. Maybe someday. Lol

[@lassehansen7672]

Hi Bill. Thanx for the video. What happens if you don't cut the leaves, will they just fall off?

[@PlantzNThings]

Eventually yes... the fall off and make a mess

[@lassehansen7672]

@@PlantzNThings okay, thank you Bill. I will follow your advise to cut them off and bite the pain. Love your videos, especially now when the cold comes. Btw, awesome grow room! 👍

[@sonnybaker8100]

I can’t seem to get my plumeria to bloom. I’m also in zone 6b in New Jersey USA. They start getting their inflo around late August-September and then it gets too cold and I have to cut the leaves and bring them in. I’ve wondered if I’m not taking them out of dormancy early enough. I usually wait until May when threat of frost is gone. Perhaps I have not been fertilizing enough.

[@PlantzNThings]

I usually pull mine out in March or early April to start breaking dormancy. On nice days I'll put them outside and bring them in when it gets too cool at night. Fertilizing should start again when the leaves really start to grow... sometimes I leave the ones with inflows maturing in a summer spot in the house to have it continue the grow... as long as it doesn't fall off it might still produce buds for you in the spring. And inflow can last a long time continuing to branch and produce buds.. good luck with your plumeria :)

[@user-mx9bt7lt5j]

What's the best way to transplant to a larger pot?

[@valerieguzek9692]

Hi, I was told to take the plant out of the dirt and keep it in a dark dry area and when spring arrives plant it again? I've already taking it out of the planter. Should I put it back in the planter and store it in my garage? I hope I didn't harm my plant! Thanks

[@PlantzNThings]

I hear people using that method with success... I just found that the root system on mine weren't all that strong.. so I didn't want to remove all of the soil and have them start fresh in the spring... its a personal preference

[@joeym5355]

Hi Bill. I was wondering would the plumeria survive in 7a weather or would you bring them inside ?

[@PlantzNThings]

you would need to bring them in... i don't believe they can survive a freeze they are hardy in zone 9-11

[@taddmanning5331]

Jeez. What can I do with the leaf clippings? Toss or keep?

[@nicolatronchin87]

Hi from Italy! Here is almost below 15C and my plumeria still have flowers. Now is inside home as outside is too windy and rainy. Have I to wait till last flower is gone before to remove all leaves?

[@PlantzNThings]

I would wait yes... when I force my plants into dormancy the inflows usually dry up and fall off.. ( Not always but usually)

[@KellyMorrisPR]

GREAT video. This is all new to me. I’ve always just taken the pots into the greenhouse. But this year I want to do a version of this. What is the difference between your method and taking the plant out of its container, cleaning off the dirt and putting it in perlite? Is it the ability to water that is the difference! I think the perlite method for me would be a great space saving option. Thoughts? GREAT VIDEO.

[@PlantzNThings]

Interesting question... I have not tried the perlite method yet ... personally I think it would only be best for young or smaller plants. Plumeria from what I have experienced have a smaller root system because of that I would hate to disturb them too much... and the plants as they get bigger would be harder to stabilize when they get replanted. But the idea behind both methods are similar... as my plants gain size I will move them up in pot size. This will help it maintain a stable root system. In the past I had 3 plumeria and they were each in 10-15 gallon pots...

[@KellyMorrisPR]

@@PlantzNThings one last question if you don’t mind. I also have pots and pots of canna lilies and elephant ears. Can I dig up ur bulbs, cut off the leaves and store just the bulbs over winter? If I don’t they will completely take over the greenhouse and I won’t have room for my smaller plants. Thoughts?

[@janineloftin2151]

Hi Bill, Do all of your plumerias bloom? I am guessing, that I have not found the best location for my plumeria.......yours has really long leaves, mine are short. How old are your plumerias? Have a wonderful day. 🌸

[@PlantzNThings]

These ones have not yet bloomed for me... i started them from seed maybe 5 years ago. They require a lot of of fertilizer during the growing season.. i use a bloom booster with a high middle # the plumerias i grew from cuttings in the past would bloom every summer... but i was more diligent with feeding those :) and they like Lots of light...

[@janineloftin2151]

@@PlantzNThings Thanks, for sharing your knowledge. I was real concerned that the heat we were having in California, was going to kill the poor plumeria (the leaves got burned). I have only had my plumeria for 2 yrs., I bought it as a cutting. Thanks again for your words of wisdom regarding the plumerias. 😊

[@janineloftin2151]

Hey Bill, I just rec'd my banana plant. Are they picky about their water? Thank you

[@susanthomas6130]

I have 3 potted plants on my deck that are about 5.5 ft tall. I live in zone 6, ts 9/29/21 and they are still blooming. I usually put them in my basement and let them alone till spring but they are getting so big! Can I prune them hard right now?

