Yes, there is a difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen. Indoor cyclamen are typically hardy, evergreen plants with small, silvery-green foliage, and attractive flowers that range from white to pink to purple and can bloom for months in the winter.
Outdoor cyclamen are generally hardy tuberous perennials that are larger in size than their indoor counterparts and can tolerate chillier temperatures, but prefer temperatures above 55°F (12.7°C). Outdoor cyclamen typically have vibrant colors on the upper side of their velvety leaves and flowers in a vast range of colors, including pink, red, magenta, purple and white.
They generally bloom during the spring months, but will rebloom if the foliage is deadheaded.
Is cyclamen an outdoor plant?
No, cyclamen is not an outdoor plant and is not suited to growing outdoors in most climates. Cyclamen are typical houseplants and native to the Mediterranean region. They prefer cool, humid environments and light moist soil.
Because of their preference for a specific environment and soil, they cannot withstand the harsh elements of the outdoors including direct sunlight, strong winds, and heavy rains. These elements can cause the delicate flowers of cyclamen to wilt and die, and for the leaves to become scorched or discolored.
To enjoy the beauty of these lovely flowers and plants, it is best to grow it in a pot indoors.
How do you care for an indoor cyclamen plant?
Caring for an indoor cyclamen plant requires regular attention and proper water, temperature, and light conditions. The general guidelines for watering and fertilizing should be followed.
Watering: Water your cyclamen at least once per week, when the top two inches of the soil feel dry. Water the soil directly to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers and to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
In winter, reduce the amount of water.
Fertilizing: A diluted liquid fertilizer should be applied once every two to three weeks (dilute it to half or one-third of the recommended strength).
Temperature: Cyclamen thrives in temperatures between 55 and 68°F. In summer, keep it away from windows with direct sun, hot drafts and cold windows. In colder temperatures, move it away from the cold glass.
Light: These plants prefer bright, indirect light and will do best in a cool, east or north-facing window. However, too much direct sun on the foliage may cause sunburn!
Other tips: Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly, as decaying foliage may cause fungal diseases. Monitor the environment closely and remember to rotate the plant regularly to prevent it leaning towards the light.
Can potted cyclamen be planted outside?
Yes, it is possible to plant potted cyclamen outside. While they are usually grown as houseplants, cyclamen can tolerate cooler temperatures, so they’re perfect for outdoor planting as long as the climate isn’t too cold.
When planting potted cyclamen outdoors, make sure to position them in a partially shady area so they get some sunlight and protected from strong winds. Before planting, remove the soil from the pot and break it up before planting in a cool, well-drained area with partial shade.
Be sure to water the plants regularly, but avoid over-watering or soaking it in water. To keep them happy and healthy, add a mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and top-dress with a slow-release fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
With the right care and environment, these delicate flowers will produce happy blooms in your garden.
How long do potted cyclamen last?
The lifespan of a potted cyclamen varies depending on the individual plant and growing conditions, but with proper care, potted cyclamen can last for several months. Generally, cyclamen do best when exposed to bright filtered light, cool temperatures, and ample humidity.
The plants need well-draining, fertile soil and should not be overwatered, as this can cause root rot. Watering should be done with room-temperature water and done when the top of the soil is dry. To encourage flowering, move the cyclamen to areas with lower light levels.
Fertilizer should be applied monthly during the active growing season. If you notice any signs of disease, it may be necessary to treat the plant with a fungicide. Flowering usually slows or stops during the summer months, but with the right care and attention, your cyclamen can last until the following winter.
What to do with outdoor cyclamen after flowering?
Once outdoor cyclamen has finished flowering, it’s important to give the plant the right care to ensure it continues to thrive. Firstly, make sure to cut off the dead blooms to keep your plant looking neat.
Then check the soil surrounding the cyclamen to make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and add mulch or compost to keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. Finally, fertilise the soil with a balanced fertiliser to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs, and water the cyclamen regularly.
