The Cyclamen, often called “Cyclone Plant,” is a captivating flowering plant. Cherished for its ornamental appeal, it features heart-shaped leaves, often with silver marbling, and vibrant, upswept flowers. These plants are popular for brightening indoor spaces, especially during cooler months when they bloom. Understanding its needs allows growers to enjoy its distinctive allure.
Understanding Your Cyclone Plant’s Needs
Light Requirements
Cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light, like its natural dappled shade habitat. Place the plant near an east or north-facing window to provide ample illumination. Direct sun can scorch leaves and cause wilting or premature dormancy. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is crucial for Cyclamen, as they are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Bottom watering is effective: place the pot in a shallow dish of water for 20-30 minutes, allowing absorption through drainage holes. This prevents water from collecting on the crown or leaves, which can cause rot. After soaking, drain any excess water from the saucer.
Soil Preferences
Cyclamen prefers a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH. Enhance a good quality mix with sphagnum peat to increase acidity and improve drainage. Proper drainage prevents waterlogging, which leads to tuber rot. When repotting, position the tuber so its top half remains slightly exposed above the soil surface, aiding air circulation and preventing rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Appropriate temperature and humidity are important for Cyclamen to flourish and bloom. They prefer cooler conditions: ideal daytime temperatures are 60-68°F (15-20°C) and nighttime temperatures are 40-59°F (4-15°C). Temperatures consistently above 70°F (21°C) can stress the plant, causing yellowing leaves, rapid flower fading, and early dormancy. Cyclamen also benefits from high humidity, especially in winter. Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water.
Fertilizing Your Plant
During its active growing and blooming season (fall to spring), Cyclamen benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer can encourage more abundant blooms. Over-fertilization leads to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and can cause salt buildup, stressing the plant. Stop fertilization entirely during the summer dormant period.
Managing Blooming and Dormancy Cycles
Cyclamen plants have a distinct life cycle with active growth and a natural dormancy phase. Understanding these cycles is important for robust blooming and plant longevity. The plant naturally blooms from fall through early spring, followed by a resting period during warmer summer months.
Cool temperatures trigger flowering. Maintaining daytime temperatures between 60-65°F and nighttime temperatures around 50°F during active growth promotes continuous blooming. Consistent care, including proper light and watering, also contributes to a vibrant floral display. Remove spent blossoms by twisting the stem and pulling sharply from the base to encourage more flowers.
As spring progresses and temperatures rise (around April), Cyclamen naturally enters dormancy. The plant conserves energy by shedding its leaves, which yellow and die back. This normal cycle allows the tuber to rest and prepare for the next blooming season. To care for a dormant Cyclamen, gradually reduce watering and cease fertilization. Move the plant to a cool, dark, dry location, like a basement or shaded outdoor spot, ensuring it does not remain wet.
To revive Cyclamen from dormancy (late summer or early fall, around September), inspect the tuber for new growth. Once new leaves emerge, gradually reintroduce watering and move the plant to bright, indirect light. Regular watering and resuming fertilization will signal the start of its next active growth and flowering cycle.
Troubleshooting Common Cyclone Plant Issues
Even with diligent care, Cyclamen can encounter issues. Recognizing common symptoms and their potential causes helps address problems promptly. Most problems stem from environmental conditions not ideally suited to the plant’s needs.
Yellowing leaves are a frequent concern. This can indicate overwatering (suffocated roots) or underwatering (excessive dryness). High temperatures can also cause leaves to yellow as the plant attempts premature dormancy. If yellowing occurs in late spring, it often signals the plant’s natural transition into summer dormancy.
Wilting or drooping leaves and flowers often point to improper watering. The plant may be thirsty if the soil is too dry; thorough watering should help it recover. However, wilting can also be a symptom of overwatering, leading to root or tuber rot as the plant struggles to take up water. Temperature stress, either too hot or too cold, can also cause drooping.
A lack of blooms can be disheartening, but several factors inhibit flowering. Insufficient light during the active growing season can prevent bud development. Temperatures that are too warm or too cold can suppress blooming, as Cyclamen requires a specific cool range to flower effectively. Inadequate or excessive fertilization can also impact flower production, with too much nitrogen promoting foliage over blooms. Sometimes, a lack of blooms simply means the plant is entering or is in its natural dormant phase.
Cyclamen can be susceptible to pests like cyclamen mites, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and thrips. Cyclamen mites can cause curling leaves and distorted growth. For common pests like aphids and mealybugs, insecticidal soap can be effective. Fungus gnats, whose larvae feed on tubers, can cause wilting if infestations are severe. Regularly inspecting the plant helps with early detection and treatment.
Rotting of the corm or stem is a serious issue, almost always caused by overwatering or water collecting around the plant’s crown. The tuber is highly susceptible to decay if kept in consistently soggy soil. Ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overhead watering that wets the crown are the best preventive measures. Once rot sets in, it can be difficult to reverse, and affected plants may need to be discarded.