From our perspective, we are not merely "corms" but intricate packages of stored energy and genetic potential, awaiting the perfect conditions to burst into life. We enter a period of dormancy after our foliage dies back, a necessary rest period. To break this dormancy and initiate growth, we require a period of cool, moist conditions that mimic the winter season we would naturally experience in the ground. Without this chilling period, our internal biological clock remains paused. Forcing bypasses this natural timeline by providing a controlled "winter," tricking us into believing the cold season has passed and it is now safe to emerge and flower.
The first external signal we receive is the presence of moisture. Placing us in a tray of lukewarm water for a few hours allows us to rehydrate fully. We absorb this water through our basal plate, plumping up and preparing for the energy-intensive process of root and shoot formation. After hydration, we are planted into a pot with a well-draining, soilless medium. This is critical; saturated, heavy soil will cause us to rot, as our tender tissues cannot respire without oxygen. The initial phase in the pot, kept in a cool (around 50°F / 10°C), dark place for several weeks, is dedicated solely to root development. Our energy is focused downwards, establishing a strong, healthy root system to support the demanding floral display to come.
Once a substantial root network has formed, we detect a change in our environment. Moving our pots to a location with bright, indirect light and slightly warmer temperatures (around 55-60°F / 13-16°C) signals that spring has arrived. This is our cue to shift energy allocation. The shoot bud, nestled between the claws of our corm, begins to swell and push upwards through the growing medium. Our iconic, finely-cut foliage unfolds, reaching for the light. During this vegetative stage, we are highly dependent on you for consistent moisture and a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Our new leaves are our solar panels; the more light we receive, the more energy we can produce through photosynthesis to supplement the reserves stored within our corm, ensuring robust growth.
As our rosette of foliage matures, the combination of increasing day length and the gentle warmth of the environment triggers our reproductive phase. The flower buds begin to form in the crown of the plant. To support this tremendous effort, we require abundant resources. Consistent watering is non-negotiable; water stress can cause our delicate buds to abort. Furthermore, a fertilizer higher in potassium (the third number on the package) now supports strong stem development and vibrant flower formation. Once our flower stalks elongate and buds begin to show color, we perform our ultimate show. To prolong this display, a slightly cooler location out of direct, harsh sunlight is ideal, as it reduces metabolic stress and conserves our energy.
