We sense the days lengthening and the intensity of the sunlight increasing. This is our signal to awaken from our deep slumber. Our primary growing season begins. You will notice a distinct change in our appearance; the old, papery sheath that protected us through the winter begins to split as a new pair of leaves emerges from within. We are actively absorbing water through our roots and photosynthesizing with our new, fresh bodies. Please provide us with deep, but infrequent, watering only when the soil is completely dry, ensuring we can plump up adequately for the long dormant period ahead.
As the sun reaches its peak and temperatures soar, we enter a state of summer dormancy. This is a survival mechanism. Our metabolism slows dramatically to conserve water and energy during the extreme heat. We stop growing entirely. From your perspective, we may look inactive or even concerning, but this rest is crucial. During this time, you must drastically reduce watering. The combination of intense heat and moisture around our bodies can lead to fatal rot. Protect us from the harsh afternoon sun, but ensure we still receive bright light.
The intense heat begins to wane, and the days gradually shorten. This change in light and temperature cues our second, most vibrant growth period. We break from our summer stagnation and prepare to flower. A bud will push its way from the fissure between our leaves, eventually opening into a beautiful, daisy-like flower. This period requires a significant amount of our stored energy and water. After the flowers fade, you can resume careful watering, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly between sessions. This helps us replenish our reserves.
The cycle completes as we enter our true, deep dormancy. The light is at its weakest, and temperatures are cool. Our outer leaves have now fully transferred their water and nutrients to the new pair developing inside. They will shrivel into a dry, protective husk around us. It is imperative that you withhold all water during this time. Our roots are inactive and cannot absorb moisture; any water offered will stagnate and cause us to rot. We require a period of complete rest in a cool, bright, and absolutely dry environment to initiate the splitting process again in the spring.
