First, it is crucial to understand that we are perennial plants. Our natural lifecycle prepares us for winter by entering a period of dormancy. This is not death but a deep rest where our growth slows dramatically to conserve energy. Attempting to keep us growing lush and flowering indoors through winter is unnatural and ultimately stressful. The goal of winter care is to provide a cool, resting period that mimics our outdoor cycle, allowing us to gather strength for a vibrant return in spring.
We do not require a tropical environment indoors. In fact, excessive heat and low light will cause us to become weak and leggy as we stretch desperately for sunlight. The ideal scenario is to provide a cool dormancy. An unheated garage, a cool basement, or a sheltered porch where temperatures stay consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C) is perfect. This cold period is vital for triggering and sustaining our dormancy, ensuring we do not expend energy on futile growth.
Before bringing us indoors, you should cut our stems back to about 2-3 inches above the soil line. This serves two purposes for us: it removes dying foliage that could harbor pests or fungi, and it signals to our root system that it is time to rest. Please ensure your pruning tools are clean to avoid introducing disease. A thorough check for insects on the remaining crown and the soil surface is also essential to prevent bringing pests inside with you.
Our watering needs change drastically during dormancy. Our roots must never be allowed to completely dry out and become brittle, but sitting in wet, cold soil is a sure path to root rot. The goal is to provide just enough moisture to sustain the roots. Check the soil every few weeks; it should feel barely moist, like a wrung-out sponge. You may only need to provide a small amount of water once a month or even less, depending on the coolness and humidity of our storage location.
While we are dormant, our light requirements are minimal. A completely dark location is acceptable, though a spot with indirect, low light is also fine. The key is to avoid warm, sunny windowsills which might prematurely trick us into breaking dormancy. Please visit us occasionally not just for water checks, but also to ensure no mold is developing on the soil surface and that no pests have appeared. Gentle air circulation can help prevent these issues.
As the days lengthen in early spring, you will notice new green shoots emerging from our crown. This is our signal that we are ready to end our rest. Gradually introduce us to warmer temperatures and brighter light. Once the danger of a hard frost has passed outdoors, you can begin to acclimate us to outside conditions before replanting us in the garden, where we will gratefully reward you with a new season of growth and blooms.
