Cyclamen Plant: People love cyclamen for their bright blooms during the winter. They have pretty, upward-facing petals that come in pink, red, and white. Their leaves often have silver patterns, which make the plant look even more beautiful.
These plants grow from tubers and are also known as Persian violets or sowbread. Cyclamens are cool-weather lovers and can flower from fall through spring. If you nurse them properly, they will return annually. Which makes them good choice for both new plant owners and people who have been growing plants for a long time.
What Are Cyclamen Plants?
Cyclamen are native to the Mediterranean, Europe and some of Asia. They sprout from round underground tubers that store energy when the plant is dormant during the summer months.
Two main types are popular:
- Indoor florist cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum): Large flowers, sometimes fragrant, commonly sold as houseplants.
- Hardy outdoor cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium, Cyclamen coum): Cold-tolerant plants that grow well in shade gardens and naturalize easily.
Cyclamen are notable flowers due to their wing-shaped, incurved petals and the lovely, heart shaped leaves with silvery patterns on them. They bloom in the colder months, brightening gardens and rooms when most plants are dormant.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Cyclamen prefer cool, gentle environments similar to shaded forests. They grow best at 60–65°F (15–18°C).
- Indoors, place them in bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window.
- Outdoors, plant them in partial or full shade, away from strong afternoon sun.
- They enjoy medium humidity (50–60%), so avoid placing them near heaters, vents, or drafts, as these can cause buds to drop.
Soil and Planting Tips
Cyclamen need soil that drains well but still holds some moisture.
- Use a light, humus-rich mix with perlite for indoor plants.
- Outdoors, improve the soil with compost or leaf mold and avoid heavy clay.
- When planting tubers, keep the top one-third above the soil surface.
- Space outdoor plants 6–12 inches apart for a natural look.
A layer of leaf mold or light mulch helps hardy cyclamen stay moist and healthy in the garden.
How to Water Cyclamen Properly
Correct watering is one of the most important parts of cyclamen care.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Use bottom watering by placing the pot in a shallow tray of water for about 20–30 minutes, then discard any extra water.
- Avoid watering from above because wet leaves and crowns can cause rot.
During fall to spring (growth and bloom):
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
During summer dormancy:
Water lightly every 2–3 weeks—just enough to prevent the tuber from drying out.
Fertilizing for Better Blooms
Cyclamen do not need heavy feeding but benefit from gentle fertilizer during growth.
- Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- Switch to a “bloom booster” if you want more flowers.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which produce too many leaves.
- Stop all feeding once the plant enters dormancy.
Hardy outdoor cyclamen only need a light layer of compost in spring.
Pruning and Deadheading
Cyclamen stay healthier with regular cleaning.
- Remove wilted flowers and yellow leaves by twisting them off at the base.
- Allow the foliage to die back naturally after blooming, as this helps feed the tuber.
- If you see soft or rotting areas, remove them and lightly dust the spot with cinnamon to prevent fungal issues.
Deadheading encourages fresh blooms and keeps the plant tidy.
Common Pests and Diseases
Cyclamen sometimes face issues, especially indoors.
Common pests include:
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Cyclamen mites
Treat all of these with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increased humidity also helps prevent repeat problems.
Common diseases include:
- Gray mold (Botrytis): Caused by wet leaves or poor airflow.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or soggy soil.
Hardy outdoor cyclamen may attract slugs, so mulch lightly to protect them.
Propagation Methods
You can create new cyclamen plants through:
- Tuber division: Cut large tubers into pieces with growth points during early dormancy.
- Seeds: Sow in spring, cover lightly, keep moist, and place in a shaded, cool area.
- Leaf cuttings: Possible but slow.
Dormant tubers can be stored in dry peat during summer until replanting in fall.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cyclamen
| Feature | Indoor (Florist) Cyclamen | Outdoor (Hardy) Cyclamen |
| Best Types | C. persicum hybrids | C. hederifolium, C. coum |
| Temperature | No frost; prefers 60–65°F | Tolerates frost; Zones 5–9 |
| Light | Bright indirect light | Partial to full shade |
| Lifespan | 2–5 years | Long-lived perennials |
| Bloom Time | Fall–spring indoors | Autumn–winter outdoors |
Indoor cyclamen offer striking beauty but require more attention, while hardy types grow easily in shady garden areas and return every year.
Troubleshooting Leaf Problems
- Drooping leaves often mean overwatering or too much heat.
- Yellow leaves are normal during dormancy or may indicate low light or too much water.
- Bud drop happens when humidity is low or temperatures change suddenly.
Correcting the environment usually solves the problem.
Benefits Beyond Beauty
Cyclamen add gentle fragrance, brighten indoor spaces in winter, and offer mild air-purifying benefits. Some species were once used in traditional remedies, though the plant is toxic if eaten, especially to pets.
FAQs
How often should I water cyclamen?
Water when top inch of soil is dry. Bottom watering works best.
Can cyclamen survive outdoors in cold climates?
Hardy types can survive frost in USDA zones 5–9, but indoor florist cyclamen cannot.
Why are my cyclamen leaves turning yellow?
It could be natural dormancy, over-watering or low light.
How do I get my cyclamen to bloom again next year?
Let the plant go dormant in a cool, dry location during summer and then resume watering and feeding in fall.
Are cyclamen toxic to pets?
Yes. Be sure to keep them away from dogs and cats.
