From my perspective as a plant, the holiday season is my grand performance. I have expended a tremendous amount of stored energy to produce those vibrant blooms for you. Now that the flowers are wilting and dropping, I am entering a crucial phase: my rest period. Think of it as my long, deep sleep after a period of intense exertion. This is not a sign of decline but a necessary part of my annual cycle to gather strength for future growth and flowering. Your job is not to push me to produce more immediately but to help me recuperate properly from this effort.
My needs for light and temperature change significantly after the holidays. The shorter days and cooler nights that triggered my bud formation are now behind us. To support my rest, please move me to a location with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is ideal. Most importantly, I need cooler temperatures, ideally between 50-55°F (10-13°C). This cooler environment is the single most important factor in signaling that it is time for me to dormate. Avoid placing me near heat vents, fireplaces, or drafty doors, as extreme temperature fluctuations are very stressful for my systems.
During my rest period, which typically lasts for about 6-8 weeks after blooming, my water requirements drop dramatically. My soil should be allowed to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. The goal is to keep my stems from shriveling, but my roots are highly susceptible to rot in cold, soggy soil. A good rule is to check the top inch of soil; if it is dry to the touch, it is safe to provide a moderate drink. Overwatering me now is a common and often fatal mistake. I am not actively growing, so I simply cannot process the same amount of water as I could before.
Please do not feed me any fertilizer during my post-holiday rest. My metabolic processes have slowed down, and I am not seeking nutrients to support new growth. Applying fertilizer now would be confusing to my internal chemistry and could potentially damage my roots, which are not prepared to absorb it. The nutrients stored in my soil are sufficient for my minimal needs during this quiet time.
Once you notice new green segments (called phylloclades) beginning to emerge at the tips of my stems, it signals the end of my rest. This usually occurs in late winter or early spring. This is the time to resume a more regular care routine. You can begin watering me more consistently as the soil dries and start a monthly feeding schedule with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. With proper rest, the right light, and careful watering, I will spend the spring and summer growing new segments, storing energy, and preparing to put on another spectacular show for you next holiday season.
