These colorful plants originate from Mexico and Central-America where they reach heights up to 12 ft. The flowers appear from December until February. Most people throw their cyclamen away once it’s done blooming because the plant will go into it’s normal dormancy state, and people think that it’s dying, or that they killed it. But, with the right cyclamen plant care, you can keep your plant for years, and get it to bloom over and over again!

How To Grow And Care For Cyclamen

Watering Cyclamen

Cyclamen watering is another thing that is a bit different than most houseplants. Like African violets, cyclamen plants don’t like getting their leaves and stems wet. So it’s best to water a cyclamen plant from the bottom rather than from the top. To bottom water plants, fill the plant tray or cache pot with water, and allow the plant to soak up the water through the holes in the bottom of the pot. Once the soil is wet, dump out any water that’s left in the tray, and allow the excess water to drain completely from the pot. But never allow the plant to sit in water for an extended period of time. Cyclamen plants like to have their soil kept evenly moist during their active growing period. Be careful though, consistent overwatering is a cyclamen killer!

Propagation Cyclamen

Cyclamen plants can easily be propagated by dividing cyclamen tubers and potting each one into it’s own container. Each individual tuber will grow into a new plant. They can also be grown from seed, but it can take a year or so before cyclamen seedlings will start to bloom so this method of propagation is definitely much slower.

Fertilizer Cyclamen

Fertilizing once a month with a water soluble fertilizer is plenty. Too much fertilizer and your cyclamen will not rebloom.

Pests And Diseases

Scale insects can be a problem. If you notice an infestation developing, contact a pest control company to get rid of them. Same applies for Red Spider Mites that can become a problem if the air is dry. You will have problems with Botrytis and root rot if you keep the plants too wet and cold.

Cyclamen Temperature And Location

An important part of Poinsettia care is the spot you choose for your plants. They need a bright place out of direct sunlight that is not too warm (around 64°F/17°C is ideal). They also don’t like drafts.

Cyclamen After Flowering

Once the leaves begin turning yellow and the flowers start to fade, it’s time to prepare your cyclamen for dormancy. Follow these cyclamen growing tips to help your plant though dormancy, and get it to rebloom again next year. Once the leaves start to turn yellow, stop watering the plant and allow all of the leaves to die back remove the dead leaves and place the pot in a cool, dark location for 2-3 months allow the soil to dry out completely, and don’t water the plant during it’s dormancy after 2-3 months, bring the plant back out of dormancy and give it a good drink of water, make sure to soak the soil and allow all the excess water to drain away.