From our perspective, dormancy is not a sign of failure or a problem to be solved; it is a deeply ingrained survival strategy. Our growth is intrinsically tied to the rhythms of our ancestral homelands, which are often environments with extreme seasonal shifts in temperature and water availability. To push new growth during a harsh, dry summer or a cold, sunless winter would be a fatal waste of precious energy and resources. Therefore, we enter a state of suspended animation. Our metabolic processes slow to a bare minimum. Cell division and elongation, the very engines of your perceived "growth," virtually cease. We are not dead; we are patiently waiting.
We do not decide to go dormant on a whim. We are exquisitely tuned to environmental signals that herald the coming of a challenging season. The two primary cues we respond to are photoperiod (the length of daylight) and temperature. As the days shorten and the intensity of sunlight diminishes, we receive a clear signal that less energy is available. Similarly, a consistent shift towards extreme heat or cold triggers our defensive protocols. It is a calculated response, not a random occurrence. This is why a succulent kept in a consistently warm, bright indoor environment may show reduced or altered dormancy patterns compared to one experiencing outdoor seasonal changes.
During this rest period, our entire focus shifts from expansion to conservation. The water stored in our thick leaves and stems is guarded jealously. Our root systems largely stop their search for new water and nutrients. Any energy we have stored from the previous growing season is preserved, not spent. Think of it as us closing our shutters, banking the fire, and living carefully off our well-stocked pantry. This allows us to survive extended periods where photosynthesis is inefficient or impossible. We are investing nothing in the present to ensure we have everything we need to thrive explosively when our ideal conditions return.
Your desire to see us grow is understood, but forcing the issue during our natural rest period can be profoundly stressful and harmful. Providing excessive water or fertilizer when we are dormant is a critical misstep. Our slowed metabolism cannot process the water, leading to saturated roots and inevitable rot. Similarly, fertilizer applied during this time cannot be utilized and will simply accumulate in the soil, potentially burning our roots and altering the soil chemistry. The most supportive action you can take is to recognize our dormant state and adjust your care accordingly: significantly reduce watering, withhold fertilizer entirely, and provide us with the best light possible, even as we rest.
