Cyclamen plants thrive in cool, bright locations and need a dry rest period after their blooming cycle ends. Understanding how to grow cyclamen properly is the key to keeping these beautiful flowers alive indoors or in your garden. Many people treat them as disposable plants, but with the right care, they can bloom year after year.
These plants have a natural life cycle that differs from most houseplants. They go dormant in summer and wake up in fall. If you follow the simple steps below, you will enjoy their delicate, upswept petals for many seasons.
Understanding Cyclamen Basics
Cyclamen are native to Mediterranean regions. They prefer cool temperatures and bright, indirect light. The most common type sold in stores is the florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum).
They have heart-shaped leaves with silver markings. The flowers come in pink, white, red, and purple. Each flower looks like a small butterfly resting on a stem.
The most important thing to know is that cyclamen have a rest period. After blooming, they need a dry, warm rest to prepare for the next season.
How To Grow Cyclamen
Choosing The Right Cyclamen Plant
Start with a healthy plant. Look for one with many unopened buds at the base. Avoid plants with yellow leaves or drooping stems. The tuber should be firm, not soft or mushy.
If you are buying tubers for outdoor planting, choose hardy cyclamen species like Cyclamen hederifolium or Cyclamen coum. These can survive cold winters.
Selecting The Perfect Pot And Soil
Cyclamen need well-draining soil. Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and a little sand. The pot must have drainage holes. A shallow pot works best because cyclamen tubers do not like deep soil.
Plant the tuber so the top third sits above the soil line. This prevents rot. If you bury it too deep, the plant may not bloom.
Light Requirements For Cyclamen
Place your cyclamen in bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and shorten bloom time.
During the dormant summer period, keep the plant in a shady spot. Too much light during rest can stress the tuber.
Watering Cyclamen Correctly
Watering is the trickiest part of learning how to grow cyclamen. They hate wet feet. Always water from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water for 15 minutes. Let the pot drain completely before returning it to its spot.
Never pour water directly onto the tuber or crown. This causes rot. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During the dormant period, stop watering almost completely. Give just enough moisture to keep the soil from becoming bone dry.
Temperature And Humidity Needs
Cyclamen love cool temperatures. The ideal range is 50-65°F (10-18°C). They will stop blooming if the room gets too warm. Keep them away from radiators, fireplaces, and direct heat vents.
High humidity helps. Place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water, but do not let the pot sit in water. Misting the air around the plant can also help, but avoid misting the leaves directly.
Fertilizing For More Blooms
Feed your cyclamen every two weeks during the growing season (fall to early spring). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing when the leaves start to yellow and die back.
Too much fertilizer can cause lush leaves but few flowers. Less is more with these plants.
Cyclamen Dormancy: The Rest Period
After blooming, usually in late spring, the leaves will turn yellow and die. This is normal. Do not throw the plant away. It is entering its natural rest period.
Reduce watering gradually as the leaves fade. Once all leaves are gone, stop watering almost entirely. Move the pot to a cool, dark place like a basement or garage. The tuber needs this dry rest for 2-3 months.
In late summer or early fall, check the tuber. If it feels firm, repot it in fresh soil if needed. Start watering lightly again. Place it in bright light, and new growth will appear soon.
Common Dormancy Mistakes
- Watering during dormancy: This is the number one killer. The tuber will rot if kept wet while resting.
- Throwing away the plant: Many people think the plant is dead when leaves drop. It is just sleeping.
- Keeping it in a warm room: Warmth during dormancy can confuse the plant and prevent future blooms.
Propagating Cyclamen
You can propagate cyclamen from seeds or by dividing tubers. Seed propagation takes patience but is rewarding.
Growing Cyclamen From Seeds
- Sow seeds in a shallow tray filled with seed-starting mix.
- Cover seeds lightly with soil. They need darkness to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a cool, dark spot (60-65°F).
- Germination can take 4-8 weeks. Be patient.
- Once seedlings appear, move them to bright, indirect light.
- Transplant to individual pots after they have two true leaves.
Flowers may not appear until the second or third year. This is a slow process, but it is fun to watch.
Dividing Cyclamen Tubers
Division is possible but risky. Only divide large, mature tubers during the dormant period. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the tuber into sections. Each section must have at least one growth point.
