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Cyclamen

Filed under: — kris @ 6:27 pm


The florist variety of Cyclamen (C. persicum) was ‘the plant’ during the Christmas holiday in the Victorian era; today it is making a comeback in popularity. The name Cyclamen comes from the Greek word circle referring to the round corm from which it grows. It has also been called Poor mans orchid, Alpine violet and Persian violet.

Cyclamen

The uniquely shaped flowers usually have 5 petals that can be single, double or delicately ruffled which come in shades of pink, purple, salmon, fuchsia, mauve, red and pure white as well as two-toned petals. They are sometimes described as a cluster of butterflies hovering over a rosette of variegated leaves. The flower stalks rise above the round-heart shaped leaves that are marked with a silvery marbling or wide silver margins. The plants range in size from a large standard that grows up to 14 inches tall to the ‘mini’ varieties.

The florist Cyclamen with proper care can last 2-3 months in the house. It requires bright indirect light, the coolest room in the house with temperatures of 50 at night and around 65 during the day and high humidity. Keep it away from heating vents. Even moisture is essential, therefore, water the plant from the bottom by placing the pot in a water-filled bowl or water on the side of the pot avoiding the tuber and leaves. Be sure to drain off all excess water. Do not pour water directly on the tuber as this can cause rot. Allow the plant to dry a bit before watering again. Not enough water will cause floppy, limp leaves but too much water can be worse. Feed your Cyclamen with half strength of a well balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Snap off faded flowers along with the stem by twisting the stem at the base of the corm and pulling it sharply. Also, remove yellowed or damaged leaves. Yellow foliage can indicate too much heat and dry air and can shorten the blooming time.

Re-blooming a Cyclamen is not easy but it can be done. Some will just discard the plant when it is done blooming while others will take on the challenge. When the plant is finished blooming, gradually reduce watering. Once the leaves turn yellow, stop watering all together. This will coax the cyclamen into a dormant period which it needs to rebloom next year. Store the corms in their pot or take them out of the pot put in paper bag and store in a cool (50), dry, dark place. In May or June replant the corms 1/2 above the soil line in fresh soil place in bright cool room and begin to water and fertilize regularly. When new growth appears, move the plant to a shady spot in the summer. Once cooler weather sets in (autumn) bring it back inside to enjoy the blooms.

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27 Comments on Cyclamen»

  1. Can Cyclamen be planted outdoors? I live on Gulf coast, Florida

    There are several species of Cyclamen. If you are referring to the Florist Cyclamen- they are hardy in zone 9-10 (die in temps below 25 degrees) and usually are planted in pots for easier access but can also be planted outdoors provided you give them a well drained soil and cool humid conditions during the dormant period. There are hardier varieties (not quite as showy) that range from frost tender to very frost hardy. These can be planted outdoors in rich, well drained soil and sun or part-shade. They will bloom from fall to early spring. Allow the tubers to be undisturbed and dry in the summer (dormant) and they should grow larger each year. They will also reproduce from seed. The bulb companies should have a number of cultivars that will fit your needs.

    Comment by Ingrid Jensen — 2/8/2005 @ 2:57 pm

  2. the leaves are turning yellow …as above they stop watering and put in a paper sack…need to do this if im going to keep as a indoor plant

    Yes ,the corm needs to go through a dormant stage to regenerate itself. The dormant stage is necessary if you’re growing them indoors or outdoors.

    Comment by tanya — 2/24/2005 @ 6:24 pm

  3. A friend gave me a plant for Christmas named Cyclamen. It didn’t have any instructions for care. How do you care for such a plant? Thanks for any help or advice you can offer. Una Fay

    Cyclamen was considered the plant for Christmas before the Poinsettia took over.
    It grows from a corm and is relatively easy to grow provided you give it what it needs. It requires cool temperatures(60-70), bright light and even moisture. Do not pour water into the center of the plant (can cause rot) but into the perimeter of the pot. Given the right environment it can last for several months. This is one of my favorite indoor plants not only do I like it for the exotic looking flowers as well as the interesting variation in the leaves. It’s an all around winner in my book.
    Kris

    Comment by kris — 2/28/2005 @ 2:09 pm

  4. which way up do I plant outdoor cyclamen corms?

