First, you must understand that I am a creature bred for a moment of beauty, often forced into bloom to coincide with holidays. My true nature is that of an outdoor shrub. The conditions inside your home are a significant challenge for me. I thrive in cool temperatures, high humidity, and bright, indirect light—conditions very different from the warm, dry air of a typical heated living space. Recognizing this mismatch is the first step to providing me with proper care. Your goal is to mimic my preferred outdoor environment as closely as possible to keep me healthy after my initial blooms fade.
When you first bring me home, I am in a state of shock. I have moved from a greenhouse to a store to your home, each with different light, temperature, and humidity levels. Please do not immediately repot me or place me in direct, hot sunlight. Find a spot for me that is consistently cool, ideally between 60-65°F (15-18°C). Keep me away from heat vents, radiators, and fireplaces, as excessive heat will cause my buds to drop and my leaves to wilt. A bright room with an east-facing window is often ideal. This gentle acclimation period helps me adjust without dropping all my beautiful flowers and leaves.
My relationship with water is delicate. I despise both drought and soggy feet. My roots are fine and susceptible to rot if left sitting in water. The best method is to check my soil daily. Feel the top inch; if it is dry to the touch, it is time for a drink. Use room-temperature water, and water me thoroughly until it runs freely from the drainage holes in my pot. Most importantly, never let me sit in a saucer of standing water for more than 15 minutes. Empty the saucer after watering. I also appreciate humidity. You can place my pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensuring the pot's base is above the water line) or mist my leaves regularly.
Light is my energy source. During my blooming period, I need bright, indirect light to sustain my flowers. A south or west window might be too harsh, causing my leaves to scorch, while a north window may be too dark. An east-facing window provides the gentle morning sun I love. Once my flowers have faded, I still need this light to photosynthesize and store energy for next year. Regarding food, I do not need fertilizer while I am in bloom. Wait until the flowers are gone. Then, you can begin feeding me monthly with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, diluted to half-strength. This will support my leaf growth throughout the spring and summer.
When my flowers wither, pinch or snip them off to keep me looking tidy. This process, called deadheading, prevents me from wasting energy on seed production. Do not prune my stems yet, as next year's flower buds will form on this old wood. As the weather warms and danger of frost has passed, you can even place me outdoors in a shady spot for the summer. This outdoor vacation, with its natural cool nights, is the best trigger for future blooms. Bring me back inside before the first frost in the fall. To re-bloom, I require a period of cool temperatures (around 40-50°F) in the autumn for about six weeks to set buds. This is the greatest challenge indoors, but a cool garage or basement with a light source can work.
