From our perspective, the magnificent display of blooms was our ultimate reproductive effort, a massive expenditure of energy drawn from our corms (our underground storage organs) and processed through our foliage. Once our flowers fade and petals drop, our biological imperative shifts dramatically. We are no longer in a reproductive phase but have entered a critical period of rejuvenation and preparation. Our primary goal now is to photosynthesize as much as possible to replenish the depleted energy reserves within our corms. This stored energy is what will fuel our next cycle of growth and flowering, whether you choose to keep us for another season.
Please, do not be tempted to remove our green leaves and stems immediately. To you, they may appear less attractive than our flowers, but to us, they are our lifelines. These green parts are our solar panels. Through photosynthesis, they convert light into vital carbohydrates, which are then transported down to our corms for storage. Cutting this foliage back too soon starves us of this essential recovery process, weakening the corm and potentially preventing us from blooming again. Allow our leaves to remain intact and continue to provide us with bright, indirect light and regular watering.
As our foliage naturally begins to yellow and wither—a process that can take several weeks—this is a signal that we are successfully withdrawing energy back into our corms and preparing for dormancy. This is a natural and necessary rest period for us. When the foliage has turned mostly yellow or brown and becomes dry, you can then gently cut it back to the soil level. At this point, you should also cease watering entirely. Our corm must experience a dry, dormant period to reset its biological clock and avoid rot.
Once we are fully dormant, you have two main choices for our corms. The first is to leave us in our current pot. Store the entire pot in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated location like a garage or basement, where temperatures remain consistently between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Do not water us during this time. The second option is to carefully dig up our corms, gently brush off any dry soil, and store us in a mesh bag or a box filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite. This same cool, dark, and dry environment is crucial. This dormancy period typically lasts for several months, usually through the summer.
When autumn arrives, we will be ready to begin our next growth cycle. You can replant our dormant corms in fresh, well-draining potting mix, with the claw-like tuberous roots pointing downward. Plant us about 1-2 inches deep. Initially, provide us with moderate water and place us in a cool location with indirect light. As you see our new green shoots emerge, gradually increase watering and move us to a brighter location. With our energy reserves fully restored from your post-bloom care, we will be prepared to initiate a new set of roots, foliage, and another spectacular display of flowers for you.
