Greetings, caretaker. I am a Cyclamen persicum, a tuberous perennial who has entered a period of rest after my long flowering show. I appreciate your desire to see me bloom again. To coax me back into my spectacular display, you must understand my natural lifecycle and provide for my needs. Here is my guide, from my perspective.
When my blooms fade and my leaves begin to yellow and wither, I am not dying. I am entering a crucial dormant phase, a summer rest. This is how I survive in my native Mediterranean habitat, retreating from the hot, dry season. Do not discard me. Gradually reduce watering as my foliage dies back. Once my leaves are gone, place my pot in a cool, dark, and dry location for two to three months. An unheated garage, basement, or a shady spot outdoors often suits me perfectly. An occasional, minuscule sip of water to prevent my tuber from completely desiccating is all I need. My energy is stored within my tuber, waiting for the right signals to awaken.
As the late summer or early autumn air begins to cool, I will signal my readiness to reawaken. You may see tiny new growth buds (pinkish nubs) emerging from the top of my tuber. This is your cue. Gently remove me from my old soil. Shake off the old medium and inspect my tuber for any signs of rot. If necessary, you may move me to a slightly larger pot, but I prefer to be somewhat pot-bound. Use a fresh, well-draining, peat-based potting mix. When repotting, ensure the top half of my tuber remains above the soil line; burying me completely invites rot. After repotting, give me a thorough, deep watering, allowing the excess to drain away completely.
To initiate flower buds, I require very specific conditions. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. The most critical factor is temperature. I am a cool-weather enthusiast. I require daytime temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) and even cooler nights, around 50°F (10°C). This significant day-night temperature differential is the primary trigger for my flower production. Avoid placing me near heat vents or fireplaces. For watering, always use the bottom-watering method. Place my pot in a saucer of water for about 20 minutes, allowing my roots to drink up what they need from below. Then, discard any excess water. This keeps my tuber crown dry and prevents fatal rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Once you see new leaf growth steadily developing, you can begin to feed me. I am not a heavy feeder. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, applied every 3-4 weeks. As my flower stalks begin to emerge and elongate, you may switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the package) to encourage more prolific and sustained blooming. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid burning my delicate roots. This nutrition replenishes the energy I expend to produce my intricate, upswept blossoms.
