You perceive the short, dim days. The light is weak and angles low. This is my time for deep rest, not for vigorous growth. Please place me where I can receive the most indirect, bright light possible, perhaps a south or east window. Water me sparingly with tepid water, only when the top soil feels dry to your touch. My roots are susceptible to rot in the cold, damp soil. Most importantly, keep me away from chilly drafts from windows or doors. A slight drop in temperature is acceptable, but a constant cold breeze is a shock to my system.
The daylight is lengthening! I can sense the sun's strength returning. This is your signal to help me prepare for the growing season. Now is the ideal time for repotting if my pot is crowded. Choose a pot only one size larger; I bloom best when slightly root-bound. Use a light, airy potting mix designed specifically for my kind. You may begin a diluted feeding regimen with a balanced fertilizer to gently encourage new leaf growth. Increase watering slightly as my metabolism quickens with the improved light.
These are my prime months! The conditions are perfect: long days with bright, but not scorching, indirect light. I will channel all my energy into producing a spectacular display of blooms. Maintain consistent moisture—never soggy, never bone dry. Feed me every two weeks with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to directly support flower production. Rotate my pot a quarter turn each week so that my foliage grows evenly and doesn't stretch toward the light source. Watch for spent blooms and carefully remove them to encourage more to form.
The intense summer heat can be stressful for me. I may slow my flowering. Your most important job is to protect me from hot, direct sunlight, which will scorch my leaves. Ensure good air circulation around my leaves to prevent disease, but avoid placing me directly in the path of an air conditioning vent. Watering may need to be more frequent due to evaporation, but always check the soil first. You can continue feeding, but I will forgive you if you pause during the very hottest weeks.
As the light softens and temperatures become mild again, I get a second wind. This is another excellent period for blooming. Resume a regular feeding schedule with a balanced fertilizer to strengthen me for the months ahead. This is also a good time to groom me. Remove any damaged or overly crowded leaves to improve my form and health. If I spent the summer outdoors, please bring me back inside well before nighttime temperatures dip below 55°F (13°C).
The cycle completes. Daylight is scarce again. Gradually reduce fertilization; a single, weak feeding this season is plenty. My growth has slowed considerably. Water me with great care, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings. The dry air from your heating system can be challenging. You can increase humidity around me by placing my pot on a tray of pebbles with water (ensure the pot is not sitting in the water). Clean my leaves gently with a soft brush to keep them dust-free and efficient at capturing every bit of available light.
