From my perspective as a cyclamen plant, the fading of my vibrant flowers is not a sign of failure or the end of my life. It is a perfectly natural and necessary transition into a new phase of my annual cycle. I have expended a tremendous amount of energy to produce those beautiful blooms to attract pollinators. Now that this reproductive task is complete, my focus must shift inward. I need to gather and store energy to survive the coming period of dormancy and to prepare for an even more spectacular display in my next growing season. Your care during this critical post-bloom period directly influences my long-term health and future vitality.
Immediately after my flowers wither, my priority is photosynthesis. Do not remove my heart-shaped leaves! They are my solar panels, crucial for absorbing sunlight and converting it into vital energy reserves, which I will store in my tuber—the underground storage organ that is the core of my being. Continue to provide me with bright, indirect light and water me carefully. The golden rule is to water from below by placing my pot in a saucer of water for about 15-20 minutes, allowing me to drink what I need. Always let any excess water drain away completely. Watering from above or letting me sit in water will cause my tuber to rot, which is fatal. You can also provide a half-strength dose of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once or twice during this period to support this energy-gathering process.
As the days grow longer and warmer, I will naturally begin to signal my need for rest. My leaves will start to yellow and die back. This is not a cause for alarm; it is my way of preparing for dormancy. I am withdrawing energy from my leaves back into my tuber for safekeeping. Once most of my foliage has yellowed, you should stop watering me entirely. Place my pot in a cool, dark, and dry location for my summer rest. An unheated garage, a basement, or a cool closet are ideal spots. I do not need light during this time as I am not actively growing. The key is a cool and dry environment. Leave my tuber undisturbed in its pot of dry or barely moist soil for 2-3 months.
When late summer or early autumn arrives, with its cooler temperatures, I will begin to stir from my slumber. You will notice tiny new growth buds emerging from the top of my tuber. This is your cue to gently bring me back into the world. Repot me in fresh, well-draining potting mix, ensuring my tuber sits slightly above the soil line. Begin watering me sparingly at first, gradually increasing as I produce more new leaves. Return me to a location with bright, indirect light and cooler temperatures. With this careful restart, I will channel all my stored energy into producing a new set of leaves and, soon after, a fresh bouquet of flowers to thank you for your understanding and care.
