From a plant's perspective, dormancy is not a period of inactivity but a highly evolved survival strategy. For the Clivia, a native of the South African understory, the dormancy period is a direct response to its natural environment's seasonal shifts. As days shorten and temperatures drop in its habitat, the plant perceives these environmental cues as a signal of impending unfavorable conditions—a time of cooler weather and reduced water availability. To conserve vital energy and resources for future growth and reproduction, the Clivia enters a state of rest. It drastically slows down its metabolic processes, including photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, to a maintenance level. This allows it to endure a simulated "dry season" by relying on the substantial energy reserves stored within its thick, fleshy roots.
The Clivia plant relies on two primary environmental signals to initiate its dormancy: temperature and light. A significant and consistent drop in temperature, typically to a range of 50-55°F (10-13°C), is the most crucial trigger. This cooler environment tells the plant that it is time to halt active foliage growth. Concurrently, the reduced photoperiod (shorter days) complements the temperature signal. While not as critical as the cold, the diminishing light reinforces the message that the growing season is over. From the plant's viewpoint, these combined factors create an undeniable instruction to redirect energy from leaf production to safeguarding the core of the plant—the rhizome and root system—ensuring its long-term survival.
During this dormant phase, the plant's internal activity focuses on protection and strategic resource management. The thick, white roots act as a pantry, storing carbohydrates and water accumulated during the active growing season. The plant's energy is diverted away from the large, strap-like leaves, which may show minimal or no new growth. Instead, resources are concentrated on maintaining root health and, most importantly, initiating the development of the flower bud deep within the leaf base. This internal reallocation is the entire purpose of the dormancy from a reproductive standpoint. Without this cool, dry rest period, the hormonal triggers for flowering (primarily related to gibberellin) are not activated, and the plant will likely continue producing only foliage, missing its chance to reproduce.
The conclusion of the dormancy period is triggered by a reversal of the initial environmental cues. As temperatures begin to steadily rise and the days gradually lengthen, the Clivia interprets this as the return of the rainy season and favorable growing conditions. This signals the plant to break its dormancy. It resumes active metabolic functions, drawing upon the stored energy in its roots to fuel a surge of new growth. The first visible sign is often the emergence of a flower spike (scape) from between the leaves, followed by the development of new roots and, subsequently, fresh foliage. This carefully timed exit ensures the plant flowers precisely when conditions are optimal for pollinators and for the subsequent development of its berries.
