Last winter I overwintered a 5 ft plumeria in the basement. 55F hardly any light, and it did as well as its companion I left in the sunroom (minus spider mites!) What is the preferred overwintering method in zone 6? Did I just get lucky or should I put both plants in the basement (sunroom gets crowded with hibiscus and clerodendrons)
overwintering
No problem overwintering them in a dark place. They loose all of there leaves met get new leaves next spring. I did this before. But usely I am overwintering them in a sunny place so I can extend the growing period. And I hope my seedling bloom faster.
it's possible that you might have just got lucky. LOL if you don't really have to put it in the basement i would not. they can still photosynthesis during their semi-dormant state.
I have at least 40 and is new to plumeria, perhaps 4 years. They occupy our sun room which has glass windows on 3 sides. Our sun room was intended to relax and see the back gardens but now it is packed with plants. I do have problems with aphids and spider mites during winter and a lot of the plants gets infected. I used diluted soap dish solution and luckily I had not lose any plant. I have however this sticky residue on the floor that needs to be thoroughly scrubbed after the plants are taken outside. Is there a way of preventing aphids and spider mites. Is there a solution i can dilute and put in the soil? I now remove the rug as well as all furniture to make room for all the tropicals. I have too much potted plants that I can not do it so I have to employ help!! LOL!!! Thank you, Belle
We have a big ceiling fan that runs 24/7 and it is a 4 season addition. I will remove all the leaves then. No insecticide ? I did not realize that the buds takes a long time to open. I am learning a lot. Thank you. Belle
hi belle,
i spray mine with a horticultural oil. that seems to do the trick since it actually stays on the tips and leaves for months.
Thanks for this wonderful info! This year I will switch and keep in the sunroom the plumeria that was in the basement last year because some of the flowers are starting to pop out. I drenched it with Pyola and I will keep an eye on pests. Not enough room in my sunroom: I have 5 hibiscus, a big clerodendron ugandese and more... I have an overhead fan going on 24/7. Thank you all!
Hi Tucson plum,
What kind of horticultural oil? have 4 that are budding so I am not bringing them in yet, maybe in 2-3 weeks. Our temp is 70-80 during the day and I hope they can withstand this temp. thank you, Belle
any kind for semi-dormant or dormant plants should work. i have used ultrafine in the past.
Where do I get this oil? I have neem oil for brugs will it work? Belle
you can get horticultural oils where you fulfill your plant needs. neem oil works. does it leave a sheen on your brug leaves for weeks?
Yes it does and it works. It is kind of pricey, I will visit the nursery and see if they have cheaper oils. No insecticides to put in the soil? Sometimes it works better because it is systemic which ,means it get absorbed.
i try to avoid the insecticides. mostly it's just the oil for me. i have not tried neem before but might look into it. it's supposed to be safer for the beneficial insects.
The Neem oil smell makes me sick. I use it on occasion but might start using the horticultural oil if it does not have the odor that neem oil does.
HO has a pleasant smell.
I used bayer systemic for roses on my brugs, I think someone said I could use it on the plumerias also, but can't seem to find that now. I go spray free in the summer but can't handle those spider mites in the winter in the garden room.
Dutchlady1, up here in Brandon we get a bit cooler than you do down there, when should I bring the Plumeria inside? they are still outside trying to grow roots for now *LOL* I need to get them into their own pots soon, but dont' want to put them in the garage or the game room ((only room with south and west facing windows)) till the very last minute.