Watch out! First they take over the bathtub, then the kitchen, then the living room with the big screen TV. As if it isn't bad enough they take over your wallet.

Seriously, it is OK to water them in those conditions. They should use less water than outdoors, so check the soil moisture before watering. Don't be surprised if they go dormant anyway. Last winter, I had mine in an unheated greenhouse with grow lights. They did well for most of the winter, but some went dormant in February, although they came out of it in late March.
Mike

Mike I have a couple advantages over your greenhouse conditions. I have 12 hrs. of natural sunlight (well maybe you do too) and I think the temp. in my house will be warmer than the greenhouse so maybe that will be an advantage for me. I will do as you say and check the soil before I water. I think I'll wait till it's really dry. To me the only mistake a person can make is over watering a plumie. If you have the smarts to know when to water that's probably 80% of the risk.

Plumie

I'm in a similar situation and I was going to ask the same question. I have a clipping that i got in April, didn't bloom this summer, just grew plenty of leaves. I have it right in front of a large window that recieves most of the day's sun and I have a lamp over it as well. While it gets colder here in Vancouver, than So Cal, the house is always around 70 inside. I won't keep it too close to the window, as the windows will draw cold from outside. But it should be alright to keep watering I presume?

I usually stick my finger a bit more than an inch into the soil to check if it's dry before watering. Should be ok to keep doing this throughout the winter? Any other tips for me to keep my plant healthy over the winter?

Thanks

Plume;

I am in South Orange County. None of my plants will be coming in this winter. The cuttings I started in Mid-August will be moved to avoid rain, but that is it. Someone in your area may be able to reassure you that your plants donÂt need to come in.

Hi M

I hear you loud and clear!!!! I am so nervous abt. leaving them outside. In So. Orange Cty. the weather may be similar to the San Fernando Valley. BUT what worries me is that Woodland Hills is the coldest spot in the Valley. It is the hottest in the summerand the coldest in the winter. We're situated in like a bowl surrounded by mountains. In the winter in can get into the 30's at night.

You gave me food for thought but I'm wondering does it get that cold in Orange County.

Ever hear the expression "Killing them with kindness" maybe I oughto loosen up a little.

Plumie

Hi Plumie,

Winter lows in my area are in the low forties, with some nights getting down to the high thirties. If your winter lows are in this range, you should be ok. In Santa Barbara (which is pretty far north of you) I once saw a huge plumeria hedge up against the side of a house. This seems to have been a very special microclimate, as I donÂt know of another plumeria in Santa Barbara that is planted in the ground. The hedge was dormant at the time, so I donÂt know what variety it is. I guess this is a very lucky amateur who didnÂt know better, who has managed to produce a spectacular plant that runs all along the side of the house. Perhaps your property has a protected area that will stay at least in the high thirties at night. Plumeria in Southern California are more likely to drown than freeze during the winter.

Hi M

I got lucky like that person in S.B. Igot a plumeria abt. 3 yrs. ago didn't even know what to do with it. Just decided to stick it in the ground in a flower bed. The only thing I did that was right was use just cactus mix, didn't even use perlite (never heard of perlite) That little baby grew into a 5' tree that I posted on the forum it is gorgeous. I got lucky. Well now I learned a little and am being more sensible. In Woodland Hills it can get into the low 30's some nights, so I'm bringing everyone in. Ihave a 3 car garage and 2 cars, so no problem there. As far as the lawn goes no Plumie's there after talking to you and Bill forget that!!!

Plumie