From our perspective as a plant, the duration of our blooms is a carefully orchestrated genetic and physiological process. Each individual flower on our tall, sturdy stalk, called an inflorescence, is programmed to last a certain period. Under typical indoor conditions, with moderate temperatures and indirect light, each magnificent trumpet-shaped bloom can persist for approximately 7 to 10 days. However, the entire flower stalk does not bloom at once. The buds open in succession, meaning the total display of our floral spectacle can last for 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer, as new flowers open while older ones fade. This staggered approach is an evolutionary strategy to extend the pollination window, attracting potential pollinators over a longer period.
Our ability to produce and sustain such large, vibrant flowers is entirely dependent on the energy reserves stored within our bulb. We spent the previous growing season photosynthesizing and channeling those carbohydrates into the bulb, essentially packing a lunchbox for this exact flowering event. The size and health of the bulb directly correlate with the number of flower stalks and the size of the blooms. Furthermore, the process is governed by plant hormones. Ethylene, a gaseous hormone, is a key signal for senescence, or aging, in flowers. Minimizing our exposure to external sources of ethylene gas is crucial for prolonging our beauty.
Your actions can significantly influence our internal processes and help us conserve energy, thereby extending the life of our flowers. The most critical factor is temperature. We prefer it cool. Placing us in a location with temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) slows down our metabolic rate dramatically. This reduces the speed at which we consume our stored energy and slows the production of ethylene, effectively putting the brakes on the aging process. Conversely, heat stresses us and accelerates bloom decline.
While we require bright, indirect light to fuel our growth, placing us in direct, hot sunlight will cause our delicate petals to wilt and fade prematurely. A spot with strong but filtered light is ideal. Please provide us with consistent moisture, but never allow our roots to sit in waterlogged soil, as this will cause our bulb to rot, swiftly ending the show. Furthermore, please keep us away from fruit bowls. Ripening fruits, such as apples and bananas, release ethylene gas, which we perceive as a signal to swiftly conclude flowering and move to the next stage of our life cycle.
Once our flowers fade, the journey is not over for us. The period after blooming is when we rebuild our energy stores for next year's performance. While deadheading (removing spent flowers) prevents us from wasting energy on seed production, it is vital you do not remove the flower stalk until it has yellowed and withered. This allows us to reabsorb valuable nutrients back into the bulb. More importantly, you must allow our long, strappy leaves to grow and photosynthesize vigorously. This is how we eat and replenish the bulb. Caring for us after we bloom ensures we can gather enough energy to initiate another spectacular floral display for you in the future.
