Falling leaves on a plumeria are often normal. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Plumeria says that in Florida most plumeria tend to be dormant and lose their leaves in the winter months, and that the leafless stems can stay green and keep photosynthesizing. The RHS frangipani guide gives a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and says to keep the plant dry in winter, so a bare plant in a cool, dry spot is not necessarily dead.
Dormancy
UF/IFAS says most plumeria are dormant and lose their leaves in winter, and that stems can stay green without leaves. The RHS says to keep the plant dry in an airy, dry atmosphere in winter, similar to the winter needs of cacti, not to feed during winter, and to start watering again in mid-March. Together they point to leaf drop in winter as part of the plant’s cycle when the plant is kept dry and cool.
Cold
The RHS says the minimum temperature is 15°C (60°F), and that colder conditions can cause the growing tips to rot. A tip that is blackened or soft in winter is a different problem from ordinary leaf drop.
Rust
UF/IFAS says rust is a common fungal disease on the leaf undersides that builds up through the growing season. It advises removing and discarding dead leaves in fall, and notes chemical fungicides can also help. The RHS names glasshouse red spider mite as a possible pest under glass.
What the sources do not cover
Neither source explains leaf drop from overwatering, low light or sudden moves, so this page does not claim those causes. If the plant is dropping leaves in its growing season, check for pests and fungal spots first, and see Plumeria Indoors for the full care outline.
Frequently asked questions
Is my plumeria dead if it has no leaves?
UF/IFAS says leafless stems can stay green and keep photosynthesizing, and that dormancy in winter is typical.
When do I water again?
The RHS says to start watering again in mid-March after a dry winter.
What temperature rots the tips?
The RHS says colder than the 15°C minimum can cause the growing tips to rot.
Should I prune the bare branches?
The RHS says to avoid pruning because the wood is soft, and to prune only in early spring while dormant.
Sources read for this page
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page gives general guidance; see the Disclaimer.
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