    Plant the corm flat side up, 1/2″ deep (top just beneath the surface).

    Comment by Daphne Wassermann — 3/28/2005 @ 7:53 am

  5. I recently purchased 2 Cyclamens for my outside water fountain. I wanted to add some life around the outside of the fountain. Is it possible to keep the cyclamens in the pots and shade them with other plants? I wanted some color and I thought these would be perfect. I did have them out by the fountain and some of the stems became lifeless. Half are standing and half are lifeless. What am I doing wrong and what can be done to bring these beautiful flowers back to par? Thank you for taking the time to read our messages. Also, are there any good websites and books for African violets?
    Lori
    Location:Tampa

    I assume that you bought the florist cyclamen. They should continue to bloom for weeks provided they get cool temperatures (60 degrees) and bright indirect light. Once the temperature gets warmer they will slow down and go dormant. Also check you watering, do not pour water directly into the crown and don’t overwater. I keep mine on the dry side.

    Comment by Lori — 3/30/2005 @ 12:23 pm

  6. cyclamen quit blooming, leaves green, Can we set outdoors -Arizona?

    Yes, set it out in a shaded area. It may go dormant in the hot weather (leaves turn yellow and die back)for 4-6 wks and then start to grow again. When you see new growth start to water and fertilize.

    Comment by lura o\"briant — 4/6/2005 @ 11:21 am

  7. I did get my Cyclamen to rebloom with absolutley no problem but now I have two bulb like objects coming out of it. Are those pods of some sort?
    It is almost done blooming and the leaves are turning yellow.

    If the pods are on the end of a stem that is the fertilized flower that now is a seed pod. Let it ripen and try to plant the seeds.

    Comment by Tammy — 5/21/2005 @ 10:37 pm

  8. I received a cyclamen for a gift in 4/04. I was told this is one of the hardest plants to keep alive. I must have beginners luck because, my plant has bloomed ever since, and it gets a few yellow leaves on it every now and then; I just pull them off, and it keeps on blooming. I do water from the bottom; however I have never “fed” my plant. It is still producing in the smaller pot I received it in. It sits in an E-NE window all year. I am in MN. I want to transplant to a bigger pot, do you think this will ruin my wonderful luck with this supposed “stubborn” plant?

    I would leave well enough alone.

    Comment by jess — 5/29/2005 @ 2:20 am

  9. I like to start new plants from leaves in water. My 1st cyclamen’s leaves turned yellow and I did not realize it will go through a dormant period. I cut the stems below the leaves and have them in water. Will they root?

    No, the leaves will not root in water. It will work with African Violets but not cyclamen. The best way to propagate cyclamen is with seed. Let your cyclamen go dormant and save the tuber, after a few months bring it out again and start watering.

    Comment by Diahnne — 6/10/2005 @ 7:07 pm

  10. can cyclamen be grown in fort myers florida i had ship some cyclamen to florida fort myers when i got them they had been bang around in shipment now there no leaves or flowers on them but the corm still look good will they regrow if i left them or should i throw away would like to see them come back help

    Plant them anyway. The corm might go dormant for a few weeks and/ or start to grow again. Either way you have nothing to loose.

    Comment by sheila — 12/25/2005 @ 8:58 am

  11. I have had a plant for over 25 years and it blooms all but 2 weeks a year and I water the plant from the top

    There’s always an exception to the rule.

    Comment by reg. champ — 1/15/2006 @ 7:22 pm

  12. I have had my Cylamen for 4 years now. It blooms almost constantly! It has 1 window ledge in my house that it loves, but has outgrown it. Is it possible to divide the corm, or will that kill it?

    You have an unusual situation in that not everyone can have a Cyclamen that blooms continuosly for years. Congratualtions!! most cyclamen get discarded after blooming because it takes some knowledge and luck to get them to bloom again. I would leave well enough alone. Transplant it in a larger container and in the process remove the cormlets( if any below the mother corm) and plant them in small pots. I have read that someone actually did cut the corm in half and replanted in pots with success. see ext. nodak.edu/cyclamen . If you divide the mother corm be sure that it contains part of the basal plate (bottom of the corm). Division is not practical because the cut edge can get a rot and destroy the corm.

