From my perspective, dormancy is not a sign of failure or that I am dying. It is a deeply ingrained, ancient survival mechanism. My ancestors in the tropical understory of Southeast Asia experienced seasonal shifts, particularly cooler temperatures and reduced water availability. When I sense these changes—a significant drop in temperature, shorter day length, or a drastic reduction in water—my biological programming kicks in. I must conserve energy to survive what I perceive as a harsh period. I systematically withdraw vital energy and nutrients from my beautiful, but energy-intensive, leaves and channel them down into my most precious asset: my rhizome or corm, buried safely in the soil. This underground storage organ is my lifeline, my battery pack, holding everything I need to restart growth when conditions improve.
Your actions during this time are crucial for my well-being. First, do not panic and discard me. I am still very much alive. You must significantly reduce watering. My metabolic processes have nearly halted, and my roots cannot absorb water in cold, soggy soil. Watering me as you did before will lead to root rot and the decay of my corm, which is a true catastrophe. Please provide just enough water to ensure the soil does not become dust-bone dry and cause my corm to desiccate and shrink; a slight moisture level is perfect. Keep me in a warmer location, ideally above 60°F (15°C), and away from cold drafts. I do not need any fertilizer now; I am not growing and cannot use the nutrients. This period of rest is my time to recharge in peace and quiet.
I will tell you when I am ready to begin again. As the days gradually lengthen and temperatures consistently warm, you may notice the first signs of my reawakening. This is a slow and deliberate process for me. Do not expect sudden, explosive growth. The first signal is often a subtle swelling of the corm just at or below the soil surface. Shortly after, you might see a small, pointed nub emerge. This is the very beginning of a new leaf, often appearing as a tightly furled spike. This is the most vulnerable stage of my new growth cycle, so handle my pot with care.
The timeline for my regrowth is intrinsically linked to environmental cues. It typically begins in the early to mid-spring, as the natural light intensity and duration increase. However, this is not an exact calendar date. The process from the first signs of swelling to an unfurled leaf can take several weeks. My pace is slow and deliberate. Please be patient with me. Once you observe this new growth, you can gradually resume your regular care routine. Begin by increasing water slowly as the new root system develops, and you can offer a diluted dose of fertilizer once the leaf has fully unfurled and hardened off. With your patience and care, I will reward you with a new season of magnificent foliage.
