Plant Dormancy

Recognizing and Supporting the Period of Dormancy in Houseplants

Oct 12, 2009 Loraine R. Degraff

For sustained good health, plants must experience a period of partial or complete inactivity. This dormant state is necessary for the continued survival of the plant.

Indoor plants covet a period of darkness once every 24 hours. Plants also need a period of inactivity during which they remain alive but do not grow. This is the dormant period and must be recognized and handled properly for the continued success of the plant.

Determining the Dormancy State in Flowering Plants

A huge problem dealing with dormancy in houseplants is determining when the dormancy process is underway. This process is obvious in some plants. Bulbs, tubers and corms, for instance, discard their foliage prior to entering the dormant state. Begonias and caladiums adhere to a predictable growth-dormancy schedule.These plants, however, will effortlessly bloom again the following year with no attention. Some summer-blossoming houseplants shed their leaves prior to relapsing into dormancy. These plants, however, need to have a occasional drink of water to remain alive. The trouble is, however, determining when to water and how often to water. Most even need a cool place such as a frost-free cellar or attic to go through their dormant period. Hydrangeas and fuchsias are examples of houseplants that will not continue without a complete period of dormancy.

Creating an Artificial Rainforest for Succulent Plant Dormancy

Another problem concerning dormancy is deciding how long the process will last. Succulent plants, such as the Christmas cactus, store water in their leaves or stems. These plants will grow better if they are given a period of artificial rain. All watering should cease for a specified period of time. A month in the fall would work well. When watering resumes it should be only in small amounts that increase gradually. The buds of these plants are usually set toward the end of the waterless period. If these plants are kept in a cool, dark place during the waterless period, they will set buds and bloom in abundance.

Establishing a Dormant Period for Foliage Plants

Dormancy is not only necessary for flowering plants to produce flower buds, it is needful for foliage plants to recuperate. Some plant naturally enter a period of reduced activity during the cold, short days of winter. Reduced water and light should be given to the plant at this time. If foliage plants show no signs of entering a dormant state, they should still be given less water. Just as the human body benefits from a period of abstinence from the digestion of food, so to all plants can benefit from a period of inactivity. Plants that are still growing can be forced into dormancy by cutting off the leaves and storing them in a cool place.

Dormancy Mistaken for Death

It is easy to mistake the period of dormancy for the death of the plant. No doubt, many new gardeners have tossed out a pot of withered leaves thinking the plant was no more. While learning other gardening techniques, gardeners should learn to determine the when, how and how long of plant dormancy.

The copyright of the article Plant Dormancy in Houseplants is owned by Loraine R. Degraff. Permission to republish Plant Dormancy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.