Cyclamen are popular houseplants, cherished for their vibrant, upswept flowers and attractive heart-shaped foliage. These corm-growing plants offer a splash of color, particularly during cooler months. Like many potted plants, cyclamen benefit from repotting to maintain their health and vigor, ensuring continued blooms.
Why and When to Repot Cyclamen
Repotting cyclamen is necessary when the plant shows signs of stress or overcrowding. Indicators include roots emerging from drainage holes or coiling tightly within the pot. Stunted growth, despite consistent care, can also suggest the plant’s root system has outgrown its current space, limiting its ability to absorb sufficient nutrients and moisture. Additionally, if the soil dries out unusually quickly after watering, it may indicate that the roots have consumed most of the available potting medium, leaving little for water retention.
The soil itself can also signal a need for repotting; over time, potting mixes can degrade, becoming compacted and depleted of essential nutrients. Repotting every two years provides fresh, nutrient-rich soil and adequate space for root development.
The optimal time to repot cyclamen is during their dormant period, or just as they emerge, late summer or early fall before new growth. Cyclamen enter dormancy in summer, characterized by yellowing leaves and no blooms. Repotting during this resting phase minimizes stress on the plant, allowing it to establish itself in the new pot before its active growing and flowering season begins. Repotting during active flowering or vigorous growth can cause transplant shock and reduced blooms.
Preparing for Repotting
Selecting the appropriate pot size is important, as cyclamen prefer to be somewhat root-bound. Choose a new pot that is only one size larger than the current one, generally about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wider in diameter. Pots with good drainage holes are essential to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to corm rot. Terracotta pots are often preferred due to their porous nature, which helps facilitate moisture evaporation and airflow to the roots.
The choice of potting mix is important for cyclamen, which require a well-draining, airy medium that mimics their natural habitat. A standard potting soil can be too heavy and retain too much moisture, potentially causing root issues. A suitable mix often includes a peat-based or coir-based potting soil amended with materials like perlite, vermiculite, or coarse sand. For instance, a mix of one part potting soil and one part perlite provides the necessary drainage and aeration. Some growers recommend a mix with sphagnum peat to increase acidity or a “cactus and succulent” labeled potting mix for its excellent drainage properties.
Gather all necessary tools and materials: the new pot, potting mix, a small trowel or scoop, and optionally, gloves. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized to facilitate a smooth transition for the plant.
How to Repot Cyclamen
Carefully remove the cyclamen from its old pot. Gently lay the pot on its side and tap the rim to loosen the soil, then carefully slide the plant out, minimizing disturbance to the root ball. If the plant is root-bound, you may need to gently squeeze the pot or use a clean tool to help release it. Brush off excess old soil from the roots, but avoid rinsing the corm.
Inspect the roots for any signs of damage, rot, or disease. Using sterilized scissors, carefully trim away any soft, mushy, or discolored roots, which indicate rot, along with any overly long or circling roots. Gently loosen any matted root sections to encourage new growth into the fresh soil.
Add a layer of the fresh, well-draining potting mix to the bottom. The amount of soil should be sufficient to position the cyclamen’s corm at the correct depth. Place the cyclamen corm centrally in the new pot. A crucial step is ensuring the corm is not buried too deeply; the top one-third to one-half of the corm should remain exposed above the soil line. This practice helps prevent corm rot, a common issue for these plants.
Once the corm is positioned, carefully fill the pot with the fresh potting mix, gently tamping it down around the corm to remove air pockets. Leave about an inch (2.5 cm) of space from the rim to allow for watering. After the soil is settled, provide an initial, thorough watering. Water from the top until water drains from the bottom, ensuring the entire root ball and new soil are moistened. Avoid getting water directly on the exposed corm, as this can encourage rot.
Post-Repotting Care
After repotting, cyclamen require specific care. The initial watering should be thorough, allowing water to drain completely from the bottom of the pot. In the subsequent weeks, water carefully, only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering, particularly around the exposed corm, remains a significant risk for cyclamen, so always avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. Watering from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water can be an effective strategy to allow the plant to absorb what it needs without wetting the corm.
Place the repotted cyclamen in bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves and stress the plant, especially during the recovery period. Cooler temperatures, between 50°F and 65°F (10°C to 18°C), are preferred by cyclamen, and avoiding heat sources like radiators helps prevent drying out. Moderate humidity is also beneficial; placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can help increase ambient moisture around the plant.
Avoid fertilizing immediately after repotting. The fresh potting mix provides a new supply of nutrients, and adding fertilizer too soon can overwhelm the plant or contribute to root burn. Wait until the plant shows clear signs of new growth, typically a few weeks to a month after repotting, before resuming a regular fertilization schedule, usually with a diluted liquid fertilizer during its active growing season. Monitor the plant for any signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and adjust care as needed.