Cyclamen

Cyclamen plants enjoy well-drained soil and an adequate soil moisture level. Water Cyclamen when the top 1 - 2” (2.5 - 5 cm) of potting soil surface is lightly dry to the touch. Make sure to thoroughly moisten the soil, but be careful not to overwater or to let it dry out completely. Be sure to let excess water from the pot drain away after as standing water can cause root rot. Since the plant is deciduous, the soil should be drier during their inactive period.

Cyclamen plants need plenty of light for their proper growth. Place this plant in a spot that gets direct morning sun, while avoiding direct afternoon or full sun exposure. To keep the leaves from turning yellow, provide plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. If the leaves become yellow and start to turn bronze during the winter, don’t worry as it is due to a short day season. Low light is not advisable for this houseplant as they prefer more light than average flowering houseplants.

Ideal temperatures for the Cyclamen houseplant range from 55°F - 70°F (13°C - 21°C). Keep them away from any cold drafts so they don’t succumb to root rot and other damage from a too cold environment. When temperatures become warmer in autumn, move the plant to a cooler and brighter spot.

Cyclamen plants are not too demanding when it comes to humidity. Provide them with a light misting during the growing season and a slightly higher level of humidity during their dormant period from late summer to early autumn. Raise the humidity around your Cyclamen by grouping plants or placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles or gravel.

Cyclamen plants should be planted in fast-draining, light, and airy soil. Use a potting mix specially developed for flowering houseplants. You can also amend the potting soil mixture with well-rotted compost or perlite to improve drainage and aeration.

During the growing season, fertilize weekly with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) mixed at a rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Do not fertilize during the resting period. If the cyclamen is planted in a pot containing soilless mix, use a fertilizer with low nitrogen levels, such as a 5-15-15 fertilizer. Alternatively, you could also use organic fertilizers like compost tea or fish emulsion.

Cyclamens tend to be prone to pests, but the most common pests they attract are aphids and scale. These pests can be removed with the help of an insecticidal wash or soapy water, but they can be prevented from attacking the Cyclamen by cleaning any dead leaves regularly because aphids and scale prefer to feed on plant sap, so dead leaves could be an ideal target for them. Another effective way to get rid of pests is the application of neem oil or horticultural oils both of which are natural and plant-friendly.

Re-potting your Cyclamen should be done every couple of years or when the root system covers the majority of the pot. A new pot should be chosen that is 1 – 2” (2.5 – 5 cm) wider than the previous one. Plant the cyclamen one inch below the rim of the pot so that the surface of the potting medium is level with the lip of the pot. Make sure not to use too large of a pot as too much soil and moisture can cause root rot.

Cyclamen plants do not require a great deal of pruning. Small snips can be done anytime if there are dead or wilting flowers or stems that need to be cut away for aesthetic reasons. Pruning should be done after the plant has gone into dormancy to avoid any damage.

A layer of mulch should be added to keep the soil light and moist. Use a light compost or well-rotted organic matter as a mulch, but avoid using any fertilizers in the mulch layer.

Cyclamen can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings or offsets. When propagating from offsets, wait until the tuber has developed a root system and is ready to replant. When collecting seeds, make sure to collect them after the flowers have bloomed and have dried. Plant the seeds immediately after collection and water sparingly.

Cyclamen plants should be supported by small stakes or trellises so the stems and leaves are not weighed down by heavy flowers or by rain and wind.

Cyclamen needs a rest period after flowering. When the flowering period is over, it’s time to give the plant a break. Stop watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. The plant can go without water for about a month or two without any damage.

Cyclamen plants are toxic to pets if consumed. All parts of the plant contain saponins, which can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous depression if ingested.