Plumeria Winter Care and Overwintering

At What Temperature Should You Bring Plumeria Inside?

Bring plumerias indoors when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 40°F. A single frost can cause severe damage or kill the plant.

Plumerias have zero frost tolerance, so watch the forecast closely as fall temperatures fall. Growing in containers you can move makes this easy — carry them into a garage or indoors on cold nights and return them to the patio once the cold snap passes.

Can Plumeria Survive Winter Outside in Zone 9?

In zone 9, plumeria can survive winter outside only with protection. In zone 9 areas like Orlando and Houston, grow in containers you can move inside on frost nights.

If you live in USDA zones 10 or 11 where frost is rare:

• Plumerias can stay outdoors year-round in zones 10 and 11.
• Reduce watering frequency as growth slows.
• Stop fertilizing until spring growth resumes.
• Have a plan to cover or move plants on the rare occasion frost is forecast.

How Do You Store a Dormant Plumeria Over Winter?

Store a dormant plumeria in any space above freezing — ideally 45–55°F — and stop watering entirely; no light is needed. This is the simplest approach and works for all deciduous plumeria varieties (everything except Singapore White).

• Allow the plant to naturally drop its leaves as temperatures cool.
• Stop watering completely once leaves have fallen.
• Store in any space above freezing — closet, garage, basement, or spare room.
• No light needed. No water needed. Just leave it alone until spring.
• The bare stems may look dead, but the plant is simply resting.

How Do You Overwinter Plumeria Indoors?

To overwinter a plumeria indoors, place it near your brightest window and water very sparingly — only when the stems start to look shriveled. This keeps the plant semi-active and holding its leaves through winter.

• Place near the brightest window available — south-facing is ideal.
• Water very sparingly — only when stems start to look shriveled.
• No fertilizer during this period.
• Growth will be slow, but the plant maintains its leaves.

How Do You Wake a Dormant Plumeria Up in Spring?

Wake a dormant plumeria once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F: move it outside gradually and resume watering as new growth appears.

1. Move outside gradually — start in partial shade for 1–2 weeks to prevent sunburn on new growth.
2. Resume watering — start with light watering, increasing as new leaves emerge.
3. Begin fertilizing — apply bloom-boosting fertilizer (see our fertilizer guide) once active growth is visible.
4. Inspect for pests — check for any issues before the growing season begins.

What Winter Problems Should You Watch For?

The most common winter issues are wrinkled stems, soft rot, mold, and slow spring wake-up — most are easy to correct.

• Wrinkled stems: Normal during dormancy. Scratch-test to confirm the plant is alive (green underneath = alive).
• Soft or mushy stems: Likely stem rot from too much moisture. Cut to clean white wood, let callus for 7 days, and replant in dry soil.
• Mold on stems: Improve air circulation in the storage area. Wipe off with a dry cloth.
• No new growth in spring: Be patient — some varieties take longer to wake up. Ensure warmth and light are adequate.