It’s also important to protect outdoor cyclamen from any potentially harsh temperatures, so re-pot the cyclamen into a pot and cover with a frost-protection cover if temperatures drop significantly. If conditions are suitable, outdoor cyclamen should grow back the next year to produce bright, colourful blooms.
How cold can cyclamen tolerate?
Cyclamen is a hardy plant and can handle cooler temperatures, but generally thrives in temperatures that range between 50–60°F (10–15°C). They tend to go dormant when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
If temperatures fall below 40°F (4.5°C), especially for prolonged periods, it can cause the plant to rot. Knowledge of temperatures in your area is important so you can adjust your environment as necessary when temperatures start to dip.
Protect your cyclamen from strong winds, and keep it out of rain and drafts. During periods of low temperatures, you should provide your cyclamen with specific care and cover it with a blanket or sheet to prevent shock from sudden drops in the temperature.
How do I store cyclamen for next year?
Storing cyclamen for next year will require some special care. Start by trimming the stem down to just above the soil line so that it’s easier to store. Then, soak the bulbs in water overnight. After soaking, remove the excess water and wrap the bulbs in a dry newspaper and store them in a warm, dark place.
Check them periodically and make sure they don’t dry out too much. If they do, lightly mist the newspaper and let them sit for a few days before giving them a light watering. If any bulbs start to rot, discard them immediately.
Once the bulbs are growing, you can carefully transplant them into well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist and fertilize regularly to ensure the plants remain healthy and strong.
Where is the place to plant cyclamen?
The best place to plant cyclamen is in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, in a location that receives full to partial shade. In warmer climates, cyclamen may require more shade, while in cooler climates it may require slightly more sun.
When planting cyclamen outside, choose an area that runs consistently cool, as this helps prevent fungal diseases. Cyclamen should be planted 6-10 inches apart, or as directed on the plant’s package if bought from a nursery.
Take into account the mature size of the plant when spacing. Cyclamen can easily be planted in planters and window boxes, but make sure to maintain the same planting technique to ensure its health. It’s important to maintain adequate moisture in the soil for cyclamen to prevent wilting and maintain its growth.
During the active growing season, check the soil for dryness periodically; water when necessary. Once the flowers begin to die, stop watering and allow the foliage to die completely. In the spring, start watering and fertilize lightly whenever needed.
What do you do with potted cyclamen in the summer?
In the summertime, potted cyclamen can be moved outdoors if temperatures remain between 50-70°F. When planting outdoors, choose an area with partial to full shade and slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
Check the potting soil for dampness every few days and if it is dry, add some water. Cyclamen also benefit from being fed on a monthly basis with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength.
If temperatures become too hot, the cyclamen should be moved back to a cooler indoor location. If brought indoors, remember that allowing the soil to become too wet can lead to the formation of fungal diseases.
If this happens, reduce watering, allow the soil to dry out, and increase ventilation in the pot.
What month do cyclamen go dormant?
Cyclamen generally go dormant during the months of late fall and early winter, typically from the end of October through December. During this timeframe, most Cyclamen plants will produce no new foliage or flowers.
The dormant period for Cyclamen lasts for several months, with new foliage and flower buds only beginning to appear in late winter/early spring. During the dormant period, it is important to provide the plant with adequate watering and fertilizer.
Once new foliage appears, normal care should be resumed.
Do cyclamen come back every year?
Yes, cyclamen are a relatively low-maintenance flowering perennial, meaning they will return year after year. Depending on how warm your winter climate is, cyclamen may be hardy and return steadily in the spring, or they may need to be replanted each year.
With a bit of extra care and attention, you can encourage your cyclamen to come back each year. The best way to do this is to water your cyclamen frequently and provide adequate humidity so that their roots stay hydrated.
Additionally, it is important to deadhead the spent flowers, to reduce disease and encourage new growth. Lastly, fertilizing your cyclamen in the late spring will help to support new growth and keep them healthy for several growing seasons.
How can you tell if a cyclamen is indoor or outdoor?
You can tell if a cyclamen is an indoor or outdoor plant by looking at a few factors. First, consider the plant’s growing conditions. A cyclamen grown outdoors will usually be hardier and require less maintenance than an indoor cyclamen.
