Cyclamen

26 Comments

1. kris - February 28, 2005 at 2:09 pm

   Cyclamen care
   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.

   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

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2. Suzy - September 4, 2006 at 10:40 pm

   Blooms constantly
   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.

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3. Jim - September 18, 2006 at 12:15 am

   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

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4. Shellie McDermott - January 29, 2007 at 9:10 am

   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.

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5. lynn - February 6, 2007 at 9:01 pm

   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.

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6. Valerie Kimsey - February 27, 2007 at 8:04 am

   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.

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7. Susan - August 8, 2007 at 6:49 pm

   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.

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8. Monica - October 21, 2007 at 8:50 am

   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.

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9. Liz Hall - January 6, 2008 at 10:34 am

   Flower color change
   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.

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10. Jennifer - January 10, 2008 at 2:17 am

    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.

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11. Ingrid Jensen - February 8, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    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 in zones 9-10 can also be planted outdoors flat side up, 1/2″ deep 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. Cyclamen will bloom from fall to early spring. If the corms are undisturbed and dry in the summer (dormant), 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.

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12. Toni Tippin - April 11, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    Powdery mildew
    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.

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13. Sandy - May 9, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    Toxic
    I have a Cyclamen and my grandson likes to touch it and has pulled off some leaves and flowers once. Can this plant be toxic to small children?

    According to usa.safekids.org Cyclamen is listed as being toxic to children. It can be toxic if he eats it, which may cause a stomach ache or vomiting.

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14. k smith - September 28, 2008 at 2:05 pm

    My sheltie (9 months old, 25 lbs.) just ate the last two leaves and stems on my cyclamen, nothing else. How toxic is this and what should I watch for? Thanks

    Hi K
    According to http://www.ASPCA.org.
    “Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.”
    The severity of symptoms will depend on how much he ate. IF he shows any symptoms contact your Vet or call the Poison pet hotline 800-213-6680

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15. Rac - December 8, 2008 at 11:59 pm

    Hi, I live in Sunnyvale, California. I am new to gardening even though I love plants. I have a few Cyclamen planted in a shaded area outdoors. I have left them there and this is the 2nd year that they are blooming nicely. What kind of fertilizer should I use so that the plants stay healthy and how often? Any other advise. Also, what should I feed the Geraniums? Thanks a lot for your suggestions.

    Hi Rac
    Cyclamen grown outdoors do not require a lot of fertilizer. A side dressing of compost or a balanced fertilizer(10-10-10) or slow release fertilizer in late summer while the plant is dormant will do the trick. To much fertilizer can produce lots of leaves on floppy weak stems.
    Geraniums grown in the ground can also be fed at planting time with the same fertilizer and once a month when they are actively growing. Check manufacturer label. Plants grown outdoors in the ground require less fertilizers than those grown on containers as most of the nutrients tend to get washed out with watering.

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16. MRS C SMITH - April 4, 2010 at 10:21 am

    Scale
    MY CYCLAMEN HAS DEVELOPED A STICKY COLOURLESS LIQUID ON ITS LEAVES AND BENEATH SOME OF THEM ARE SMALL FLAT POD LIKE THINGS WHICH I SCRAPE OFF. BUT I HAVE VERY FEW FLOWERS. OBVIOUSLY ALL IS NOT WELL AND I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL FOR ANY ADVISE YOU CAN GIVE ME TO ERADICATE THIS PEST AS I HAVE HAD MY PLANT FOR OVER 3 YEARS AND HAVE RE POTTED IT TWICE. I AM ALSO VERY FOND OF IT.

    Hi
    It sounds as if your cyclamen has scale.

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17. Yvette Gordon - April 8, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Cyclamen disease
    Thanks for all the information on your site. I purchased a beautiful cyclamen in Feb. in Florida.
    The white flowers are ruffled. I am afraid I am losing the plant. I am now back in Westchester N. Y. I have raised cyclamen before quite successfully but this time something is not right, It is near a West large window but I keep it somewhat shaded under part of a table. My orchids are doing just fine there. I do water from the bottom only what the plant will absorb in a short time, The leaves and whatever flowers seem to be dying by turning wet at the base, I tried keeping it more dry but that did not seem to work. HELP!!!!

    Hi Yvette
    There are several diseases that can affect cyclamen. Fusarium oxysporum (Fusarium wilt) is a common fungal disease that can infect cyclamen. The leaves one by one will yellow and wilt-starting with the older leaves until the whole plant collapses and dies. The disease prefers temps above 70 F and can be seedborne. Once it starts, it is difficult to control or elliminate. http://www.ppath.cas.psu.edu/Diagnostic_Lab/6-web-fusarium%20corm%20rot%20on%20Cyclamen.pdf

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18. Kristie - June 8, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Sticky seedheads
    I have a Cyclamen that has been on my desk at work for the past year or so. It is healthy and flowers occasionally. However, the “sticky” seeds it produces are ALL over the other objects on my desk. Is there some way to contain them or avoid them from occurring? I am somewhat considering disposing of the plant because it makes such a mess! Thanks so much for any advice!!

