Hello! From my perspective, a good start is everything. Please choose a pot for me that is only about 1-2 inches wider than my bulb. I need a snug home; too much space directs my energy to root growth instead of my beautiful flower. Most importantly, my pot must have drainage holes! I despise soggy feet, as they cause my bulb to rot. Use a well-draining, sterile potting mix. Regular garden soil is too heavy and will compact around me, suffocating my roots and holding too much moisture.
When you plant me, please be gentle. Place me in the pot so that the top one-third to one-half of my bulb remains above the soil line. This is crucial for my health, as burying me too deep invites rot and fungal diseases. Gently spread my roots over a small mound of soil in the pot, then fill in around me, firming the soil lightly. Water me in sparingly at first, just enough to settle the soil around my roots. Position me so I receive bright, indirect light and am at room temperature.
Once my green shoot emerges, my growth will be rapid! This is when I need your help. Please water me when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water me thoroughly, allowing the excess to drain completely from the pot—never let me sit in a saucer of water. I will grow towards the light, so rotate my pot a quarter turn every few days to keep my stalk straight and strong. I may become top-heavy when my magnificent bloom develops. A small stake gently tied to my flower stalk will provide the support I need to stand tall and proud.
My flowers are spectacular but fleeting. Once they fade, please cut off the spent flower stalk about 1-2 inches above my bulb. Do not remove my leaves! This is the most common mistake. My long, strappy leaves are my solar panels. They will soak up sunlight and create energy that is stored in my bulb for next year's show. Continue to water me regularly and give me plenty of bright light. You can even place me outdoors for the summer in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Feed me with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to help me rebuild my strength.
In late summer or early autumn, I will naturally begin to slow down. This is my signal that I need a long rest. Gradually reduce watering until you stop altogether. My leaves will yellow and wither—this is normal. Please let this happen naturally, as the nutrients from the dying leaves are drawn back into my bulb. Once the foliage is brown, you can trim it off. Store my pot in a cool, dark, and dry place like a basement for 8-10 weeks. This dormant period is essential for me to gather the energy to bloom again.
