The Ultimate Guide to How to Grow Cyclamen: Tips and Tricks for Success

Cyclamen, with their delicate, heart-shaped flowers and vibrant colors, are a welcome sight in any home during the winter months. But did you know that these captivating blooms can be cultivated right in your own garden or indoors? This comprehensive guide will delve into the art of growing cyclamen, from choosing the right variety to ensuring their long-lasting beauty.

Choosing the Right Cyclamen Variety

The first step in your cyclamen journey is selecting the perfect variety. Cyclamen come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and bloom times, each with its own unique charm.

For Indoor Cultivation:

• Cyclamen persicum: This popular variety is known for its large, showy flowers and long blooming period, making it ideal for indoor containers.
• Cyclamen coum: These miniature cyclamen boast delicate flowers and compact growth, perfect for windowsills or small spaces.

For Outdoor Gardens:

• Cyclamen hederifolium: This species thrives in shady, woodland gardens and features attractive foliage with beautiful markings.
• Cyclamen coum: This variety can also be grown outdoors in cooler climates, adding a splash of color to shaded areas.

Providing the Ideal Growing Conditions

Cyclamen are relatively easy to grow if provided with the right conditions. Here’s a breakdown of their needs:

Light:

• Indoor: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Outdoor: Partial shade is preferred, especially in hot climates.

Temperature:

• Indoor: Cool temperatures between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C) are best. Avoid placing them near heat sources.
• Outdoor: Cyclamen prefer cool, humid climates. In warmer regions, they may need some protection from the summer heat.

Watering:

• Indoor: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
• Outdoor: Water regularly during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy.

Soil:

• Indoor: Use a well-draining potting mix with a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0-6.5).
• Outdoor: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting Cyclamen

Indoor:

• Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with the appropriate potting mix.
• Gently place the cyclamen tuber on top of the soil, ensuring the top of the tuber is exposed.
• Backfill the pot with soil, leaving some space around the tuber.
• Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain.

Outdoor:

• Choose a shady location with well-draining soil.
• Dig a hole slightly larger than the tuber and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the tuber is level with the ground.
• Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.

Caring for Your Cyclamen

Fertilizing:

• Indoor: Feed your cyclamen with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the active growing season (fall and winter).
• Outdoor: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring or early summer.

Deadheading:

• Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and prolong the flowering period.

Dormancy:

• Indoor: Cyclamen typically enter dormancy in the summer. During this time, reduce watering and allow the foliage to die back.
• Outdoor: Cyclamen may go dormant in the summer, depending on the climate.

Propagating Cyclamen

Cyclamen can be propagated from seed or by dividing the tubers.

From Seed:

• Sow seeds in a seed tray filled with a seed-starting mix.
• Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.
• It may take several months for seedlings to emerge.

By Division:

• Divide the tubers during the dormant period, ensuring each division has at least one growth point.
• Plant the divisions in separate pots or in the garden.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight.
• Solution: Adjust watering practices, provide shade, and ensure proper drainage.

Leaf Drop:

• Cause: Low humidity, dry air, or sudden temperature changes.
• Solution: Increase humidity by placing a humidifier nearby or grouping plants together.

Pest Problems:

• Cause: Aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.
• Solution: Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Disease:

• Cause: Root rot, fungal diseases.
• Solution: Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

A Final Flourish: Enjoying the Beauty of Your Cyclamen

With proper care and attention, your cyclamen will thrive, adding a touch of elegance to your home or garden. Remember to enjoy their beauty, appreciate their unique charm, and celebrate the joy they bring to your life.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Can I grow cyclamen outdoors in a warm climate?

While cyclamen prefer cooler climates, they can be grown outdoors in warmer regions with proper care. Choose a shady location and ensure the soil is well-draining. Water regularly during dry periods and provide some protection from the summer heat.

2. How long do cyclamen flowers last?

Cyclamen flowers can last for several weeks, even months, with proper care. Deadheading spent flowers will help prolong the flowering period.

3. Why are my cyclamen leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight. Ensure proper watering practices, provide shade, and check for drainage issues.

4. Can I repot my cyclamen?

You can repot cyclamen during the dormant period. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use a fresh potting mix.

5. How do I know when my cyclamen is going dormant?

Cyclamen typically enter dormancy in the summer. During this time, the foliage may start to die back and the plant will require less water.