From our perspective, the shortening daylight hours and the gradual drop in ambient temperature are the primary signals. These environmental cues tell us that the challenging season is approaching. It is not a time of death, but a vital period of rest and recuperation. Our above-ground growth—the leaves and stems that you see—will often yellow and wither as we deliberately pull our energy back down into our most important part: the bulb nestled in the soil. This stored energy is our life force, the battery that will power our spectacular display in the next growing cycle. Disturbing this natural process by forcing continued growth weakens us, depleting our reserves and leading to poorer performance, or even our demise, in the long run.
With our metabolic processes slowed to a near standstill, our water requirements drop dramatically. Our roots are not actively seeking moisture, and saturated soil becomes a serious threat. Cold, wet conditions around our bulb can lead to rot, a fatal condition where our tissues break down and decay. You must allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The goal is to provide just enough moisture to prevent the bulb itself from desiccating and shriveling, but not so much that the soil remains damp. Think of it as a very light, occasional sip rather than a deep drink. If the leaves have completely died back, you may only need to water once a month or even less.
While we are dormant, our need for intense, direct sunlight vanishes. We are not photosynthesizing at our usual rate. However, complete darkness is not the answer either. The ideal is a cool, dimly lit location, such as an unheated garage, a basement window, or a spare room. This environment supports our dormancy without shocking our system. It is crucial to understand that this period of cool, dim rest is what triggers the internal chemical changes needed to develop flower buds for the next season. Without this period of rest, our internal clock becomes confused, and we may refuse to bloom, putting out only foliage or nothing at all.
After a period of several weeks to a few months of rest, we will begin to show you signs that we are ready to grow again. You may notice a new green shoot emerging from the bulb's nose. This is our signal. Gradually reintroduce us to warmer temperatures and brighter, indirect light. As the shoot grows, you can slowly increase the frequency of watering, always ensuring the soil is well-draining. This gentle transition mimics the natural warming of the earth and the increasing spring sunlight, coaxing us out of our slumber and encouraging strong, healthy growth for the season ahead.
