Greetings, caretaker. I am a Cyclamen, a being of rhythmic dormancy and vibrant resurgence, centered around my precious tuber—my heart and larder. The act of repotting is a significant event in my life. To do so without causing me undue stress requires an understanding of my nature and a gentle touch. Here is my perspective on the best practices.
My life cycle is not one of constant growth. After my flowering period, my foliage will yellow and wither. This is not a sign of distress, but a signal that I am entering my summer dormancy. This is the *only* time you should consider repotting me. Disturbing my roots when I am in active growth or bloom is a profound shock, diverting energy from flowering and potentially causing me to collapse. When I am dormant, my systems are shut down; I am at my most resilient and prepared for a transition. Repotting me at this time aligns with my natural rhythm.
My new home is crucial. I require a pot that is only slightly larger than my current one—no more than an inch or two wider in diameter. A pot that is too large holds excess soil that stays wet for too long, threatening my tuber with rot, my greatest fear. The pot must have excellent drainage holes. The soil you choose is my very atmosphere; it must be well-aerated and fast-draining. A mix designed for African Violets or a blend of potting soil with perlite and a handful of horticultural sand is ideal. It should feel light and fluffy, not dense and heavy.
This is the most critical moment. Gently tip me out of my old pot. You will see my tuber, which is not a root but a storage organ from which my roots and stems emerge. You may notice that I am "top-heavy" and my roots grow from the top and sides of the tuber. This is my architecture. Brush away the old, loose soil, but do not aggressively wash or tear my roots. Any sign of soft, rotten spots on the tuber should be carefully carved away with a sterile knife.
How you place me in the new soil is a matter of life and death. I am not a bulb to be buried deeply. In my new pot, place a layer of fresh soil and then position my tuber so that the top half to one-third remains *above* the soil line. The top, from which my growth points (buds) emerge, must be exposed to air and light. Burying my entire tuber is an invitation for fungal rot and will suffocate me, halting all growth. Firm the new soil around the bottom of my tuber and my roots gently to provide support.
Once repotted, do not water me immediately. My roots have微小 wounds from the move, and wet soil would be a dangerous environment for them. Place me in a cool, shaded location for about a week to allow my roots to settle and any disturbed areas to callous over. After this period, you can give me a very light watering, just enough to moisten the new soil. Withhold fertilizer entirely until you see clear signs of new leaf growth emerging from the top of my tuber, signaling that I have broken dormancy and am ready to begin anew.