    Hi Kristie
    I have not heard of this problem.The sticky seed coating (pale brown and darkens with age) is there to attract ants, which in turn distribute the seeds. How about cutting off the flower head when it starts to fade, that way it will not produce seed heads and elliminate the problem.

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19. Stephen Jackson - October 19, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    Grow cyclamen outdoors tip
    I love the persian cyclamen. Here in South Texas it is very popular as a pot plant. I plant it in the ground outside. After many years I have learned the hard way how to be successful. I grow them outside when night temperatures drop consistently below 70 degrees F (20 C) here that is the coldest 6 months of the year (October to April). They must have perfect drainage. I plant them in sand mixed with humus and some native clay derived from limestone. I add sulfur or chelated iron to counteract the lime in my soil and tapwater. I grow them full sun or part shade. When temperatures heat up in mid-spring, the plants lose vigor and that tells me it is time to remove them. I place them in pots and withhold watering. When all the folliage is dead, I move the pots to my airconditioned house where I store them in a closet until temperature cool in the fall. If the temperature drops below 25% F ( -4 C) I mound over the plant’s leaves with leaves that I had raked up from trees. Here that only happens about 3 times a winter on the average.

    Hi Stephen
    Thanks for the great growing info on Cyclamen.

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20. Diahnne - June 10, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    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.

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21. Brigitte - January 25, 2019 at 10:31 pm

    Grow from seedI have been successfully propagating cyclamen from seeds. Some of the tubers are the size of a pea after 12 months. I was wondering how long it takes for a cyclamen to flower when grown from seed? Does it depend on the size of the tuber?

    Thank you in advance for the answer.

    Hi
    Seed grown plants can bloom in a little as eight months.

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22. Brigitte - January 25, 2019 at 10:42 pm

    I am wondering how long it takes for a tuber to flower when grown from seed? Does it depend on the size of the tuber?

    Hi Briqitte
    Yes, size does matter. Generally, the larger the tuber the better/bigger the flower.

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23. Judy - March 22, 2019 at 8:11 am

    Planting cyclamen seeds
    Hello read comments a lot of good advise. Got my husband one 5 months ago while he was in hospital Red blooms We have lots of buds at the end of the stems. When the ripen do they have to be all planted can you save seeds and plant later. This plant has about10 to 15 seed pods Please advise me what to do. We just love this plant.

    Hi Judy
    For best germination sow your cyclamen seeds when they are fresh. When the capsules begin to open, take out the seeds and soak them for 12 hours before planting. Soak the seeds in warm water with a dash of dishwash soap to soften the seed coat and remove the mucus. Rinse in clean water before planting.
    You can save the seeds in the frig for less than a year.
    Sow the seeds in seed starter mix and sharp grit or a peat lite mix. Cover with 1/4″ to 1/8″ of soil mix. Water in and place in a clear plastic bag. Keep medium moist in a dark place at 68F. Once seeds germinate, remove from plastic bag and move to a lightly shaded area with lots of humidity. Too much light or low humidity will cause seedlings to dry up and shrivel.

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24. Mary - March 22, 2019 at 4:47 pm

    Continuous Blooms for several years
    Our local grocery store has a cyclamen in the western exposure window (they have an eve) and that plant has bloomed almost without without a break for several years. I am amazed–they don’t repot, or give it extra care. They say they water it–it’s a pink one and was very heavy with bloom recently (it survived two break-ins through breaking a nearby window within the last month.)

    Wow that’s a keeper. Give the right conditions cyclamen can bloom for a long time but I have not heard of it blooming for several years.

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25. Christy - March 23, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    storing cyclamen corms
    I live in Houston, TX., and I plant cyclamen in my yard every year, usually in October. They bloom all Winter and most of Spring. (Our Spring is like Summer most places). I always get compliments on them. Sometimes the bulbs from the previous years rebloom, but they usually rot if I leave them in the ground all year. This year I’m going to try to dig them up and store them until next October and see how they do when I replant them. The bulbs are enormous! Should I store them in a paper bag or some organic matter. That’s pretty much the only cool place around here.

    Hi Christy
    You can store the corms in some peat moss or potting soil in pots or a paper bag, in a cool (50F), dry, dark place. Another thing you might consider is to plant them in an area where the soil doesn’t get watered too much or stays wet during the summer. That’s why they are rotting.

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26. allison jacklin - November 29, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    My cyclamen has been healthy and flowering for 1.5 years. It is on our patio in a cool spot. suddenly it has become covered with small black ants and some aphid-like nunus under the leaves. Please advise me how to avoid this and prolong its beautiful life.

    Hi Allison
    Congratulations on growing your cyclamen for 1.5 years. They usually last one season and then the bulb needs a rest period to regenerate. An older plant is more susceptible to disease and insects.
    Ants are attracted to aphids because they produce honeydew (sticky clear substance). Try spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or just wash the leaves with running water. Hopefully, that will do the trick.

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