Caring for a cyclamen plant indoors is relatively easy, making this a great choice for beginning gardeners. It will generally thrive in a well-lit room, but indirect sunlight is generally best. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy, so water when the top of the soil begins to dry.
Because cyclamen prefer cool temperatures, nighttime temperatures should be kept between 55–65°F. It should also be fertilized every two to three weeks throughout the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants.
To prevent overwatering and promote good drainage, planting cyclamen in an unglazed terra-cotta pot is recommended. During its dormant period in the late spring, keep the soil barely moist and cut back on fertilizing.
It is also important to regularly check the plant for signs of pests such as spider mites or mealybugs; if any are found, they should be treated accordingly.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen?
Yes, there is a difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen. Indoor cyclamen, also known as florist cyclamen, is an ornamental plant that is usually much smaller than outdoor varieties and does not tolerate cold temperatures.
Indoor cyclamen typically have semi-double or double blooms, a compact size, and a longer flowering period than outdoor varieties. Outdoor cyclamen, also known as hardy cyclamen, is hardier than the indoor varieties and can survive in cooler climates.
Outdoor cyclamen varieties tend to have single blooms, a larger size and a shorter flowering period than indoor varieties. There are also some varieties of cyclamen that are able to thrive both indoors and outdoors depending on their location and the local climate.
How often should I water my indoor cyclamen?
Watering your indoor cyclamen should follow a regular schedule. During the active growing season, water your cyclamen at least once a week. However, make sure to check the plants periodically to make sure there is enough water – aim for the soil to stay lightly moist to the touch.
During the winter months, you can reduce watering to about once or twice a month. You should also avoid getting the leaves wet and use room-temperature water to water the plant. During the summer, try to maintain higher humidity levels by misting the cyclamen frequently.
Lastly, make sure to empty any standing water from the pot saucer/drip tray after each watering session as cyclamen do not like to sit in water.
Do cyclamen do well inside?
Yes, cyclamen makes an excellent indoor plant given the right conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light, moderate to high humidity, and temperatures between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and above 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
It also requires well-drained soil and regular light watering. Keeping the soil moist and avoiding letting the plant sit in excessive water or direct sun can help to keep the beautiful blooms intact.
Cyclamen can be repotted annually in a potting mix containing peat moss, loam and sand, with a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot. With care, cyclamen can be kept indoors for quite some time and can last up to two years with proper attention and care.
How long does an indoor cyclamen last?
An indoor cyclamen can last up to 6 months if cared for properly. To get the best out of your cyclamen, provide bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist but not wet. Monitor for any signs of pests or disease, and if detected, take immediate action to treat.
To help the blooms last longer, fertilize the plant every two weeks, and occasionally give the plant a gentle shake to keep flower petals from clumping. Also, deadhead the flowers as they die to encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
Finally, keep the plant away from heaters and other warm sources. With proper care, your indoor cyclamen can last for over 6 months!.
Do cyclamen come back every year?
The short answer to this is that it depends. Cyclamen is a genus of a plant with over 20 species, and each species has different growth and lifespan. Most are considered perennials, meaning that the plant will last for many years and come back when the conditions are right.
In some temperate climates, like the Mediterranean, and if planted in the right situation, the Cyclamen hederifolium could flower for many years. In colder climates, the plants are more likely to be grown as annuals, and will require replanting each year.
Other species, such as Cyclamen persicum, can be grown as a houseplant indoors. This will flower year round, so technically the plants will come back each year, albeit living in the same pot.
Why is my indoor cyclamen drooping?
Indoor cyclamens droop for several reasons. One main reason could be a lack of light. Cyclamens prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so if your plant is situated in a room that does not get adequate light, or if it’s placed too close to a window, then it’s likely to droop.
Additionally, cyclamens can become limp or floppy if the soil is either very dry or too wet. If the soil is too dry, then you should water the plant thoroughly until it starts to perk up. Watered cyclamens should have soil that is always moist, but not soggy.
If the soil is too wet, then allow excess water to drain out and let the soil dry slightly before watering again. Lastly, if you’ve recently repotted your cyclamen, it can droop initially as it adjusts to a new pot.
In this case, be patient and provide bright, indirect light and water it when necessary.
How warm can cyclamen tolerate?
Cyclamen is an extremely versatile and hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 50-70°F, with optimum temperatures of 60-65°F. It can even tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 80°F for short periods of time.
It’s important to note, however, that direct sunlight should be avoided and that cyclamen can quickly suffer in temperatures above 85°F. As long as temperatures remain cool and indirect light is provided, cyclamen can handle a broad range of conditions.
How do I keep my cyclamen blooming?
If you want your cyclamen to keep blooming, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure its health and promote flowering. First, keep the soil moist but not soggy, as cyclamen need plenty of water but do not like to sit in wet soil.
Also, while they do like bright indirect light, avoid exposing them to direct afternoon sunlight as this can cause their leaves to yellow and be damaged. Next, keep the soil temperature cool, around 60-65°F (15-18°C).
In addition, fertilizing the plant periodically with a balanced liquid fertilizer will help encourage flowering. Finally, if the plant starts to look unhealthy, discard any old soil and repot it with a potting mix designed for cyclamen or other similar light and airy houseplants.
Following these steps should help encourage continuous blooms in your cyclamen.
