First, you must understand that I am not dead, merely sleeping. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, I receive a clear signal from my environment: it is time to rest. My metabolism slows to a crawl. I will stop producing new leaves, and my existing leaves will likely turn yellow and drop off. This is a normal, healthy process for me. Do not panic and think you have failed. This dormancy is my survival strategy, allowing me to conserve every ounce of energy stored in my large, swollen caudex (my water-storing trunk) to survive a season when growth is impossible. Forcing me to grow with ample water and fertilizer during this time would be detrimental, weakening me and making me susceptible to disease.
My two most critical needs during winter are the right light and, most importantly, the right temperature. I am a child of the sun, so even while dormant, I appreciate as much bright, direct light as you can provide. A south-facing window is ideal. Without adequate light, I may become etiolated—stretching out weakly and pale—if I show any growth at all. More crucially is temperature. I am extremely sensitive to cold. My roots and caudex will begin to suffer damage if temperatures consistently stay below 50°F (10°C). A freeze will be fatal. The perfect indoor spot for my winter rest is a bright, cool room with temperatures maintained between 55-65°F (13-18°C). This coolness helps me stay properly dormant without the shock of extreme cold. Please keep me far away from drafty windows, doors, and heating vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations are very stressful.
This is where most well-intentioned care goes wrong. My water needs change dramatically. When I am leafless and dormant, I am using very little water. My plump caudex is my reservoir. The rule is: when in doubt, keep me dry. You should water me very sparingly, if at all. A good method is to wait until the soil is completely dry for a significant period, then provide a very small amount of water just to prevent my roots from desiccating entirely. A thorough soaking, which I would love in summer, will now cause my roots to rot in the cold, damp soil. If I still have some leaves, you can water slightly more frequently, but always let the soil dry out completely between waterings. It is far better for me to be too dry than too wet during my winter slumber.
My soil must be exceptionally well-draining year-round, but it is especially critical in winter. A mix designed for cacti and succulents, perhaps with extra perlite or pumice added, is perfect. This ensures any minimal water you provide drains away quickly, protecting my roots. As for nutrition, I require none. Please do not fertilize me at all from late autumn until spring. My system is shut down and cannot process fertilizers, which will simply build up in the soil and potentially harm my roots. Let me rest on the energy I stored during the active growing season.
As winter wanes and the days noticeably lengthen, you will see signs of my awakening. Tiny buds will appear on my branches. This is your cue to gradually resume care. Slowly increase watering as new leaves develop, but always following the "soak and dry" method. Wait until I have a full set of new leaves before you give me the first, diluted dose of fertilizer. You can also consider a gentle pruning at this time to shape my growth for the coming season. Once all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C), I will be ready to return to the sunny outdoors, rejuvenated and ready for another year of growth.
