As the seasons change, gardeners often encounter a time when some of their plants slow down, lose their leaves, or stop growing altogether. This can be a concerning sight, especially for those new to gardening. However, what might seem like a dying plant is often just a natural phase known as dormancy.

Understanding plant dormancy and knowing how to care for dormant plants is essential for ensuring your plants thrive throughout the year. In this blog post, we’ll explore what dormancy is, why plants go dormant, and how you can properly care for them during this period.

What is Plant Dormancy?

Plant dormancy is a period of rest or inactivity during which a plant conserves energy and resources. This phase typically occurs during unfavorable environmental conditions, such as cold weather or dry seasons, when growth is no longer sustainable. Dormancy is most common in temperate plants but can also occur in some houseplants. It's important to note that dormancy is not the same as a plant being dead or unhealthy; rather, it’s a survival strategy.

During dormancy, a plant may stop growing, shed its leaves, or reduce metabolic activity to survive adverse conditions. Think of it as a "rest period" for plants to recharge and prepare for the next growing season.

Why Do Plants Go Dormant?

There are several reasons why plants enter a dormant phase. These reasons are often linked to environmental changes, particularly in response to temperature, water availability, and light.

  1. Cold Weather (Winter Dormancy): Many plants, especially deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials, go dormant during the winter when temperatures drop and light levels decrease. This helps the plant conserve energy when resources are scarce.
  2. Dry Conditions (Summer Dormancy): In some hot, dry climates, plants may enter a dormant phase to survive extreme heat and drought conditions. Succulents and certain grasses often enter summer dormancy to conserve water.
  3. Seasonal Changes: Some plants, particularly those in temperate regions, are adapted to a growing season that coincides with the warm months. As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, these plants stop their growth cycles to survive until the next spring or summer.

Signs That a Plant Is Dormant

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between dormancy and illness, but there are a few signs to look for to determine if a plant is simply dormant:

  • Lack of Growth: The plant stops producing new leaves, flowers, or stems.
  • Yellowing or Falling Leaves: Some deciduous plants shed their leaves to conserve energy and water.
  • Stem Shrinkage: In some plants, stems or branches may appear to shrivel or dry up.
  • Stagnant Roots: In dormant plants, roots may not show visible signs of growth, but they will remain alive beneath the soil.

If your plant is showing these signs during the expected dormant period (like winter for deciduous plants), it’s likely just going through its natural dormancy cycle.

How to Care for Dormant Plants

Though dormant plants may seem inactive, they still need some level of care to ensure they stay healthy and are ready to spring back to life when the time comes. Here are some essential tips for caring for dormant plants:

1. Adjust Watering

One of the most important factors in caring for dormant plants is adjusting watering. While dormant plants do not require as much water as actively growing ones, they still need some moisture to stay alive.

  • Reduce Watering: For most dormant plants, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging and root rot. However, make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely, as this can harm the plant.
  • Check Soil Moisture: Use your finger or a moisture meter to check the soil. If it feels dry a few inches down, give the plant a small amount of water. For potted plants, ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent stagnant water.
  • Be Mindful of Overwatering: Overwatering dormant plants can lead to root rot, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

2. Keep Temperature Stable

Temperature plays a key role in inducing dormancy. During this period, plants should be kept at the appropriate temperature for their species.

  • Outdoor Dormant Plants: For outdoor plants, allow the cold temperatures to trigger dormancy naturally. You can mulch around the base of trees and perennials to insulate the soil and protect roots from freezing.
  • Indoor Dormant Plants: If your indoor plant is dormant due to a lack of light or cooler temperatures, try to keep it in a cool spot where temperatures remain consistent. Avoid placing it near heat sources like radiators, vents, or space heaters, as fluctuating temperatures can disrupt dormancy.
  • Avoid Moving Plants Suddenly: Don’t suddenly change the temperature or location of a dormant plant, as it can disturb the dormancy process.

3. Provide Adequate Light

While dormant plants don’t need as much light as actively growing plants, they do still benefit from some light exposure. The amount of light needed depends on the plant species.

  • Indoors: If your plant is a houseplant that goes dormant during winter, it’s still important to place it in a bright area. While it may not need as much light as during its growing season, a location with natural light will help maintain its health.
  • Outdoors: For outdoor dormant plants, exposure to natural light will usually suffice. However, if the weather is very overcast or if you’re growing plants in a greenhouse, you may want to provide supplemental grow lights.

4. Avoid Fertilizing

Dormant plants are not actively growing, so they don’t need fertilizer during this period. Fertilizing during dormancy can lead to nutrient imbalances or stress the plant. It’s best to wait until the plant starts showing signs of new growth before resuming feeding.

5. Check for Pests and Diseases

Though plants are dormant, pests and diseases can still affect them. Periodically check dormant plants for signs of infestations, such as webs, discolored leaves, or visible insects. If you notice pests, treat them appropriately with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or another eco-friendly solution.

6. Prune Sparingly

While it might be tempting to prune dead leaves or stems, refrain from doing too much pruning during dormancy, especially for outdoor plants. Only remove dead or diseased material to prevent the spread of infection. Over-pruning can interfere with the plant’s natural rest cycle.

When Does Dormancy End?

As spring arrives and temperatures warm up, dormant plants will gradually begin to “wake up.” You may notice new growth emerging, leaves unfurling, or flowers beginning to bud. This is when you can resume your regular care routine—more frequent watering, fertilizing, and possibly pruning.

For houseplants, it’s also a good time to consider repotting if necessary. Just make sure to adjust your care routine to accommodate the plant’s growing phase.

Conclusion: Embrace Dormancy as a Natural Process

Plant dormancy is a natural and essential part of a plant’s life cycle. While it may seem unsettling when a plant stops growing or loses its leaves, this period of rest allows the plant to survive unfavorable conditions and bounce back stronger when the environment becomes more favorable. By understanding and providing the proper care during dormancy, you can help your plants thrive year after year.

Remember, dormancy isn’t a sign of a struggling plant—it's a strategy for survival. With the right care, your dormant plants will awaken, ready to flourish in the next growing season.