Learning how to grow cyclamen is a fantastic way to add winter color to your home. These charming plants, with their upswept petals and patterned leaves, are easier to care for then many people think.
With a few simple tips, you can enjoy their blooms for months. This guide gives you clear, easy indoor gardening advice to keep your cyclamen thriving.
How To Grow Cyclamen
Cyclamen are native to Mediterranean regions and have a distinct growth cycle. They flower in the cool seasons and rest in the summer. Understanding this rhythm is the key to success.
They are not difficult, but they do demand specific conditions. Get these right, and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular display.
Choosing the Right Cyclamen Plant
Start with a healthy plant. This makes all the difference. Look for one with plenty of unopened buds beneath the foliage.
The leaves should be firm and vibrant, without any yellowing. Check for signs of pests or soft spots on the tuber at the soil surface.
The Perfect Spot: Light and Temperature
Light and temperature are the most critical factors. Cyclamen love bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing windowsill is ideal.
Keep them away from hot, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves and flowers. They prefer cool temperatures, between 50-65°F (10-18°C).
- Avoid placing them near radiators, fireplaces, or hot vents.
- Cooler nights help prolong flowering.
- Good air circulation prevents fungal issues.
Watering Your Cyclamen Correctly
Improper watering is the most common cause of problems. Cyclamen are sensitive to both drought and soggy soil. The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist.
Water from the bottom. Place the pot in a saucer of water for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the soil and roots to soak up what they need.
- Fill a tray with an inch or two of water.
- Set the pot in the tray, ensuring the water doesn’t reach the pot’s rim.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the pot and drain any excess water from the saucer.
Always let the surface of the soil dry slightly between waterings. Never let the pot sit in standing water, as this will cause the tuber to rot.
Humidity and Feeding Needs
Moderate humidity helps cyclamen feel at home. In dry indoor air, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. The evaporating water increases humidity around the plant.
Feed your plant lightly during its active growth and flowering period. Use a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. To much fertilizer can harm the roots.
What is a Pebble Tray?
It’s a simple DIY solution. Take a shallow tray and fill it with small pebbles or gravel. Add water until it’s just below the top of the pebbles. Place your pot on top. The pot should not be in the water.
Dealing with Dormancy
After flowering, your cyclamen will enter a rest period. The leaves will yellow and die back. This is normal, not a sign you’ve failed.
- Gradually reduce watering as the leaves fade.
- Once the leaves are gone, stop watering all together. Let the soil dry out.
- Move the pot to a cool, dark spot for 2-3 months.
In late summer, bring the pot back into bright, indirect light. Begin to water lightly again. New growth should soon appear.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.
Yellowing Leaves
This can have several causes. Overwatering is the most likely. Check your watering method and ensure the pot drains well. It can also be caused by to warm temperatures or natural dormancy.
No Flowers or Buds Blast
If your plant has leaves but no flowers, it usually needs more light. Move it to a brighter location. If buds form but then shrivel and fall off, the air is likely to hot and dry, or the plant is underwatered.
Gray Mold (Botrytis)
This fuzzy gray mold appears in cool, damp conditions with poor air flow. Remove affected parts immediately. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves or crown when you water.
Repotting and Long-Term Care
Cyclamen like to be slightly pot-bound. Repot only every 2-3 years, after the dormant period and before new growth takes off. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
When you repot, be careful with the tuber. It should sit about one-third above the soil line. Burying it to deeply can cause it to rot.
FAQ: Your Cyclamen Questions Answered
Are cyclamen plants poisonous?
Yes, they are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.
How long do cyclamen flowers last?
With proper care, the flowering period can last for several months, often from fall right through to spring.
Why are my cyclamen leaves drooping?
Drooping leaves almost always signal a watering issue. Check the soil. It’s either to dry or the plant has been overwatered and the roots are suffering.
Can I grow cyclamen from seed?
It is possible, but it’s a slow process taking over a year to see flowers. Most gardeners find it easier to start with a nursery-grown plant.
What should I do with my cyclamen in summer?
Allow it to go dormant. Reduce water, let the leaves die back, and store the tuber in its pot in a cool place until autumn.
Growing cyclamen successfully is about respecting their natural cycle. Provide cool temperatures, bright indirect light, and careful watering. Paying attention to these simple needs will keep your cyclamen healthy. You’ll enjoy their elegant flowers season after season, making them a truly rewarding houseplant.