Cyclamen plants are celebrated for their vibrant blooms during the winter months, bringing a splash of color when many other plants are dormant. Thanks to dedicated growers, we now have a delightful array of cyclamen varieties, from those with elegantly ruffled petals to charming miniatures, all showcasing large, bright flowers in shades of red, pink, maroon, and classic white. Adding to their appeal, cyclamen boast attractive heart-shaped leaves, often adorned with variegated patterns.
Gertens cyclamen provide weeks of vibrant color to brighten your home.
One of the secrets to enjoying long-lasting blooms from cyclamen lies in establishing a strong foundation for the plant. Starting from the bulb and using a quality soil mix, growers nurture a robust base. Proper variety selection, careful cultivation, and balanced nutrition encourage the plant to develop a profusion of leaves – and with cyclamen, abundant leaves directly translate to abundant flowers. Gently parting the foliage of a healthy cyclamen reveals a promising cluster of buds emerging from the center, ready to unfurl into beautiful blossoms.
Essential Cyclamen Care Tips
To ensure your cyclamen thrives and graces your home with its delightful flowers, follow these key care guidelines:
Ideal Temperature and Light Conditions for Cyclamen
Cyclamen flourish in cooler indoor environments. Aim for a temperature around 61°F (16°C) to mimic their preferred conditions. When it comes to light, cyclamen are not demanding but appreciate bright conditions. Position your cyclamen in direct light or bright indirect light to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Watering and Feeding Your Cyclamen for Optimal Bloom
Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial, especially while your cyclamen is in bloom. The most effective way to water cyclamen is from below. Place the pot in a tray of water and allow the roots to absorb moisture from the bottom up. This method helps prevent water from sitting on the crown of the plant, which can lead to rot. Avoid overhead watering for this reason. Regularly remove any yellowing leaves or faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the plant’s appearance.
To support healthy growth and flowering, feed your cyclamen every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. However, it’s important to avoid overfeeding. Cyclamen prefer a less-is-more approach to fertilization, so use fertilizer sparingly to prevent nutrient imbalances.
Caring for Cyclamen After Blooming and Corm Management
Once your cyclamen has finished blooming, you have a choice: you can either discard the corm (the bulb-like base) by composting it or save it for potential re-blooming in the next season. If you choose to save the corm, allow the foliage to die back naturally after the blooming period. Once the foliage has withered, let the corm dry out completely. In midsummer, typically, dig up the corm, repot it in fresh soil, and place it in a warm location to encourage root establishment. After roots have formed, return the plant to a cooler environment, around 55-60°F (13-16°C), to stimulate flowering.
Acclimating Cyclamen to Outdoor Conditions
If you wish to move your cyclamen outdoors, you can do so in April as the weather warms. Cyclamen can tolerate a light frost, but it’s crucial to acclimate them gradually to outdoor conditions. This process involves slowly introducing the plant to changes in temperature and sunlight intensity to prevent shock. Start by placing the cyclamen in a sheltered outdoor location for short periods, gradually increasing the duration and exposure to sunlight over a week or two before fully moving it outside.
Helpful Tip: Tools like soil moisture and light meters are invaluable aids in ensuring your cyclamen, and other houseplants, receive the ideal levels of water and light. Additionally, mini-floral snips are incredibly useful for precise trimming and shaping of your cyclamen, allowing for neat removal of spent blooms and yellowing leaves.
By following these comprehensive care guidelines, you can confidently nurture your cyclamen and enjoy their beautiful and long-lasting winter blooms.
