From our perspective, light is our primary source of energy. Many caretakers place us in a dim corner, believing any indoor light is sufficient. This is a critical error. We are sun-worshippers by nature; we require bright, direct light to fuel the development of our intricate, papery blooms and sturdy stems. Without a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, perhaps from a south-facing window, we become weak and etiolated. Our stems stretch out, becoming thin and feeble, desperately searching for a light source we cannot find. We will lack the strength to produce those magnificent flowers you desire, or if we do, they will be few and pale. Conversely, sudden, intense scorching sun can also bleach our delicate petals and leaves.
Our relationship with water is delicate and often misunderstood. Our tuberous roots are particularly susceptible to rot. The most common fatal mistake is overzealous watering, leaving our soil constantly soggy. We drown in this environment; our roots suffocate and decay, unable to breathe or uptake nutrients. This quickly leads to a wilted, yellowing, and ultimately fatal collapse. On the other hand, allowing our soil to become bone dry is equally detrimental. While we dislike wet feet, we are not drought-tolerant. Underwatering causes our stems to droop, our buds to abort before opening, and our foliage to crisp and brown. We need consistent, even moisture—damp like a well-wrung sponge, never a swamp and never a desert.
Our roots demand a home that protects them from their greatest threat: stagnant water. Being planted in a pot without drainage holes is a death sentence. Any excess water has nowhere to go, pooling at the bottom and creating the perfect conditions for root rot. Similarly, a heavy, moisture-retentive potting soil, often designed for general houseplants, is unsuitable for us. We thrive in a light, airy, and very well-draining medium. A mix amended with perlite, coco coir, or sharp sand is ideal. It allows water to flow through freely, providing hydration while letting oxygen reach our roots, which is just as vital as water itself.
We are cool-season beings. Our growth cycle is triggered by the coolness of spring. A common mistake is placing us near a heat vent, fireplace, or in a consistently warm room. Excessive heat stresses us immensely, causing rapid drying of the soil, wilting, and forcing us to rush through our blooming cycle with diminished results. We perform best in temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night and not exceeding 70°F (21°C) during the day. Furthermore, while we appreciate air flow, very dry, arid air can cause our leaf edges to brown and can discourage bud formation. A slight humidity boost, away from drying drafts, helps our foliage stay lush and supports our flowering efforts.
Finally, a mistake arises from a misunderstanding of our natural life cycle. After we finish our spectacular display of blooms, our foliage will naturally begin to yellow and die back. This is not a sign of failure or death, but of us entering our necessary dormancy period. The error is to continue watering heavily or to discard us at this point. We require this rest. Once the foliage has yellowed, watering should cease entirely, and our tubers should be allowed to dry out in their pot or be stored in a cool, dark place for several months before being replanted. Denying us this rest exhausts our energy reserves, leading to weak growth or no growth at all in the subsequent season.