You should also consider the light requirements for the plant. Most outdoor cyclamens prefer several hours of direct sunlight each day, while indoor cyclamens require bright, indirect light. Secondly, examine the plant carefully for signs of damage.
Cyclamens typically enjoy mild temperatures and dry air, so if you notice any burns or brown spots on the leaves, it’s likely an indication the plant is an indoor type. Lastly, many garden centers label their plants with information about their preferred growing conditions.
If you’re unsure, check with the nursery or shop where you purchased it.
How do I get my cyclamen to rebloom?
To encourage your cyclamen to rebloom, you’ll need to follow a few maintenance steps. First, when the old flower stems begin to fade, use sharp scissors to trim them off near the base of the plant. Continue to water and fertilize your cyclamen regularly throughout the growing season.
Since cyclamen prefer cool temperatures and plenty of indirect light, you should also move your plant to a cooler room in the house or a shadier spot outside between the months of October and April. Reduce your plant’s watering during this season and hold off on fertilizing until new leaf growth starts.
Lastly, if possible, repot your cyclamen into fresh soil in early spring. This will give the roots the access to fresh nutrients the need to support new blooms. With some patience and care, you can get your cyclamen to rebloom again this season!.
Can I leave my cyclamen outside?
No, cyclamen are not a suitable plant to leave outside or in a garden as they tend to prefer cool, indoor temperatures. Cyclamen plants lack the deep root system that allows outdoor plants to search for water in times of drought and therefore must be constantly moist.
Furthermore, it is very difficult to control the temperature for the plant outdoors which puts the plant at risk. When growing cyclamen outside, it is also likely to be attacked by pests like mealybugs, slugs, caterpillars and aphids which can cause damage and even death to the plant.
It is best to keep your cyclamen indoors if possible as they prefer a bright room, with temperatures between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. Provide indirect light and keep the soil constantly moist and they should do well in a variety of indoor environments.
What do you do with cyclamen when they have finished flowering?
When cyclamen have finished flowering, it is important to take proper care of them so they will continue to look beautiful and can remain healthy for future blooming seasons. After the flowers have died off, the plant should be cut back to around two to three inches tall, removing any dead or yellowed foliage.
It is also a good idea to repot it in fresh soil with some fertilizer mixed in. Then, place the cyclamen in a cool, shaded area and water when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. Fertilize the plant with liquid fertilizer every two weeks from March to October, and let the soil almost dry out between waterings.
They prefer bright but indirect light, and temperatures should stay between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. With this proper care, the plant can be expected to bloom for years to come.
Can cyclamen stay outside in winter?
Cyclamen are a beautiful flowering plant that can be grown both outside and indoors. While cyclamen can stay outside during the summer, it is not recommended to leave them out in the winter. Cyclamen are cold-sensitive plants, and will not be able to withstand freezing temperatures.
Instead, it is best to bring cyclamen indoors for the winter, keeping them in temperatures between 50-60°F. Exposing them to temperatures below 32°F may cause severe damage to the plant. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep cyclamen away from windows during the winter.
Temperatures near the glass can drop to near freezing, which can be too cold for cyclamen. With the proper care, cyclamen can bring beauty and life to a home during the winter months.
Do you cut back cyclamen?
Yes, cyclamen should be cut back to encourage healthy growth and flowering. When the flowers finish blooming, cut back the old flowering stems close to the soil level. Then, trim off any faded leaves to neaten the plant’s appearance.
Depending on the variety, you may also want to trim off any spent flower spikes. As the foliage dies back, it’s a good idea to trim it back to the crown of the plant. Doing this helps to encourage new growth from the crown of the plant, filling the area with fresh green leaves.
If a lot of years have passed since the cyclamen was last pruned, or if the plant looks particularly overgrown or misshapen, it’s best to prune with caution, taking care not to damage the plant too severely.
As a general rule of thumb, aim to remove around one-third of the total amount of growth on the plant.