From my perspective, flowering is the pinnacle of my existence, a massive energy expenditure reserved for the most opportune time. I am a perennial plant with a built-in rhythm tied to the seasons. My natural cycle is to bloom in the cool, bright days of fall, winter, and into spring, then enter a dormant period during the hot, dry summer. If you purchased me while I was in a forced bloom at a nursery and I am now in my natural dormancy, I am simply resting and gathering strength. Pushing out flowers now would be exhausting and unsustainable. Please respect my need for this seasonal rest; I will reward you with blooms when my internal clock tells me the time is right again.
I thrive in conditions that would make many other houseplants shiver. My ideal flowering temperature is between 50°F and 65°F (10°C and 18°C). If my leaves are constantly warmed by a stuffy room temperature above 68°F (20°C), I get confused. My metabolism speeds up, I think it's time to conserve energy instead of bloom, and I may even start to drop my buds in protest. A consistently warm environment signals the approach of my dormant summer phase, halting flower production entirely. A cool, bright spot away from heat vents and direct fireplaces is where I am happiest and most likely to produce those flowers you desire.
Watering is a delicate dance for me. I despise having wet feet—it causes my tuber to rot, which is a death sentence. Conversely, if I am left to wilt and dry out completely, I go into survival mode. Buds and flowers are the first things I sacrifice to conserve water and energy. The goal is consistently lightly moist soil, never soggy and never bone-dry. Please water me from below by placing my pot in a saucer of water for about 15 minutes, allowing me to drink what I need. Then, always discard any excess water. This keeps my crown and tuber dry and happy, creating the stable conditions I need to support a bloom.
Creating flowers is nutrient-intensive work. If I have been in the same soil for a long time or have been constantly blooming, I may have exhausted the available nutrients. A half-strength, high-potassium fertilizer every two to four weeks during my active growth and bloom period can provide the extra boost I need. Furthermore, if my roots are terribly pot-bound, I become stressed and lack the space to gather resources. Conversely, a pot that is too large holds excess moisture, risking the root rot I fear so much. A snug but not severely cramped pot is perfect for me.
I am a creature of bright but indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight I would receive on a forest floor in my native habitat. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially through a window, will scorch my delicate leaves, causing them to yellow and curl. This damage limits my ability to photosynthesize and create the food required for flowering. On the other hand, a dark corner is equally problematic. Without sufficient bright light, I cannot produce enough energy to form buds. A north or east-facing window is usually ideal, providing the bright, cool light I crave without the harshness of direct afternoon sun.
