From my perspective as a Cyclamen, my life follows a rhythm dictated by an internal clock and the seasons. My most active growth and vibrant flowering occur during the cooler, dimmer months of autumn, winter, and early spring. When the days grow longer and significantly warmer, I receive the signal to begin my rest period. My leaves will yellow and wither—this is not a sign of distress but a natural process. I am conserving my energy, withdrawing it into my tuber (my underground storage organ) to survive the summer heat. This dormancy is my time to recuperate. The absolute worst time to consider repotting me is when I am in full bloom or as I am entering this crucial dormancy. Disturbing my roots during these high-stress phases can be catastrophic, depleting my energy reserves and potentially leading to my decline.
The perfect moment to give me a new home is at the very end of my dormant period, typically in late summer or early autumn. You will know the time is right when you notice the first tiny, nub-like growth buds beginning to swell on the top of my tuber. This is me waking up, signaling that my root system is becoming active and ready to support new growth. Repotting me at this precise moment allows me to immediately establish my roots in fresh, nutrient-rich soil without the added burden of supporting existing foliage or flowers. I can channel all my recovered energy into this new expansion, which sets me up for a robust season of growth and prolific blooming.
To repot me safely, a gentle approach is paramount. First, carefully remove me from my current pot. You may need to tap the sides to loosen the root ball. Do not pull me by my stems, as they are fragile. Once I am out, gently tease away the old, spent soil from my roots and tuber. This is a good time to inspect my root system; using clean, sharp scissors, trim away any roots that are clearly dead, mushy, or rotten. My new pot should only be one size larger than the old one—a pot that is too large will hold excess moisture around my tuber, which I despise as it leads to rot. Ensure the new pot has excellent drainage holes.
The choice of soil is critical for my health. I require a very well-draining, aerated, and slightly acidic potting mix. A blend designed for African Violets or a mixture of peat-free compost with added perlite or horticultural grit is ideal. When placing me in my new pot, my tuber must be positioned correctly. I am not like other plants; my tuber should not be buried deeply. The top third to half of my rounded tuber must sit above the soil line. Planting me too deeply is a common mistake that invites rot and prevents me from flowering properly. After positioning me, fill in around the roots with your new soil mix, firming it gently to eliminate large air pockets.
Immediately after repotting, water me thoroughly but carefully. Water around the edge of the pot, avoiding the crown of the tuber where the new growth buds are emerging. Allow the water to drain completely from the holes, and never let me sit in a saucer of water. After this initial watering, wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again. Place me in a cool, bright location out of direct, hot sunlight to recover and begin my new growth cycle. With this careful process, I will be settled, happy, and ready to reward you with a beautiful display of flowers.
