Cyclamen plants make excellent winter blooming houseplants with minimal care.
Cyclamen are typically available in a wide range of beautiful colors; pinks, reds and white. These beautiful colors are perfect for providing that jolt of color and life needed for the upcoming winter months and the silver marbling on the top sides of the leaves makes the foliage beautiful as well.
The key to keeping cyclamen happy and healthy is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible following these steps:
- Cyclamen need bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. Aim for day temperatures less than 68° and night time temperatures between 50° and 65° F. A good location is in a bright, north-facing window.
- Water the edges of the pot because water in the crown may cause rot. Do not let your plant stand in water. Use a saucer under the pot to catch water as it drains. Surplus water that isn’t absorbed in 15 minutes should be poured off.
- Keep a constant, even moisture supply. Do not wait until soil is dry to the touch. Do not let the soil dry out while the plant is in bloom. This will cause the leaves to turn yellow and flowers may wilt or even die prematurely. Cyclamen do require additional humidity in the winter. Try setting the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water or possibly adding a room humidifier.
- Maintain good air movement around the plant to prevent disease problems.
- Fertilize you cyclamen with a water-soluble fertilizer recommended for indoor plants mixed half strength. Apply every 2 weeks while in full leaf. Overfeeding is more likely to produce more foliage rather than flowers.
- Remove spent flowers as they fade.
Important: Please keep in mind that cyclamen leaves and tubers are toxic to cats and dogs.
