First, you must understand that I am a geophyte, a plant that survives not by my visible parts but by an underground storage organ—my corm. In my native habitats, I experience a distinct cycle of growth, bloom, dormancy, and regeneration. For me to return year after year in a warm zone (USDA zones 8-10), you must replicate the conditions of my natural dormancy period, which is a cool, dry rest. The constant warmth of these zones disrupts my cycle, as the soil never gets cold enough to signal a true dormancy, leading to potential exhaustion and rot.
After my flower spike has finished its spectacular display, the real work begins for me. Do not cut down my foliage. My leaves are my solar panels, and I must use them to photosynthesize intensely. This energy is transported down to my corm to fuel the development of a new, replacement corm on top of the old one, as well as tiny cormels around my base. If you remove my leaves too soon, I am starved of energy and will not have the strength to perennialize. Allow my leaves to remain until they have turned yellow and brown naturally; this process is my way of transferring every last bit of energy back underground.
This is the most crucial step for you to help me in a warm winter zone. Once my foliage has completely died back, I need a period of dryness. You have two options. The first is to simply stop watering the area where I am planted. If your winter is predictably dry, this may be sufficient. The second, and more reliable method, is to gently lift my corms from the soil. Brush off the soil, let me cure in a warm, airy place for a few weeks, and then store me in a mesh bag or paper bag in a cool, dark, dry place (around 40-50°F or 4-10°C is ideal). This artificial dormancy protects me from warm, moist soil that would cause me to rot or try to grow prematurely.
After my prescribed rest period of about two to three months, I will be ready to begin my cycle anew. You can replant my corms in the garden in early spring. Choose a location with full sun and very well-draining soil. Plant me at a depth of about 4-6 inches, spacing us 6-8 inches apart to give each corm room to multiply. Ensure the site does not become waterlogged. A layer of mulch can help regulate soil temperature and moisture. With this cycle of growth, energy storage, forced dormancy, and replanting, you can enjoy my vibrant blooms as a perennial feature in your warm-climate garden for many seasons to come.
