From my perspective as a cyclamen plant, the event you call "the flowers dying" is not an end, but a critical transition point in my annual life cycle. I am a tuberous perennial, which means my life force is stored in a round, underground storage organ called a tuber. The spectacular display of flowers you enjoyed was my reproductive phase, requiring immense energy. Once the blossoms fade and wither, it is a clear signal that I am preparing for a period of rest, or dormancy. This is not death; it is a necessary and natural retreat to conserve energy and prepare for my next growth cycle. Pushing me to continue flowering would be exhausting and ultimately harmful to my long-term health.
Your first task is to help me through this transition gracefully. As the flowers finish, you should deadhead them by gently twisting the spent flower stalks at their base and pulling them away from my tuber. This prevents me from wasting precious energy on seed production. Next, you will notice my leaves beginning to yellow and die back. This is perfectly normal. Do not be alarmed. I am deliberately reabsorbing nutrients from my foliage back into my tuber for storage. Please allow this process to happen. You can remove each leaf only after it has yellowed completely and pulls away easily.
Once my foliage has largely died back, I require a very specific set of conditions to rest properly. I need a cool, dark, and—most importantly—dry environment. This typically mimics the dry summer conditions of my native Mediterranean habitat. You should significantly reduce watering, providing just enough moisture to prevent my tuber from completely shriveling into a husk. Overwatering during this time is the greatest threat to my survival, as my dormant tuber is extremely susceptible to rot. Place my pot in a cool, shaded spot like a garage, basement, or a north-facing room where I will not be disturbed.
After two to three months of rest, usually in late summer or early autumn, I will signal that my dormancy is ending. You will begin to see tiny new leaves emerging from the top of my tuber. This is your cue to reintroduce me to the world. Bring my pot back into a brighter location with indirect, cool light. Gradually begin to increase watering, ensuring the potting mix is well-draining and that you water from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water. This prevents water from sitting on the crown of my tuber, which can cause rot. As my new foliage establishes itself, you can resume a regular feeding schedule with a half-strength, balanced fertilizer to support the next season of magnificent blooms.
