From our perspective, light is our lifeblood. We are not low-light plants. To truly thrive and consider flowering indoors, we require very bright, indirect light for most of the day. An east-facing window is ideal, as it provides the gentle morning sun we adore. A south or west window can work, but you must shield us from the harsh, scorching afternoon sun with a sheer curtain, as our leaves are sensitive and will scorch. We also crave a significant drop in temperature at night, a crucial signal for our biological processes. A room that cools to between 45-55°F (7-13°C) is perfect. This cool period is non-negotiable for bud formation; a constantly warm, dry room will cause stress and leaf drop.
Our roots are exceptionally sensitive to waterlogged conditions. We demand a sharply draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil mix. A blend designed for azaleas or rhododendrons is perfect, as it mimics our preferred woodland floor environment. The pot must have excellent drainage holes. Our relationship with water is one of delicate balance. We despise having our roots sit in water, which leads to rapid root rot, yet we also abhor completely drying out. You must check our soil moisture frequently. The goal is consistently moist, like a well-wrung-out sponge, never sopping wet and never bone dry. Using rainwater or distilled water is best, as we are sensitive to the chemicals and minerals found in tap water.
Dry, stagnant air is one of our greatest adversaries indoors. Heating and air conditioning systems create an arid environment that causes our leaf tips to brown and crisp, and makes us more susceptible to pests like spider mites. To keep us happy, you must increase the humidity around us. Placing our pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot never sits *in* the water) or using a small humidifier nearby works wonders. However, we also require good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. A gentle breeze from an oscillating fan set on low, placed at a distance, helps strengthen our stems and keeps the air fresh around our leaves without creating a damaging draft.
We are not plants for year-round, explosive growth. We have a natural cycle that must be respected. After our main flowering period in late winter or early spring, we enter a growth phase where we appreciate a light feeding. Use a half-strength, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or one formulated for acid-loving plants, but only once a month during spring and summer. Please, do not overfeed us; our roots are tender and can be easily burned. As daylight shortens in the fall, we begin to slow down and require a rest period. This is when the cool night temperatures are most critical. Withhold fertilizer entirely during the late fall and winter to allow us to rest and prepare our flower buds for their fragrant debut.