    Comment by Suzy — 9/4/2006 @ 10:40 pm

  13. The plant has heart shaped leaves, purple flowers with 5-6 petals pointing up, offset on long bare stems, flowers are mainly in the center of the plant with the leaves surrounding the flowers. One leaf to a stem. What is it? Thanks Jim

    Sound like a Cyclamen. The leaves often have a pattern on them. One of my favorite plants.

    Thanks, thats it Cyclamen, muchly appreciated Jim

    Comment by Jim — 9/18/2006 @ 12:15 am

  14. I work at a nursing home, and was given a Cyclamen by one of the residents because it was dying off. I never had one of these plants, so I am unsure if I am even able to bring it back to its former glory. It has only about 8 leaves that are still green (5 or 6 are very yellow, and the rest I pulled off because they were dead), and I noticed yesterday that it has a couple buds that are at the base of the plant. Is it worth my effort to bring this poor neglected plant back? and what do you suggest I do to accomplish this feat?
    Thanks bunches… WONDERFUL site!!!

    The cyclamen may be dying back and getting reading for a resting stage. As long as it is putting out leaves and flowers, I would keep it watered and in a cool sunny spot. Some continue to grow and bloom for months but that is the exception. When it stops sending new growth reduce watering and store the corm in a cool, dark place see article above on reblooming cyclamen. It may not return to its former glory due to the fact that when they are grown in the greenhouse, they have optimal growing conditions of light, temperature and fertilizer; but with little care you can get it to rebloom.

    Comment by Shellie McDermott — 1/29/2007 @ 9:10 am

  15. Help! My boyfriend bought me a beautiful purple cyclamen last week and it was so healthy but now the WHOLE thing is limp! I didn’t think I watered it too much, only once a little bit. What do I do?

    If the soil is dry, the pot feels light and the plant is limp, then you did not water it enough. If the soil is moist and your plant is limp, then you may have a rot problem from overwatering, which may not be you fault. When watering be sure not to water into the center of the plant or water from the bottom.

    Comment by lynn — 2/6/2007 @ 9:01 pm

  16. I purchased a cyclamen with a brilliant purple flower. It is on it’s second blooming and the flowers are now fuschia pink. Is there a way to return the flower to its original color. Do they react like hydrangeas to the type of soil?

    The amount of sunlight, temperature and nutrients can affect color intensity and I suspect that is what happened to your cyclamen. The “second time around cyclamen” usually aren’t as spectacular because we can’t provide those perfect greenhouse condtions they were originally grown in.

    Comment by Valerie Kimsey — 2/27/2007 @ 8:04 am

  17. My mother sent me a cyclamen about two weeks ago and it’s gone all droopy. My apartment has gotten quite warm with the spring weather; is the heat damaging the plant? Is there anything I can do to bring it back to its original state, or is it better to just chuck it out?

    Cyclamen like a cool, bright environment. It will droop in hot temperatures and if overwatered. If your plant doesn’t spring back, let it go dormant and save the tuber or if that’s too much trouble chuck it. Some blooming plants are meant to be disposable- enjoyed and then discarded.

    Comment by Caroline — 4/25/2007 @ 9:44 pm

  18. I just read your Q & A site and I am so mad at myself for not seeing it earlier. After Mother’s Day I bought three beautiful Cyclamen for $1 each because they were going to throw them away. I took them home and repotted them and set them beside my house in a mostly shady spot. They did well for a month then the white one began to die off so I threw it away. I did not realize that they go dormant! The other two are still blooming like crazy but the red on is beginning to lose leaves like the first one. I know what to do now. Thanks! They are my favorite potted plants in my garden.

    It is one of my favorite as well. Thanks for your comment.

    Comment by Jennifer — 7/21/2007 @ 10:42 am

  19. Are cyclamen poisonous to dogs? Would like to keep them as a centerpiece on a coffee table. But, if there is any danger, I will put them on a high shelf.

    According to the NAPCC cyclamen is listed as being toxic to animals causing symptoms of voniting, gastrointestinal inflamation, death.

