The Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a beloved flowering plant admired for its vibrant blooms and heart-shaped leaves. Often grown indoors during fall and winter, this plant adds a splash of colour when most other houseplants are resting. While it is sometimes considered a “tricky” plant, once you understand its natural growth cycle, caring for cyclamen becomes much easier.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about watering, light, soil, temperature, fertilization, and dormancy care so your cyclamen thrives year after year.
Table of Contents
🌞 Light Requirements
Cyclamen plant need bright, indirect light to grow and flower well.
- Indoors, place your plant near an east-facing or north-facing window.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch delicate leaves.
- In mild climates, cyclamen can also be grown outdoors in shaded garden beds.
👉 Pro Tip: Rotate the pot weekly to ensure even growth and flowering.
💧 Watering Cyclamen
Watering is the most crucial aspect of cyclamen plant care. These plants are prone to rot if watered incorrectly.
- Best method: Water from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water for 10–15 minutes, then let it drain.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the active growing and flowering season.
- Avoid splashing water on the crown or leaves to prevent rot.
- Once the plant enters dormancy (after flowering), reduce watering dramatically until growth resumes.
🌱 Best Soil
Cyclamen plant prefer a light, well-draining soil mix.
- Use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
- Avoid heavy, compact soil that retains too much water.
- A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) works best.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Cyclamen plant thrive in cool temperatures—a key reason they are popular as winter plants.
- Ideal temperature: 50–65°F (10–18°C).
- Avoid hot, dry rooms or placing near heaters, which shorten bloom time.
- Moderate humidity is best; use a pebble tray or humidifier in dry climates.
🌸 Fertilization
During the growing and flowering season, cyclamen plant benefit from regular feeding.
- Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
- Stop fertilizing once the plant enters dormancy.
🌿 Dormancy Cycle
Cyclamen plant have a natural dormancy period after flowering, usually in spring or early summer. This is often mistaken as the plant “dying,” but it is simply resting.
- As leaves yellow and die back, gradually reduce watering.
- Store the dormant tuber in its pot in a cool, dry place.
- In fall, repot the tuber in fresh soil, water lightly, and move it back into bright, indirect light.
- New growth and blooms will soon appear.
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
- Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves by gently twisting them off at the base.
- Avoid cutting stems, as this can lead to rot.
- Check regularly for pests like aphids, spider mites, or cyclamen mites.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions
- Leaves yellowing quickly → Plant may be entering dormancy; reduce watering.
- Crown rot → Caused by overwatering or water sitting on the tuber. Always water from below.
- Few or no flowers → Insufficient light or too much nitrogen fertilizer.
- Drooping leaves → Usually heat stress; move to a cooler location.
🌟 Benefits of Growing Cyclamen
- Brings color indoors during winter months.
- Compact size makes it ideal for small spaces like desks and shelves.
- Can be grown as both an indoor and outdoor plant in suitable climates.
🪴 Final Thoughts
The Cyclamen plant may seem fussy at first, but with the right care, it’s a rewarding plant that brightens homes when few others bloom. The key is understanding its unique growth cycle: cool temperatures, careful watering during flowering, and rest during dormancy.
Treat your cyclamen with patience, and it will return each season with stunning blooms and healthy foliage, making it a true jewel among houseplants.