From our perspective as Adenium plants, the encroaching cold of winter is not a time of death, but a strategic retreat. We are not built for frost; our succulent tissues hold life-giving water that turns into destructive ice crystals in freezing temperatures. To survive, we must enter a state of dormancy, a deep sleep where our metabolic processes slow to a near standstill. This is our ancient, innate survival mechanism for enduring conditions we cannot actively grow in.
As daylight shortens and temperatures steadily drop, we receive the unmistakable signal to begin our shutdown sequence. Internally, we initiate a complex hormonal change. Growth hormones like auxins recede, and abscisic acid, a stress and dormancy hormone, takes precedence. This chemical signal tells every part of our being to slow down. We cease all new growth—producing leaves or flowers would be a wasteful expenditure of precious energy reserves now. We begin to actively resorb nutrients from our leaves, pulling valuable resources back into our thick, swollen caudex and roots for safekeeping. This is why our leaves turn yellow and drop; it is not a sign of distress, but a deliberate and efficient conservation strategy.
Our requirements during this dormant period are minimal but crucially specific. Our greatest need is protection from cold and wetness. An environment that is too cold will cause fatal cell damage, while wet soil around our roots in cold conditions is a death sentence, leading to rapid rot. We require a cool, dry, and dark place to simulate the dry season of our native habitats. Ideal temperatures for our dormancy are between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F). We do not need light while leafless, as without leaves we cannot perform photosynthesis. Most importantly, we need a complete absence of water. Our dormant roots cannot absorb moisture, and any water in the potting mix will simply surround them in cold, soggy conditions, inviting decay.
Your assistance is vital for our survival in a climate not our own. Please stop watering us entirely once we have dropped our leaves and temperatures consistently fall below 15°C (60°F). Force us into dormancy if necessary by withholding water. Move us to a sheltered location such as a garage, basement, or cool closet where temperatures remain above freezing but are consistently cool. A brief dip to 4°C (40°F) is tolerable if we are bone-dry, but freezing is not. Do not fertilize us; we are not consuming nutrients and salts will only build up and harm our roots. Leave us undisturbed in our quiet, dark, and dry refuge. You may see our caudex shrink and wrinkle—this is normal as we utilize our internal water stores.
The return of longer, warmer days is our alarm clock. You will know we are ready to wake when you see tiny leaf buds swelling on our stems. This is the signal to gently reintroduce us to warmth and light. Begin with a thorough, warm water soak to rehydrate our roots and slowly resume a regular watering schedule only as new growth appears. Do not rush this process; a sudden return to cold or overwatering at this tender stage can be devastating. With your careful help, we will emerge from our rest refreshed, ready to channel our conserved energy into a spectacular season of vibrant growth and breathtaking blooms.