    Comment by Susan — 8/8/2007 @ 6:49 pm

  20. Are cyclamens toxic to cats? Does anyone have a trick or recipe to keep them out of my plants? Thanks

    They are listed by the cfainc.org as poisonous to cats. The only suggestion I have is to keep the plant out of reach to the cat.

    Comment by Monica — 10/21/2007 @ 8:50 am

  21. We have had a Cyclamen on our kitchen window-sill for two years now, and it blooms roughly every 2-3 months; this is a houseplant that no amount of neglect seems to kill! I’m surprised people have any trouble at all. My cyclamen experience has apparently been atypical.
    We love this plant!

    It is a great plant and sounds like you’ve really lucked out. Do you fertilize it regularily?

    Comment by Jak — 1/1/2008 @ 2:54 pm

  22. I was given a beautiful bright red cyclamen at Christmas to look after by my father in law. He has been away for 3 weeks and the plant is now a definite pink!
    How do I get it to change colour back to the beautiful red? Is it possible?
    Thanks.

    Change in flower color is affected by several factors: the amount of light, temperature, nutrients and age. Most likely as the flowers get older the color fades to a lighter shade.

    Comment by Liz Hall — 1/6/2008 @ 10:34 am

  23. I’m glad I found this site, it has been helpful! I bought several miniature cyclamen which I planted in NE-patio planter with compost-amended clay and topped with mulch. I’m located in inland southern california, I believe zone 10. I am worried about keeping the corms sufficiently dry during their summer dormancy. Should they be dug out? And, how long is their dormancy
    Thanks.

    If you cannot keep the corms dry enough dig them up and store them in a cool place for 6-8 weeks and then replant. You can move the container to a shady, dry area and just leave it. In warmer weather, when flowering is over and leaf production declines, that will be your signal that your cyclamen is going dormant. Reduce the watering and let the foliage back back completely.The corms should get a bit of moisture while dormant, so they don’t dry up completely. They should start up again in the fall.

    Comment by Jennifer — 1/10/2008 @ 2:17 am

  24. I realize, now, that I have over watered my cyclamen and poured the water straight on the plant. The leaves are turning yellow. How can I save my beautiful plant?

    How long have you had the plant? With the leaves turning yellow, it may be that the plant is going into a dormant stage. If it is not sending out new large leaves and flowers then it most likely is going dormant. Reduce watering and let the soil dry out, then store the pot in a cool dry place for a few months or until new growth begins. If it is sending out new leaves then it may be that the temperatures are too warm and the air too dry. Place the plant in a cooler and brighter environment.

    Comment by Joanne Kane — 2/7/2008 @ 7:29 am

  25. I got a cyclamen after my grandfather’s funeral last month, and it was a beautiful plant. It fell out of an east facing window, and several leaves and flowers were broken off. All the leaves and flowers are now dead. Did my cyclamen go into a dormant state? Or is it dead? What should I do? Wonderful site, and thank you for your time.

    It’s probably in a dormant stage, so just store it in a cool dry place, watering occasionally so the corm doesn’t dry out completely. Take it out in a few months when it starts to show some signs of new growth.

    Comment by Carmen — 3/19/2008 @ 4:22 pm

  26. Is Cyclamen prone to powdery mildew or mold, especially if the plant was overpotted and overwatered? Thanks

    Yes, high humidity and wet conditions with no air circulation will make it susceptible to mold and powdery mildew. Too much water will also encourage root rot.

    Comment by Toni Tippin — 4/11/2008 @ 4:48 pm

  27. I live in Northern California and was looking to replace all of my dead impatiens after the winter frost. A landscaper suggested planting Cyclamen in their place and Ive been enjoying them since Dec. Now that they are dying back I would like to plant the impatiens again. Can I dig up the corms and store them until Dec. again. I have about 15 by now and dont have enough room to transplant all of them in a shady area.

    Hi Sheri
    Give them a chance to die back completely as they need to replenish nutrients back into the corm then you can dig them up and store them in a cool(50), dark area until you’re ready to replant them.

    Comment by Sheri Kearsley — 5/4/2008 @ 2:09 pm

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