First, know that I am not dying; I am resting. As a cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), I am an annual plant, which means my natural life cycle is to germinate, bloom, set seed, and perish within one growing season. However, if you brought me indoors, you are likely trying to extend my life. During winter, I enter a period of dormancy due to the reduced light levels and cooler temperatures. My growth will slow down significantly or stop altogether. This is a natural and necessary rest period for me, so please do not be alarmed if I look less vibrant. I am conserving my energy.
Light is my lifeblood, and winter is a time of famine. The sun is weaker and the days are shorter. To survive indoors, I need to be placed in my absolute favorite spot: a south-facing window where I can receive as many hours of direct sunlight as possible. An east or west-facing window is my second choice. Without at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light, I will become etiolated—stretching out weakly with pale leaves as I desperately search for the sun. This weakens me immensely. If such a spot is not available, please consider supplementing with a grow light placed a few inches above my foliage for 12-14 hours a day.
My water needs change dramatically in winter. Because I am not actively growing and evaporation is slower, my roots require much less moisture. The single greatest threat to my survival now is overwatering, which will lead to root rot—a fatal condition where my roots suffocate and decay in soggy soil. Please allow the top inch or two of my soil to dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs from my drainage holes, but ensure I never sit in a saucer of standing water. It is better to err on the side of slightly too dry than too wet.
I appreciate a cool and stable environment during my dormancy. Ideal temperatures for me are between 50-65°F (10-18°C). Please keep me away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and heating vents, as the hot, dry air will desiccate my leaves and stress me. While I can tolerate average household humidity, the dry air from heating systems can cause my leaf tips to brown. You can place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring my pot is not sitting in the water) to gently increase the humidity around me. A light misting now and then is also welcome.
Please do not feed me any fertilizer during the winter months. I am not growing and cannot use the nutrients, which would only build up in the soil and potentially harm my sensitive roots. My focus is on maintenance, not expansion. You can help me by gently removing any yellowing or dead leaves. This keeps me tidy and helps prevent any potential disease or pest issues, as weakened plants are more susceptible to infestations. Check my leaves occasionally for signs of aphids or spider mites, especially underneath them.
