Thanks, Susan

Cyclamens do not want to die if the weather is kept cool. A slow growing period in early summer is the "dormancy of cyclamen".

It’s been years since I brought a Cyclamen home and I usually don’t bother writing in about it. But the care it needs is still in my memory so I’ll add my comments for whatever it’s worth. I wish someone had told me about this plant in my early days. My first cyclamen was a gift in the month of April by my cousin visiting from out of town. I'd never seen it before and fell in love with it. Two weeks later, much to my dismany, the plant's leaves started turning yellow and no matter what I tried, it died (or so I thought). Needless to say that the poor thing ended up in the trash when all it wanted was to take a summer nap :)

Although I miss these plants dearly, I no longer buy Cyclamen because there is absolutely no cool place in my home for me to place it. It’s one of those plants that I’ll have to do without for now.

Cyclamen are Mediterranean plants and usually follow three basic rules:

- Start growing in early fall

- Grow through winter and spring

- Go dormant in the summer (while there is no rain and too much sun)

For those of you who have been to Mediterranean countries, you understand about the lack of rain and loads of sun. Once that season hits, it is perfectly natural for cyclamens to revert to their natural habitat ways and want to take a nap for the summer. Even the people in the Mediterranean– once summer hits – will have their afternoon siestas during the summer.

In late April or early May most cyclamens show signs of being tired and will normally go dormant for the summer.
Just when they go dormant is determined to some extent by their growing conditions. Too much heat and sun will encourage early dormancy. But the same cyclamen, if kept in cool conditions, may continue right into mid-May and beyond. But it’s really the temperature that determines most of it. Too much heat is interpreted by them as summer and summer means snooze time.

For the most part you can expect that by the end of April, most of these plants want to go dormant. My suggestion is to let your plant lead as much as possible and it will let you know exactly when it’s ready for its nap.

A nice summer siesta outdoors in full shade in your garden is a great place for it. The shelf of your potting bench outside - where it will be shaded and dry - sounds like a terrific place. As long as rainfall and the sun do not hit the plant directly, it’s fine. All the leaves will go yellow and dry. This process sometimes takes as long as a couple of months. Remove all dead leaves and flowers – gently. A nice cool place is essential as well as letting the soil become dry.

Most people withhold water and let it rest until September. Some – more sensitive souls – feel like they’re killing the plant with no water and add just a tiny bit each week; I don’t know :)

Anyhow, don’t be afraid of this resting period. It’s not only necessary for most cyclamen, it’s welcomed by them. A good resting period is almost always needed by the tuber; it helps with the next blooming season.

In early fall, remove the tuber from its pot and shake off any old potting mix. Repot in fresh potting mix, place it in a bright but cool location and water minimally until you see new growth. Once new growth appears, it’s a sure sign that your cyclamen is awake and ready to grow and (hopefully) rebloom.

Anyhow, that’s all she wrote. I hope it helps a little!