Flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The heart-shaped leaves are medium green, often with silver marbling.
Cyclamen istoxic to animalsand people.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
hederifolium,that are more often used when growingcyclamen in the landscape.
Cyclamen persicum,the florist’s cyclamen, is usually grown in pots indoors.
Exactly when cyclamen goes fully dormant depends on its growing conditions.
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Light
Give cyclamenbright, indirect lightin the winter when the plant is actively growing.
Soil
Cyclamen prefers to grow in organically rich, well-draining soil with aslightly acidic soil.
Water
When leaves are present, the plant is actively growing.
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During this period, water whenever the soil feels dry about an inch below its surface.
Temperature and Humidity
Cyclamen plants don’t like extreme heat, drafts, or dry air.
High humidity, especially during the winter, is crucial.
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If you moved your plant outdoors for the summer, bring it back indoors before the weather turns cold.
You don’t need to fertilize cyclamen while it’s dormant.
Types of Cyclamen
There are many wonderful types of cyclamen available.
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Fading flowers and seeds heads can also be plucked off, which may extend the blooming period.
Cutting the tubers often opens the root up to rot, so be prepared for failure.
Place the tuber in the potting mix so that its poking slightly out of the soil.
When repotting, take these actions:
Cyclamen should be repotted every two years.
Cyclamen Mites
Cyclamen houseplants are prone tomitesbetween stems and leaves, which can cause curling leaves.
Also, look foraphidson the stems and new growth.
Drooping
Drooping or wilting leaves or flowers are often a sign of overwatering.
Drooping may also occur if the plant gets too cold or if exposed to a draft.
Then, as blooming slows, gradually allow the plant to dry out for two to three months.
To find buds, you may have to spread apart the leaves a tiny bit.
Winter Care
Winter is the flowering season for cyclamen.
At this time they should be moved into a cool, shady location.
Stop watering and allow the soil to dry out.
Avoid the temptation to water during this time, as the roots will likely develop rot.
The plant should remain dormant through summer.
It can be placed outside as long as it is shaded from sunlight and kept sheltered from rain.
Yes, a cyclamen houseplant is easy to care for as long as it’s not overwatered.
When buying cyclamen at a garden center, be sure to check which one you are buying.
1987;29(3):250-251.
Cyclamen: Disease Control Outlines.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Pests and Diseases, cyclamen.org.