Can you grow cyclamen in pots?
Yes, cyclamen can be grown in pots. The best way to do so is to start with a pot that has holes for drainage and use a soil-based potting mix. Choose a pot just large enough for the roots of the cyclamen so that it is not sitting in overly wet soil.
Place the cyclamen in the pot and then fill the pot with soil, saturating the soil and then pressing it down so that the plant is firmly planted. Keep the soil moist, but not wet to prevent rotting the roots.
It is best to water the cyclamen from the bottom of the pot rather than the top. Cyclamen can also be planted outdoors using a soil-based compost and ensuring the soil is moist but that drainage is good.
Cyclamen do not like wet, waterlogged soils and need careful tending to ensure they thrive.
What do I do with indoor cyclamen after flowering?
When indoor cyclamen has finished flowering, it is important to place the plant in a sunny area with plenty of indirect light. Give the plant adequate water but be careful not to over water it. The soil should remain only slightly moist and not soggy.
Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. Repot the cyclamen once a year in the spring, preferably in a clay pot. At this time, you can also divide the plant and propagate cyclamen as needed.
Prune off any dead foliage and flowers once they turn brown and wilted. This helps keep a healthy and attractive cyclamen.
Is my cyclamen dead or dormant?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a dead or dormant cyclamen. To determine if your cyclamen is dead or dormant, look for obvious signs of life such as the presence of leaves or flowers.
If the leaves are yellow or brown, it is likely that the plant is dead, especially if the discoloration is uniform. If the leaves are green and healthy looking, it is more likely that the plant is dormant.
If it is dormant, you can still revive it with a bit of water and light in a cool place out of direct sunlight. However, if the leaves are brown, crisp and brittle, it is more likely that there is no hope of reviving the cyclamen.
Where should I place my cyclamen indoors?
When it comes to placing your cyclamen indoors, it’s important to find a spot that offers indirect light and good air circulation. Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures and can handle some shade. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch and damage the delicate leaves.
Avoid spots that are too drafty, such as doorways, and make sure the humidity is around 35-50%. If possible, position your plant near a south or east facing window, or a north facing window if there is bright indirect light.
Make sure it is away from radiators, as this can dry out the plant. Ensure that you don’t place it too close to other plants, as this can encourage disease. When it comes to soil, cyclamen need to be planted in a mixture of potting soil, perlite and peat moss to promote air circulation.
Proper drainage is also a must.
How often should cyclamen be watered?
Cyclamen generally should be watered once or twice a week. Allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. When watering, water thoroughly, soaking the soil until water comes out of the drainage holes.
Do not let the cyclamen sit in water, as the roots will rot. Water around the centre of the pot, avoiding the centre of the plant. It is important to keep the centre of the plant dry to avoid fungal diseases.
During the summer months, water more often and fertilize with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer every two weeks. During the winter months, water less often, allowing the soil to become drier in between watering.
Should I water cyclamen from the bottom?
When it comes to watering cyclamen, the answer is yes, it is best to water from the bottom. This ensures that the soil and roots will be evenly moist and not just wet at the surface. To do this, you need to fill the saucer or tray that the pot is sitting in with a few inches of water and then allow the plant to soak it up from the bottom.
Make sure the water is at room temperature or slightly cooler, any hotter and it can scorch the roots. After about thirty minutes, pour off any remaining water and return the pot to its former position.
This method should ensure that your cyclamen is always properly hydrated and healthy.
What does an overwatered cyclamen look like?
An overwatered cyclamen will show signs of unhealthy leaves, stems and flowers. The most obvious symptom of overwatering is that the leaves will begin to yellow and curl up, especially around the edges.
This will begin to spread, eventually leading to the entire top portion of the plant wilting and drooping. The flowers may also become limp and discolored, or may drop off prematurely. Additionally, the root system of the cyclamen may be damaged due to too much water, making it more susceptible to stress and other plant illnesses.
To avoid overwatering, the soil should be checked regularly for sufficient moisture and watered only when the top inch of soil is dry.
How much water do you give cyclamen?
Cyclamen need to be kept slightly moist at all times, otherwise they will not flower or grow properly. Generally, water your cyclamen when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Water with enough to lightly moisten the soil and allow any excess water to drain.
Do not leave the plant sitting in water for too long. Once every month or two, water the cyclamen thoroughly and allow the excess water to completely drain out. To keep the soil evenly moist, it’s best to use lukewarm (not cold or hot) water.
During their dormancy period in the summer, reduce the frequency of watering, but be sure the soil is never allowed to dry out completely.
Why are the leaves on my indoor cyclamen turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on an indoor cyclamen plant is typically due to inadequate water or light levels. Cyclamen plants require indirect sunlight and well-drained soil that’s evenly moist. If the plant is kept near sources of dry heat, like radiators or stoves, the leaves may start to yellow as the soil is drying out too quickly.
If the light is too direct or strong, the leaves may also start to yellow. In addition, using water that’s too cold or too hard (high in minerals), or allowing the roots to sit in water for too long, can also cause the leaves to yellow.
To remedy the situation, move the pot to a location with indirect light and check the soil moisture every day. If the soil is dry on the surface, try giving the plant a thorough drink of room temperature, filtered water.
Additionally, make sure you are avoiding over-watering and letting the soil dry out between waterings.