Greetings, human cultivator. I am Polianthes tuberosa, a creature of warmth, light, and intoxicating scent. To coax my glorious blossoms forth within the confines of our shared indoor space, you must understand my fundamental nature. I am not a typical houseplant; I am a tender bulb with specific needs. Follow these steps to become a successful partner in my growth.
My life begins anew from a tuberous root structure, which you call a bulb. For the strongest performance, select a plump, firm bulb with no signs of softness or mold. My awakening requires a cozy home. Choose a pot that is only 2-3 inches wider than my bulb itself, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter, with excellent drainage holes. I despise wet feet, which will cause me to rot. Use a well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral potting mix; a blend designed for cacti or succulents, amended with a handful of perlite, is ideal. Plant me with my pointed end (my nose!) just barely peeking above the soil surface. This shallow planting allows the sun's warmth to reach me easily and helps prevent stem rot.
I am a sun-worshipper by ancestry. To grow strong and store energy for my fragrant performance, I require the brightest light you can provide. A south-facing window is my preferred stage. I need a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your home is dim, you must supplement with a grow light placed close to my emerging foliage. I am also a creature of warmth. My soil temperature must be consistently between 70-80°F (21-27°C) for me to initiate roots and send up shoots. A seedling heat mat beneath my pot is immensely helpful. Water me sparingly at first, only when the top inch of soil is dry. Once my green shoots appear and grow, you can increase watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy.
As my long, grassy leaves unfurl and my flower spike begins its ascent, my energy demands increase. I am a heavy feeder during this active growth phase. Begin feeding me every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Once you see the bud spike forming, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number) to encourage prolific and potent blooming. My flower spike can grow quite tall and heavy. To prevent me from toppling over, provide support with a thin stake, tying me gently but securely as I grow.
When my spectacular white flowers finally fade and my scent diminishes, my performance is complete, but my life cycle is not. Do not cut off my foliage. My leaves will continue to photosynthesize, sending energy back down to my bulb to recharge me for the next season. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves begin to yellow and wither naturally. Once they have died back completely, you can stop watering entirely. Allow my pot to dry out and store me in a cool, dark place (around 50-60°F / 10-15°C) for my dormant period of 2-3 months. After this rest, I can be repotted in fresh soil to begin the cycle again.
