Cyclamen are tuberous perennials appreciated for their distinctively patterned leaves and inverted, butterfly-like flowers that typically bloom during the cooler months. Native to the Mediterranean region, these plants possess a corm-like tuber that allows them to survive hot, dry summers by entering dormancy. Increasing the number of cyclamen can be accomplished through two methods: sowing seeds or dividing mature tubers. Successfully propagating these plants requires understanding their natural life cycle and providing specific environmental conditions.
Propagating Cyclamen from Seed
Sowing cyclamen seed is the primary method used by professional growers and offers the greatest potential for creating a large number of new plants. The best timing is typically late summer or early autumn (August or September) when seeds have maximum viability and cool temperatures are easier to maintain. Freshly harvested seeds should be soaked in room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours to soften the hard outer seed coat and remove the sticky, germination-inhibiting coating. Adding a small drop of dish detergent ensures the seeds fully absorb moisture.
Seeds should be sown into a sterile, well-draining medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite or a seed-starting mix, avoiding overly rich compost. Plant the seeds individually and cover them lightly with fine soil, vermiculite, or grit; cyclamen seeds require complete darkness to germinate. Germination requires a consistently cool temperature, ideally maintained between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C), as temperatures above 68°F (20°C) inhibit sprouting entirely.
Place the covered seed trays in a cool, dark location, ensuring the medium remains evenly moist but never saturated. Germination is erratic and slow, typically taking 30 days up to several months. Once the first seedlings emerge, remove the cover and immediately introduce the young plants to bright, indirect light for strong, compact growth.
Tuber Division: An Alternative Method
Tuber division is generally reserved for mature plants, particularly hardier outdoor varieties, and is a faster way to produce a new plant than growing from seed. This method must be performed when the parent plant is dormant, typically after the foliage has died back. Lift the dormant tuber from the soil and gently clean off the surrounding dirt to expose its surface.
Using a clean, sharp, sterilized knife, cut the tuber into sections. Ensure each piece includes at least one distinct growing point, often referred to as an “eye.” The newly cut pieces are susceptible to fungal rot, so they must be allowed to dry and “callous” for a few days before replanting. This drying period creates a protective layer over the cut surfaces, reducing the risk of pathogen entry. Each division should then be planted into a pot of well-draining soil, positioning the growing point just at or slightly above the soil surface.
Caring for Newly Propagated Plants and Managing Dormancy
After initial propagation, new cyclamen plants require consistent care to support their growth cycle. During the active growing season (autumn through spring), the plants thrive in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 65°F (10°C and 18°C). Watering must be precise; allow the soil to dry out slightly between applications. Bottom-watering is recommended to prevent water from touching the central crown and causing rot.
During active growth, newly established plants benefit from a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer applied every two to four weeks. As temperatures rise and daylight hours lengthen in late spring, the cyclamen naturally enters summer dormancy. This is signaled by the yellowing and subsequent withering of the foliage, at which point watering should be gradually reduced and fertilization must stop entirely.
The dormant tuber should be stored in its pot in a cool, dry, and dark location throughout the summer. Maintaining a cool environment is necessary to prevent the plant from emerging prematurely or rotting. New growth should begin to appear toward early autumn, indicating the end of dormancy and the time to resume a regular watering and feeding schedule.