What is Cyclamen?
Cyclamen are a beautiful, flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, prized for its intricately decorated, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. In Colorado, cyclamen are most often seen as indoor houseplants, though they can be grown outdoors in more temperate environments. Cyclamen thrive in cool, well-lit environments, making them ideal for indoor spaces during fall and winter, often even adorning your space with their beautiful blooms when other houseplants are entering a state of dormancy. Cyclamen houseplants are low-growing and compact, typically reaching 6–12 inches in height, and are best suited for areas with indirect sunlight. They prefer well-draining soil and consistent moisture but should not sit in standing water. With proper care, they can brighten your home for several weeks with continuous blooms. These plants are also relatively low-maintenance once their growing needs are understood, making them a favorite for indoor gardening.
Benefits of Cyclamen
As houseplants, cyclamen offer a variety of benefits, making them a wonderful addition to your indoor spaces. A few of these benefits of cyclamen are as follows:
Seasonal Blooms
Cyclamen are known for their vibrant, long-lasting flowers, which brighten up homes during fall and winter when other plants may not be blooming.
Air Purification
Like many houseplants, cyclamen can help improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and releasing oxygen.
Compact Size
Their small, neat growth habit makes them perfect for windowsills, desks, or small spaces.
Low Maintenance
With the right care, cyclamen require minimal effort and offer prolonged beauty.
Cool-Weather Resilience
They are ideal for cooler indoor conditions, thriving during the winter season and growing well in spaces where other houseplants might struggle.
Aesthetic Appeal
Their delicate blooms and heart-shaped, patterned leaves add elegance and charm to any interior.
How to Care for Cyclamen as Houseplants
Cyclamen thrive in cool, bright conditions, making them ideal for homes with indirect sunlight. Place them in a room with temperatures between 50–65°F and avoid direct heat or drafts. Use well-draining soil and water when the top layer of soil feels dry, ensuring not to let the tuber sit in soggy water, as this can lead to rot. High humidity helps cyclamen flourish, so consider a pebble tray for extra moisture. Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the active growing season and reduce feeding during dormancy. To encourage blooming, deadhead spent flowers and yellowing leaves by gently twisting and removing them at the base.
Light Requirements for Cyclamen
Indoors, cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light. If you live in a temperate zone and want to plant cyclamen outdoors, keep in mind that it prefers partial to full shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil Requirements for Cyclamen
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. A mix of peat moss and perlite works well. Learn more about how to amend your potting soil to create the perfect mixture!
Temperature Requirements for Cyclamen
Cyclamen prefers cool conditions, ideally between 50–68°F (10–20°C). Avoid placing it near heat sources or cold drafts.
Humidity Requirements for Cyclamen
High humidity benefits cyclamen, so consider placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier indoors. Grouping houseplants also helps to increase the overall humidity in the area surrounding the grouping.
Fertilizer Requirements for Cyclamen
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during its growing season. Cut back on fertilizing during dormancy, as excess fertilizer in the soil can cause severe damage to the roots. Using a bloom formula can help stimulate blooming in the appropriate season.
How to Propagate Cyclamen
Cyclamen are propagated by seed or division of tubers. While seeds require patience, tuber division is faster and more reliable. Remove your plant from its container and remove as much soil from around the roots and tubers as possible. Gently divide the plant and repot each division into a pot of its own.
Cyclamen Troubleshooting
Cyclamen houseplants can occasionally face issues such as yellowing leaves, drooping stems, or lack of blooms due to improper watering, pests, or temperature fluctuations. Overwatering often leads to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt. Pests like spider mites or aphids can also affect cyclamen's health. If you're unsure what's causing your cyclamen trouble, we’re here to help! Bring your plant into Bath Garden Center and our knowledgeable team can diagnose the problem and provide tailored care advice to restore your plant’s vibrant beauty.
Pests:
Cyclamen can attract pests like spider mites, aphids, or thrips. Treat infestations with neem oil, Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew, or insecticidal soap.
Over/Underwatering:
Both can lead to yellowing leaves or root rot. Water only when the soil feels dry but avoid letting the plant sit in water. Get more tips for how to water your houseplants in our blog!
Reblooming:
Cyclamen needs a rest period to rebloom. After flowering, allow the plant to go dormant by reducing watering and keeping it in a cool, shaded area.
Dormancy:
During dormancy, it is not uncommon for a cyclamen to lose some leaves. Store the tuber in a dry, cool place, and resume watering in late summer to encourage regrowth.
Cyclamen FAQs
If you have become enthralled by the beauty of the cyclamen and have decided to add one to your houseplant collection, you may have some questions. Here are some common frequently asked questions about cyclamen, how to care for cyclamen, and more!
Q. Is a Cyclamen an Indoor or Outdoor Plant?
A. Cyclamen are versatile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings depending on the species. Indoors, it brightens up spaces during cooler months, while certain hardy varieties thrive outdoors in mild climates. Most cyclamen varieties are hardy to zones 9-11, and are grown exclusively as indoor houseplants here in Northern Colorado.
Q. When to Plant Cyclamen?
A. If you live in a temperate zone and are hoping to plant cyclamen outdoors, it is recommended to plant these tubers in late summer or early fall to enjoy winter blooms. Please keep in mind, most cyclament are suited to hardiness zones 9-11, so planting outdoors in Northern Colorado is not recommended.
Q. When Do Cyclamen Bloom?
A. Cyclamen typically bloom any time from late fall to early spring, depending on the species. Cyclamen are one of the few indoor houseplants who's blooming is stimulated by cooler temperatures, making this a great winter houseplant.
Q. Are Cyclamen Perennials?
A. Yes, most cyclamen varieties are perennials. When planted in a temperate region, they will return year after year with proper care. Our environment here in Northern Colorado, however, is too harsh for these delicate plants, which is why they are most commonly seen growing as indoor houseplants.
Q. Do Cyclamen Spread?
A. Outdoor varieties can naturalize, spreading gradually over time in suitable conditions. Keep in mind that most cyclamen are generally only hardy to zones 9-11, confining their outdoor growth to only the most warm regions of the United States.
Q. How Long Do Outdoor Cyclamen Last?
A. Cyclamen planted outdoors in the appropriate hardiness zones can last for years when provided with the proper care, including being planted in well-draining soil and shaded areas.
Q. Are Cyclamen Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
A. Yes, cyclamen tubers are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe reactions. To be safe, always keep toxic plants out of reach of pets, and always consult a veterinarian immediately in the event that portions of a toxic plant are ingested.
Q. Are Cyclamen Deer Resistant?
A. Cyclamen that are planted outdoors in temperate regions that are suited to their growing requirements are generally deer-resistant due to their bitter taste and toxic properties.
Q. Are there different types of cyclamen?
A. Yes, cyclamen has various species, including Cyclamen persicum (commonly grown indoors) and Cyclamen hederifolium (hardy outdoor variety). Each type has unique requirements, so choosing the right one for your environment is key. Always remember to plant according to your hardiness zone and the growing requirements of the plant. To learn more about hardiness zones, check out our blog!
Shop Cyclamens at Bath Garden Center
Explore our diverse selection of cyclamen houseplants, perfect for brightening your home during cooler months. Visit Bath Garden Center for expert advice, premium-quality plants, and all the supplies you need for success. Shop with us in-store or online today!