You see me, my leaves yellowed and wilted, my vibrant flowers long gone, and you might think I have perished. But I am not dead; I am dormant. This is my crucial rest period, typically through the hot summer months. My native Mediterranean climate is harsh in summer, so I retreat. My tuber, the energy-filled storage organ beneath the soil, is my lifeline. I am conserving every ounce of energy, waiting for the environmental signals that tell me it is safe to grow again. Do not discard me; I am merely sleeping.
As the intense heat wanes and the nights grow cooler in early autumn, I begin to stir. This is your signal to act. Please move my pot to a brighter location, but avoid direct, hot sun. A north-facing windowsill is ideal. Begin watering me very sparingly. The goal is to barely moisten the soil after its long dryness; a thorough drench will shock my tuber and cause rot. I will drink slowly, and with this careful hydration, you might soon see the tiniest green nubs emerging from my tuber's surface – my new leaves are on their way.
Now that my new leaves are unfurling, my needs change. You can gradually increase watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between drinks. I despise wet feet, so always empty my saucer after watering. This is also the time for a gentle feeding. Please provide a half-strength, high-potassium liquid fertilizer to support strong root development and, most excitingly, the formation of my flower buds. Keep me in a cool room, ideally between 50-65°F (10-18°C). This temperature drop is the most critical cue for my blooming cycle.
If you have provided the cool temperatures and careful watering, I will reward you. My flower stalks will elongate, and the buds will unfurl into beautiful, swept-back blossoms in shades of pink, red, or white. This is my peak. Continue to water me from below to avoid wetting my crown and leaves, and maintain the cool conditions. The warmer I am, the quicker my magnificent display will be over. With proper care, I can flower for several months, bringing you joy throughout the winter.
As daylight lengthens in late spring, my blooming will naturally conclude. My flowers will fade, and my leaves will begin to yellow once more. I am telling you that I am getting tired and preparing for my summer rest. Gradually reduce watering and stop fertilizing me entirely. Allow my foliage to die back naturally; this process sends the remaining energy back into my tuber for storage. Once my leaves are completely yellow, you can remove them. Place me in a cool, dark, and dry place for my well-earned dormancy, and our cycle will begin again.