Let the cut pieces dry for a day to form a callus. Then plant them in shallow pots with well-draining soil. Water sparingly until new growth appears.
Pests And Diseases Of Cyclamen
Cyclamen are generally hardy, but they can have problems. The most common pests are spider mites, aphids, and cyclamen mites.
Spider Mites
These tiny pests cause stippled, yellow leaves. They thrive in dry conditions. Increase humidity and wipe leaves with a damp cloth. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
Aphids
Aphids cluster on new growth and flower buds. They suck sap and leave sticky honeydew. Wash them off with a strong spray of water or use neem oil.
Cyclamen Mites
These mites are microscopic. They cause distorted, crinkled leaves and stunted growth. Infested plants are hard to save. Discard them to protect other plants.
Common Diseases
- Botrytis (gray mold): Caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering. Always let soil dry between waterings.
- Leaf spot: Fungal spots on leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid wetting foliage.
Growing Cyclamen Outdoors
Hardy cyclamen species can grow in gardens. They are perfect for shaded rock gardens or under trees. They naturalize well and spread over time.
Planting Hardy Cyclamen Outdoors
- Choose a spot with well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
- Plant tubers in late summer or early fall. Space them 6-8 inches apart.
- Bury tubers 2-3 inches deep. Unlike florist cyclamen, hardy types prefer deeper planting.
- Water well after planting, then let nature take over.
Hardy cyclamen bloom in fall or winter, depending on the species. Their leaves appear after flowers or at the same time. They go dormant in summer.
Caring For Outdoor Cyclamen
Outdoor cyclamen need little care. They are drought-tolerant once established. Do not water during their summer dormancy. Mulch lightly to protect from extreme cold.
They will self-seed if conditions are right. You may see new plants popping up nearby. This is a sign of a happy cyclamen patch.
Cyclamen Varieties To Try
There are many cyclamen species and cultivars. Here are a few popular ones:
- Cyclamen persicum: The common florist cyclamen. Best for indoor pots.
- Cyclamen hederifolium: Hardy and easy. Blooms in fall. Leaves resemble ivy.
- Cyclamen coum: Blooms in late winter. Rounded leaves. Very cold-hardy.
- Cyclamen purpurascens: Evergreen leaves. Blooms in summer. Fragrant flowers.
- Cyclamen repandum: Spring-blooming. Marbled leaves. Needs some shade.
Troubleshooting Common Cyclamen Problems
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves can mean overwatering, underwatering, or natural dormancy. Check the soil moisture. If the plant is still blooming, adjust watering. If it is late spring, yellowing is normal.
Drooping Flowers
Drooping flowers often mean the plant is too warm. Move it to a cooler spot. Also check if the soil is too dry or too wet.
No Flowers
Lack of flowers can be due to insufficient light, warm temperatures, or improper dormancy. Make sure the plant gets bright, indirect light and cool nights. Give it a proper dry rest period.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth means the plant is stretching for light. Move it to a brighter location. Pinch off weak stems to encourage bushier growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow cyclamen from seed?
Yes, but it takes patience. Seeds need darkness and cool temperatures to germinate. It may take several weeks. Flowers appear in the second or third year.
Why are my cyclamen leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or natural dormancy. Check your watering routine. If it is late spring, the plant may be entering its rest period.
How often should I water cyclamen?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always water from the bottom. During dormancy, water very sparingly, only to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry.
Can cyclamen grow outdoors?
Yes, but only hardy species like Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum. Florist cyclamen cannot survive freezing temperatures. Plant hardy cyclamen in shaded, well-draining soil.
How do I get my cyclamen to rebloom?
Give it a proper dry rest period in summer. After 2-3 months of rest, repot if needed, resume watering, and place in bright, cool light. New growth and flowers will follow.
Final Tips For Success
Learning how to grow cyclamen is not hard once you understand their cycle. They need cool temps, bright light, and careful watering. The rest period is crucial. Do not skip it.
Keep your cyclamen away from heat sources. Check for pests regularly. Remove spent flowers and yellow leaves to keep the plant tidy.
With a little attention, your cyclamen will reward you with months of beautiful blooms. They are one of the few plants that flower in winter, bringing color to the darkest days.
Remember: cool, bright, and dry during rest. Follow these rules, and you will have a happy cyclamen for years.
If you have more questions about cyclamen care, feel free to ask. Happy growing!