Cyclamen Care
How to Grow and Care for Cyclamen
Cyclamen are a classic winter favorite, often sold during the holiday season and continuing to bloom through spring.
Their flowers come in shades of white, red, pink and lavender. Paired with their heart-shaped green and silver leaves, they bring a burst of color to the dreary winter months.
These cool-loving plants can thrive indoors for months when given the right care. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Cyclamen happy, blooming and ready to rebloom year after year.
1. Find the Right Spot
Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures and bright, indirect light. They grow best in daytime temperatures around 60–65°F and cooler nights near 50°F.
An east-facing window is ideal, providing morning sun without the harsh afternoon heat.
Avoid placing them near heat vents or radiators. These plants enjoy cooler conditions than most houseplants.
2. Maintain Humidity
Indoor air can get dry in winter, and Cyclamen appreciate a bit of extra humidity.
To keep moisture levels up, place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles, making sure the bottom of the pot sits just above the water level, not in it. This humidity boost helps keep leaves healthy and flowers vibrant.
3. Soil and Watering: The Secret to Success
If you’ve ever struggled with Cyclamen, overwatering was probably to blame. The golden rule is: let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again.
Too much water leads to root rot, while too little causes wilting. Fortunately, Cyclamen are resilient and will usually bounce back after a brief droop. Try not to make “wilt-before-water” a habit, since repeated wilting can shorten bloom time.
How to water correctly:
- Always water thoroughly, but only after the soil has dried.
- Water along the edge of the pot instead of directly over the bulb (the corm). Water sitting on the crown can cause rot.
- Bottom-watering is another great option. Set the pot in a shallow dish of water for about 15–20 minutes, then let it drain completely.
- Make sure every pot has drainage holes. If it doesn’t, repot it or use a nursery pot inside a decorative one.
4. Potting and Drainage
Cyclamen dislike soggy roots, so good drainage is essential. Use a well-draining potting mix and a container with at least one drainage hole.
If you like decorative containers without holes, keep your Cyclamen in a plain nursery pot that fits inside. Water it over the sink, let it drain, then return it to its decorative pot. Never allow your plant to sit in standing water.
5. Fertilizing
Cyclamen don’t need feeding while they’re in full bloom. During this time, they’re focused on flowering, not growing.
Once the blooms fade and the plant starts a rest period, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. When new leaves appear again, resume feeding every two weeks with a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. We recommend Jack’s Houseplant Special, Bloom Booster or African Violet food.
If you prefer a simpler formula, use a 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength while flowering, then full strength every two weeks as new leaves form.
6. Saving and Replanting
After flowering ends, Cyclamen enter dormancy. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves yellow and die back. Once the plant is completely dormant, remove the tuber from the soil, brush it clean, and store it in dry peat moss or vermiculite in a plastic bag at around 50°F.
In late spring or early summer, replant the tuber in fresh potting soil, keeping the top half of the tuber above the soil surface. Place it in a bright, cool spot outdoors with partial shade during the hottest hours. Water regularly and feed about twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Before the weather turns cold again, bring your Cyclamen indoors and place it in bright light. With proper care, it will soon begin its next blooming cycle.
Cyclamen are wonderfully rewarding plants that brighten homes through the coldest months. With the right combination of cool temperatures, moderate watering, and bright light, they’ll bloom for weeks or even months.
Treat them with care and patience, and your Cyclamen will bring color and charm to your home year after year.