[@PlantzNThings]

Yes... personally I think for us zone 6ers this is the best time to prune... gives you lots of time to let the cuttings callus before planting and it takes a few months for new growth to start showing on the main plant.. by spring you should be starting to see the new growths start pushing leaves

[@susanthomas6130]

@@PlantzNThings Thanks!

[@annturner7088]

Hi I chopped mine in half cos it got taller than I wanted....will it regrow again, have you done this, I think I saw 1 of your video where you has bought them like sticks

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Why? Itll regrow from the trunk too

[@PlantzNThings]

Yes I have, they root easily from cuttings... just let the cutting callus for a few days before you plant it... and the original plant will branch out as well. it will just take time

[@annturner7088]

PlantzNThings Thankyou. Bill

[@Shannoncdbr100]

Can you overwinter them bare rooted?

[@PlantzNThings]

I've heard you can... but I have never tried.

[@jansmallwood3189]

If the plant has an older fork do I leave it or cut off the lower/upper one while dormant?

[@PlantzNThings]

I don't understand the question? by fork do you mean the branching stems? i would leave them alone... unless you are trying to propagate your plant.

[@jansmallwood3189]

@@PlantzNThings no, the main trunk was split half way up it's overall height when I was given it. Looks more like a deciduous tree trunk.

[@lmarts]

I noticed you have a Tetrapanax Papyrifer and, if I'm not wrong, an Ensete Ventricosum. Their size make me think they're in the ground. How come they survive in zone 6b?? I live in zone 10a and I was worried about mine! (I also got these since last Spring).

[@PlantzNThings]

The tetrapanax is actually a papaya.... the papaya was in a pot and I would keep it in the house over winter... it actually went dormant and returned to life in the spring... tougher than I thought... and the ensete I would dig up and put it in a pot in the house for winter.... now I've started to store them dormant in my garage...

[@lmarts]

@@PlantzNThings Wow! I've never seen a papaya tree like that since they use to be slender, just one trunk, no branches. It really looks like a Tetrapanax. Got one papaya tree too with fruit. We'll see how it does in winter here. Anyway yours looks great. Thanks for the video btw!

[@ToTheCrag]

Is it me or there are sirens wailing in the background at the beginning of the video

[@PlantzNThings]

I'm sure it was a siren. It's used for the volunteer fire fighters in town from what I understand... it goes off frequently enough that I'm desensitized to it now...lol

[@susannefisher9568]

Am I supposed to to cut off the top part where the flowers have bloomed too?

[@PlantzNThings]

Just remove the leaves not the big stem/trunk... leave the tiny leaves that are just emerging

[@ronmurray3811]

It's 30 degrees outside now. It has been 63 degrees until 2hours ago. How long before the plumeria freezes? Both plumerias are 8 ft tall. I have had them for years. I don't want those them from freezing. However I can't bring them in the house this year.How can I save them from freezing?

[@PlantzNThings]

You can try putting a sheet over it.. possibly a small space heater.. just be careful if you use a space heater .

[@tresgooch]

How bout digging up colocasia? If you had time.

[@PlantzNThings]

Just uploaded the alocasia video Friday :) my colocasia will wait until they are touched by frost before I dig them... I store those dormant

[@estrellabonifacio5573]

Does it boom flowers still in cold climate? I dont see your plumeria has floers.

[@PlantzNThings]

They do bloom yes.. they need to be fed often to get them primed for flowering.. once you get to that point they seem to always be in bloom... or producing another inflorecence

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

What about in cold climates in Canada, where the plumeria is grown indoors? Mine never seems to go dormant. Is that a problem?

[@PlantzNThings]

Good question :)... If you are lucky enough to get enough light that your plant can grow normally and not stretch there is no need to have them go completely dormant. their growth may slow and the watering will need to be adjusted accordingly. but mass leaf loss can usually be avoided... and you are lucky that you won't kill any newly emerging inflows.

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

@@PlantzNThings thanks very much. I used grow lights in the winter. The plant is about 3 years old and last week a lamp fell on it and broke two branches off, but its okay and healing well.

[@Ben-lo7cy]

I do hvac and a customer gave me a cutting last winter, it was finally about to flower so I could see what color it is but then winter came 😐

[@PlantzNThings]

That was nice of your customer 😀 and I hate when that happens... if you have a bright window you can keep it growing so you don't loose the flower.

[@finiannebraganza9927]

How do I get more leaves on them

[@PlantzNThings]

Keep them warm and very bright... water as the soil gets dry

[@rahmikoksal4800]

Paylaşım için teşekkürler. Sizi daha iyi anlamam için türkçe altyazı ilave edermisiniz

[@fernandosapini4610]

Grazie Tanto