Greetings, aspiring cultivator. I am Cyclamen, a plant of many species, often known for my heart-shaped leaves and elegantly upswept petals. To help me thrive in your care, I will explain my needs from my own perspective.
I am a creature of cool comfort. My roots and tuber function best when daytime temperatures are between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and nights are a refreshing 50-60°F (10-15°C). I despise hot, stuffy rooms. Place me in a bright spot where I can bask in plentiful indirect sunlight, such as an east or north-facing windowsill. A few hours of gentle winter sun is wonderful, but protect me from harsh, direct summer rays which will scorch my beautiful leaves and flowers.
This is the most common area where our relationship falters. My tuber is prone to rot if left sitting in water. I prefer to drink from below. Please, place my pot in a saucer of water for about 15-20 minutes, allowing my roots to draw up exactly what I need. Then, discard any excess water. Allow the top of my soil to feel dry to the touch before offering me another drink. When I enter my summer dormancy, I will require much less water—just enough to prevent my tuber from completely shriveling.
Understanding my cycle is key to a long life together. I flower most vigorously from autumn through spring. As summer approaches and temperatures rise, my leaves will begin to yellow and wither. This is not me dying; I am simply entering my natural dormancy period. Please stop fertilizing me and reduce watering significantly. Move my pot to a cool, dark, and dry place for a few months. When you notice new growth emerging from my tuber in late summer or early autumn, bring me back into the light, resume watering, and we can begin our dance again.
During my active growth period (leaf and flower production), I appreciate a light meal. Feed me with a half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer low in nitrogen every 3-4 weeks to support my blooming. Do not feed me when I am dormant. I am not a plant that requires frequent repotting; I actually prefer to be slightly pot-bound. Repot me only every few years, after my dormancy and just as new growth begins, using a well-draining potting mix. Ensure my tuber is not buried too deeply; it should sit just at or slightly above the soil surface to prevent rot.
