Winterizing plumeria is largely a process of managing their natural dormancy. Because these are tropical plants, they will die if exposed to a hard freeze. The strategy you choose depends on whether your plants are in pots or in the ground.

1. Timing: When to Act You should begin the winterizing process when night temperatures consistently drop below 40°F (4°C). The Signs: Your plumeria will tell you it's ready by turning its leaves yellow and dropping them. The Rule: "No leaves, no water." Once the leaves fall, the plant’s metabolism slows down significantly.

2. Potted Plumeria (Most Common) If your plumeria is in a container, you have three main options: The "Stick" Method (Storage): Once the leaves have fallen, move the pot into a garage, closet, or basement. It does not need light. Keep it off cold concrete floors by placing it on a pallet or cardboard. Keep it Active: If you have a bright, warm sunroom (above 65°F), you can keep it growing. It may keep its leaves, but you must be careful not to overwater, as lower light levels make them prone to root rot. Bare Rooting: If you have many plants and little space, you can pull them out of the pots, shake off the dirt, and store the "sticks" in a box or hang them up.

3. In-Ground Plumeria If you live in a climate where it only frosts occasionally (like parts of Florida, Arizona, or California), you can leave them in the ground: Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots. Frost Cloth: Use breathable frost blankets (not plastic) to cover the tips. The growing tips are the most sensitive parts. Heat Sources: On very cold nights, string old-fashioned (non-LED) Christmas lights around the branches; the heat they emit can be enough to prevent frost damage.

4. Critical Care Tips

Stop Watering: This is the #1 rule. Most dormant plumerias die from root rot, not cold. Only give a tiny bit of water (maybe 1/2 cup) once a month if the trunk starts to look severely shriveled.

Stop Fertilizing: Cease all feeding by late September or early October. You don't want to encourage tender new growth that will immediately freeze.

Leaf Removal: If the leaves don't fall off on their own, you can snip them off, leaving about 1/2 inch of the stem (petiole) attached. This prevents "bleeding" and rot at the node. Watch for Pests: Spider mites love the dry air of indoor storage. Check the tips occasionally for fine webbing.