To successfully grow me as a houseplant, you must first understand my natural life cycle. I am a perennial tuberous plant that enters a period of dormancy. In my native Mediterranean climate, I bloom gloriously in the cool, moist spring, retreat as the summer heat arrives, and rest through the winter. To replicate this indoors, you must provide a distinct cool growing period followed by a dry dormancy. Forcing me to grow in constant warm, indoor conditions will lead to weak growth, failure to flower, and eventual death. Your goal is to simulate my ideal spring environment.
Begin with healthy, firm tubers, often purchased online or at nurseries in the fall. My tubers are dry and hard, resembling little brown octopuses. Before planting, they require a crucial rehydration period. Soak us in room-temperature water for 3-4 hours (no longer, as we can rot). We will plump up noticeably. This hydration jump-starts the growth process. Plant us in the fall (September to November) for late winter or early spring blooms, which aligns with our natural desire to grow during the cooler months.
We demand excellent drainage above all else. Plant us in a pot with ample drainage holes, using a lightweight, well-aerated potting mix. A blend designed for bulbs or a general mix amended with perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Plant us with the "tentacles" pointing downward, about 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Water us thoroughly after planting, and then wait until you see the first signs of green growth before watering again to prevent rot in the early stage.
Once planted, we need a cool location to encourage strong root development. A temperature between 50-60°F (10-15°C) is perfect. A cool sunroom, a bright garage window, or even the coolest spot in your house will suffice. As sprouts emerge, we require as much direct sunlight as you can provide. A south-facing window is best. We are cool-season plants and will struggle and become leggy if kept too warm. Consistently cool temperatures are the secret to sturdy stems and prolific flowering.
Water us regularly once growth is active, keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. We are heavy feeders during our growth period. Feed us with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two weeks to support the energy-intensive process of producing our intricate blooms. Avoid getting water on our leaves and flowers to prevent disease.
After our spectacular bloom period ends, our foliage will begin to yellow and die back. This is not a sign of failure but a signal that we are entering our necessary dormancy. Cease watering entirely at this stage. Allow the foliage to die back completely. You can then dig up our tubers, brush off the soil, and store us in a cool, dry, dark place in a paper bag until the next fall's planting cycle. Alternatively, you can leave us dry in our pot and store the entire pot until it's time to start the process again.
