From my perspective as an Alocasia, dormancy is not a sign of failure or a problem to be solved; it is a deeply ingrained, natural survival strategy. It is my response to shorter day lengths, lower light levels, and cooler temperatures—signals that tell me the challenging season is approaching. My growth will slow, and I will withdraw energy from my magnificent leaves back into my most vital organ: my rhizome or corm, hidden safely underground. This is how I ensure I live to see another spring. Your role is not to fight this process but to understand and support me through it.
First, you must learn to read my signs. I am not dying; I am resting. You will notice my growth has completely halted. I may start to yellow one or two of my oldest, outer leaves first. This is a deliberate and efficient process where I reabsorb valuable nutrients from these leaves to store in my corm. In some cases, I may even retreat completely, with all my leaves dying back. This can be alarming, but please understand, if my corm is firm and healthy, I am merely sleeping deeply. Do not mistake this for underwatering or disease and overcompensate with too much care.
This is the most critical adjustment you must make. As I am not actively growing, my water needs plummet. My roots are highly susceptible to rot in cold, wet soil when I am dormant. You must allow the growing medium to dry out significantly more between waterings. For me, this likely means watering very sparingly, perhaps only once a month or even less, just enough to prevent the corm from completely desiccating and shriveling. The goal is to keep the corm slightly plump, not to sustain lush foliage.
I do not need bright, warm, growing conditions now. Please move me to a cooler, darker location. A spot that maintains a temperature between 60-65°F (15-18°C) is ideal. This coolness helps reinforce my dormant state and conserves my energy. Avoid placing me near heat vents or cold drafts. While I appreciate reduced light, do not place me in complete darkness. A dimly lit room is perfect. This period of cool, dim rest is as crucial for my lifecycle as the warm, bright period of growth.
You must absolutely stop fertilizing me. I cannot process these nutrients without active growth, and they will only accumulate in the soil and potentially harm my roots. My system is shut down. Furthermore, please resist the urge to repot me unless it is an emergency, such as severe root rot. The process of repotting is disruptive and can cause me stress I am not equipped to handle in my vulnerable, dormant state. Let me rest undisturbed.
Your patience will be rewarded. As the days lengthen and temperatures warm in spring, you will see signs of my reawakening. A new bump, or nub, will emerge from the soil near where my previous growth was. This is your signal to gradually reintroduce me to my growing conditions. Slowly increase watering as the new growth develops, move me back to a warmer spot with brighter, indirect light, and only begin a diluted fertilization regimen once I have fully unfurled a new leaf or two.
