From a plant's perspective, dormancy is not a state of inactivity but a highly evolved survival strategy. For an Anthurium, winter signals a period of environmental stress characterized by shorter day lengths, lower light intensity, and often cooler temperatures. My primary goal as a plant is to conserve energy. The process of photosynthesis, which is my fundamental way of producing food (sugars), becomes less efficient under these conditions. The reduced light means less energy is captured, and cooler temperatures slow down all my metabolic processes. Therefore, entering a state of dormancy is a deliberate down-regulation of my systems. I significantly slow my growth rate, halting the production of new leaves and, most notably, flowers. This allows me to redirect the limited energy I can produce away from growth and towards maintaining the vital functions of my existing root system and foliage, ensuring I survive until more favorable conditions return.
You will observe this internal shift externally. My growth will appear to have stopped entirely. I will not produce any new leaves, and the vibrant, glossy sheen of my existing leaves may diminish slightly as I reduce resource allocation to surface cells. Most distinctly, I will cease flowering. The production of a complex inflorescence (the colorful spathe and central spadix) is an incredibly energy-intensive process. From my point of view, it is a reckless expenditure of precious resources during a time of scarcity. Instead of investing in reproduction, I am prioritizing self-preservation. My metabolism slows down considerably, meaning my water consumption drops. My roots absorb moisture at a much slower rate because the cells are not actively dividing or expanding, and transpiration (water loss through leaves) is reduced due to the slower metabolic activity.
Below the soil, my root system is also in a state of reduced activity. While still alive and functional, the roots are not actively exploring new territory in the potting mix. Their primary role shifts from expansion and nutrient foraging to basic anchorage and minimal water uptake. This has direct implications for my nutritional needs. The demand for fertilizers is virtually zero. Applying fertilizer during this time is not only unnecessary but can be harmful. The salts in fertilizer can build up in the soil since I am not taking up nutrients at my usual rate. This can lead to root burn, damaging the very system I am trying to protect. My roots are simply in a holding pattern, waiting for the environmental cues that signal it is safe to resume active growth.
My dormancy is triggered and maintained by environmental signals, primarily photoperiod (day length) and temperature. I am highly attuned to these changes. To support me through this natural cycle, your care should align with my reduced needs. The most critical adjustment is to watering. You must allow the growing medium to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. Watering on the same schedule as during my active growth phase will quickly lead to waterlogged soil, creating an anaerobic environment that can cause my roots to rot—a fatal condition when my defenses are low. Furthermore, I should be protected from cold drafts from windows or doors, as temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause chilling injury, further stressing my system. While I still need bright, indirect light to conduct what little photosynthesis I can, the intensity required is less than in the summer months.
