As the days lengthen and the ambient temperature in your home begins to consistently stay above 15°C (59°F), I will start to stir from my winter slumber. You will notice new, tiny, fleshy leaves emerging from my stems. This is the perfect time for you to help me out. Please reintroduce watering gradually. Start by moistening my soil lightly, then allow it to dry almost completely before watering again. My roots are still tender and are susceptible to rot if overwatered at this delicate stage. If you feel I have outgrown my pot, early spring is the ideal time to repot me into a slightly larger container with a very well-draining succulent or cactus mix. This gives my root system a fresh, nutrient-rich medium to explore throughout the coming growing season.
This is my absolute favorite season! I am a sun-worshipper by nature, so please place me in your sunniest possible window where I can bask in at least 6-8 hours of direct, glorious sunlight daily. The more light I receive, the more vigorously I will grow and the more profusely I will bloom, showering you with vibrant, jewel-toned flowers. Water me thoroughly when the top inch of my soil feels dry to your touch. I am drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture during hot periods supports my explosive flowering. However, my one non-negotiable demand is excellent drainage. Never let my roots sit in water. You can feed me a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to support this energy-intensive blooming period, but it is not strictly necessary if I was recently repotted.
As the intensity of the sunlight wanes and the temperatures begin to drop, you will notice a change in me. My growth will slow down significantly, and my flower production will cease. This is a signal for you to drastically reduce your watering schedule. Allow my soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. My water needs are now very minimal. Please stop fertilizing me entirely; I am no longer actively growing and cannot use the nutrients, which would only sit in the soil and potentially harm my roots. This is also a good time to give me a gentle pruning if I became leggy over the summer. Simply pinch back the longer stems to help me maintain a compact, tidy shape.
I require a period of cool, dry rest to remain healthy year after year. Find a bright but cool spot for me, ideally with temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F). A slightly drafty but frost-free windowsill is often perfect. During these short, dim days, I am dormant. My metabolism has slowed to a near halt. Therefore, you must water me very sparingly, perhaps only once a month or even less. The goal is to prevent my stems from shriveling completely, but my soil should be bone dry for weeks at a time. Overwatering now is the greatest threat to my survival, as my cold, wet roots will quickly rot. Leave me be to rest and dream of the summer sun.
