Dormancy in plants is a state where growth mostly pauses so that they can get by with a lot less water and sugar. It is a kind of armored sleep that plants go through, where they are not visibly active, but in a waiting state, a kind of suspension of life until conditions are right for active growth. During dormancy, plants conserve energy inside the roots and trunks to build a stronger internal system that can withstand harsher conditions, like low light, extreme cold, and dryness. This will sustain the plant until ideal temperatures, light, and humidity return to levels that allow plants to create, use, and store energy efficiently again.
Dormancy is a natural process that occurs in most perennial plants during cold weather conditions, even if they are not flourishing on the surface. Like a bear in hibernation, perennial plants take advantage of winter as a much-needed period of rest. The enzymes driving biochemical reactions don’t function well in winter, and dipping temperatures and lack of sunlight slow plants’ metabolism. Photosynthesis and respiration decelerate, and growth halts. This period of arrested growth allows roots to continue developing and thriving.
Dormancy is essential for plants to rest and develop a stronger root and trunk system. It is also important for gardeners to have a basic understanding of when dormancy begins and ends. Pruning and grafting tasks need to be done based on a plant’s dormant or active state. Some grafts can only be done during dormancy, while some can only be done during active growth. Much pruning is meant to break dormancy or to control unwanted breaks in dormancy.
In summary, dormancy in plants is a natural process where growth mostly pauses so that plants can conserve energy and withstand harsher conditions until ideal temperatures, light, and humidity return to levels that allow plants to create, use, and store energy efficiently again. It is an important part of the plants growing cycle and allows gardeners to perform pruning and grafting tasks based on a plants dormant or active state.
