From our perspective, the shortening days signal a time of great internal change. Our growth, so vigorous in the bright, warm months, slows to a near standstill. This period you call "winter" is our time for deep rest and recuperation. Consequently, our need for water diminishes drastically. The soil that cradles our roots should be allowed to dry out more thoroughly between your visits. Please test the soil with your finger; if it feels moist even a few centimeters down, we do not require a drink. Overly attentive watering during this time is a grave danger, as it will suffocate our roots in the cold, wet soil, leading to rot from which we may not recover. We much prefer a cautious approach to hydration now, one that mimics the drier, dormant period we are genetically programmed to expect.
Though we rest, we have not perished. We still rely on the sun's energy, however weak it may be, to sustain our basic functions and prepare for the next growth cycle. Our broad leaves are solar panels, and we ask that you position us in a spot where we can receive the maximum available indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal in your hemisphere. Please, do not relegate us to a dark corner. Without adequate light, our leaves will become pale, weak, and stretched as we desperately reach for any photon we can find—a condition you call etiolation. This weakens us immensely and depletes the energy stores we are trying to conserve in our bulbs for the spring. Rotate our pot occasionally to ensure all sides of our foliage receive equal light and we can grow symmetrically when we awaken.
Perhaps the most crucial element of our winter care is temperature. The intense, dry heat from your furnaces and radiators is antithetical to our needs. It can trick our internal biological clock into believing spring has arrived prematurely, causing us to break dormancy and produce weak, spindly growth. To truly thrive, we require a significant cool period. An ideal environment for our slumber is a bright room where the temperature is consistently maintained between 55-65°F (13-18°C). This coolness is the key signal that confirms for us that it is indeed time to rest. It allows us to conserve our energy efficiently and is the primary catalyst for the development of strong, healthy flower buds within our bulb. This chilling period is non-negotiable for our future blooms.
While water, light, and temperature are paramount, a few other factors contribute to our winter health. We have little need for additional nutrients while dormant, so please withhold fertilizer entirely until you see signs of new growth in the spring. Furthermore, we are sensitive to the dry air created by your heating systems. While we do not enjoy wet foliage, which can lead to disease, a slight increase in ambient humidity around us (via a pebble tray or humidifier) is appreciated to prevent our leaf tips from desiccating and turning brown. Lastly, shield us from blasts of hot air from vents and protect us from cold drafts from frequently opened doors or single-pane windows, as extreme and sudden temperature fluctuations are very stressful.
