Dormancy is a natural rest period for many houseplants, helping them conserve energy during less favorable growing conditions. Understanding dormancy can make all the difference in keeping your plants happy and healthy.
What is Dormancy?
Dormancy is a survival strategy triggered by environmental changes, like shorter days, cooler temperatures, and reduced light. During this time, plants slow their growth or stop growing altogether. Some plants may even shed leaves to conserve resources.
Which Plants Go Dormant?
Many houseplants experience dormancy in some form, including bulb plants like Caladiums and ZZs. Even Pothos! Alocasias, for example, are known to drop leaves or die back to the soil, while ZZ plants might stop pushing out new growth. Even though they appear inactive, their roots are still alive and storing energy for the next growing season 🔋
Signs of Dormancy
Dormant plants often show:
- Slower or no growth
- Dropping leaves
- Pale or yellowing leaves
These signs can sometimes be confused with poor health, but they’re totally normal during dormancy!
How to Care for Dormant Plants
Caring for a dormant plant is simple:
- Water less: Plants need less water when they aren’t actively growing. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings to prevent overwatering.
- Pause fertilizing: Dormant plants don’t typically need extra nutrients. Save the fertilizer for spring! 🧑🌾
- Maintain steady conditions: Avoid drastic temperature changes or moving plants to new spots. They thrive on consistency during this period.
Do All Houseplants Go Dormant?
Not all houseplants experience noticeable dormancy. Tropicals like Monsteras and Philodendrons may keep growing, just at a slower pace.
When Dormancy Ends
As daylight increases in spring, your plant will wake up, producing new growth. Gradually resume regular watering and fertilizing routines to support their reawakening 🙌
