From our perspective, we begin as dried, claw-like corms, deep in a state of dormancy. This rest period is crucial for our survival, protecting us from harsh conditions. The process you call "forcing" is, to us, a carefully orchestrated simulation of a winter and spring cycle. It begins with a gentle rehydration. Please soak us in room-temperature water for just a few hours. This is not a bath but a vital drink, signaling to our core that the dry season has ended and moisture is available. It plumps our tissues and initiates the first subtle biochemical shifts away from dormancy, waking us up without causing us to rot.
Once awakened, our first priority is not to flower, but to establish a strong root system. We require a well-draining, porous potting medium; soggy conditions are fatal to us at this stage. Plant us with our "claws" pointing downward, about 1-2 inches deep. The subsequent period in a cool, dark place is not a punishment but a necessity. This coolness, around 40-50°F (4-10°C), mimics the cool soil of early spring. In this environment, our energy is directed entirely downward to send out strong, healthy roots that will anchor us and become the primary conduit for water and nutrients. This foundational phase is critical; without it, any top growth will be weak and unsustainable.
After several weeks, when you see our first green shoots nosing through the soil, we are ready for the next phase. Move us to a location with bright, indirect light and cooler temperatures, ideally around 55-60°F (13-16°C). This light is our energy source. Our leaves will unfurl and expand, photosynthesizing vigorously to convert light into the chemical energy we need to fuel our entire system. Cool temperatures during this period are essential. They ensure our growth remains compact and sturdy, preventing us from becoming leggy and weak as we stretch for light. This is where we build the robust plant structure that can support the magnificent blooms to come.
As we mature and our photosynthetic machinery is operating at full capacity, we begin to sense the lengthening days of late winter and early spring. This photoperiod, combined with the gradual warming you provide, triggers our reproductive phase. The energy stored in our corms, now amplified by the energy captured by our leaves, is directed into flower bud formation. Stems will elongate, and buds will develop. To support this tremendous energetic effort, a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks is greatly appreciated. It provides the essential nutrients for creating our complex, multi-petaled flowers. With sufficient light and cool temperatures, we will open our blooms, offering a spectacular display long before our outdoor siblings have even broken ground.
