In the heart of winter, nothing but a brilliant, fragrant flower will serve to remind me of the inevitable spring. I have found no plant that can do this as well as Cyclamen. When most houseplants are taking their rest, the Cyclamen performs its best. The chill air coming off a window will cause many plants to drop leaves but will push the cyclamen to bloom even more profusely.
Cyclamen like bright, but indirect sunlight. Here in the northern hemisphere, I keep my Cyclamen in a northern window. It is best to provide as much light as possible to keep the plant flowering for as long as possible, but be sure to keep it out of the direct sun. In the summer when the plant is dormant, you can move the plant to a darker place away from the window to rest.
Most houseplants like the temperatures found in homes, but Cyclamen prefer it to be a bit cooler. They will tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but like temperatures in the 60s during the day. This is great for people with drafty windows like me.
When watering your Cyclamen, take care to keep water out of the crown (the place where the flowers and leaves originate from). If water gets in, rot could soon follow. Don’t let your plant sit in water for extended periods of time. Cyclamen do best with thorough watering, followed by the chance to dry out pretty well. Be careful not to let it dry out all the way: Cyclamen will wilt pretty readily if allowed, and they get very stingy with the new flowers if they aren’t being watered regularly.
I have done well with slow release fertilizers for my Cyclamen. This way, I get to take a break from mixing up water soluble fertilizer through the winter. Slow release fertilizers last several months, so you will likely only need to apply the fertilizer once. If you are able to keep your plant blooming when the warm season arrives, simply reapply at the time interval stated on the container.
Cyclamen usually go dormant during the summer, although some people are able to keep their plant blooming on and off. If the leaves are yellowing and dying off and flowers stop appearing, it is probably time for it to take a break. Of course, that is assuming that the plant has been watered properly. Check to be sure that the corm (or potato-like root) is not mushy. If it is, it is rotten and isn’t any good. If it is slightly soft, but firm, keep it in a cool, shady area and refrain from fertilizing. A little water is okay, but stay on the light side until you see new growth again. Resume your normal routine when the plant begins to grow.
Cyclamen are not normally targeted by insects, but keep an eye out for spider mites. Spider mites love the dry air of the winter and can take over the moment you step out of the room. There is also a Cyclamen mite, but they are more of a greenhouse pest than a problem in the home.
If you are feeling the winter blues, pick up a Cyclamen and put it somewhere in your home where it will get a lot of enjoyment. Some varieties do not have a scent, so if that is important to you be sure to check before you buy. Enjoy your glimpse forward to the spring!
