Expert: Nick McCann - 10/30/2009

Question
Help..appears they are all dying..combination of black spots and yellowy gold powdery substance on leaves.  I have them in pots on my porch...can they be saved?  Should I plant them in the ground?


Answer
Hi Jackie, you didn't say where you live, but here in South Florida, Plumerias go semi dormant in the Winter, they lose their leaves (after turning yellow..) and remain just bare throughout the cold season; they will send out new growth again in the Spring, when the nights warm up. The yellow substance is a fungus that is pretty common, and won't kill the plant, but the leaves will fall off if you are located in a Climate zone of 10 or lower. Nick