The Cyclamen is a highly attractive flowering plant prized for its bright, upswept blossoms and patterned foliage, making it a popular choice, especially during the cooler winter months. This plant is a tuberous perennial that grows from a thick, underground storage structure. A common question is whether this bloom belongs indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in the garden. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as “Cyclamen” refers to a genus of plants, and the specific variety dictates its ideal placement.
Distinguishing Indoor and Outdoor Cyclamen Types
The term Cyclamen encompasses over twenty species, and suitability rests entirely on the plant’s variety and its tolerance for cold temperatures. The most commonly sold plant, often referred to as the Florist’s Cyclamen, is Cyclamen persicum, native to the Mediterranean region. This variety has large, dramatic flowers and is considered a sensitive houseplant in most climates because it is not winter-hardy and cannot tolerate frost.
The C. persicum should be treated as an indoor houseplant or a temporary annual bedding plant in areas without freezing temperatures. Exposing this type to frost will quickly kill the plant.
In contrast, other species, such as the Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen (C. hederifolium) and the Spring-Flowering Cyclamen (C. coum), are genuinely hardy outdoor perennials. These hardy varieties feature smaller flowers and can survive winter temperatures, often thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. They are adapted to grow and bloom during the cool, wet winter and fall seasons, often emerging right through a light layer of snow.
Essential Care Requirements for Indoor Cyclamen
Since the majority of cyclamen purchased are the non-hardy indoor variety, providing the right environment is the first step toward a successful bloom period. The primary challenge is replicating the cool, bright conditions of their native winter habitat, which means actively avoiding household heat sources. The plant requires bright, indirect light to support its long flowering season.
Temperature management is paramount for the indoor cyclamen, as warm air triggers premature dormancy. The ideal temperature range for active growth and blooming is quite cool, specifically between 50°F and 65°F. Placing the plant near a drafty window or in a cooler room, away from radiators and heating vents, helps extend its bloom time.
Watering must be done carefully to prevent the crown, where the leaves and flowers emerge, from becoming waterlogged. The best method is bottom-watering, where the pot is placed in a shallow dish of water for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the roots to soak up moisture through the drainage holes. This technique ensures the soil remains consistently moist without wetting the tuber’s top, which is highly susceptible to rot.
Understanding the Cyclamen Dormancy Cycle
Cyclamen grow and flower during the cool season and then naturally enter a resting phase, known as dormancy, typically in late spring or early summer. This period is a necessary, natural cycle triggered by rising temperatures and the conclusion of the bloom period. The first sign of impending dormancy is the yellowing and dropping of all the leaves.
Once the foliage has completely faded, the plant’s energy is stored within its underground tuber, and watering should be reduced significantly. The potted tuber should be moved to a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a basement or garage, where temperatures remain below 75°F. The goal during this time is to allow the tuber to rest, providing only a minimal amount of water every few weeks to prevent it from completely drying out.
To revive the cyclamen, begin the process in the early fall as temperatures begin to drop. Move the pot back to a cool spot with bright, indirect light and gradually resume a regular watering schedule. The tuber will break dormancy and begin to produce new leaves, signaling the start of another active growing and flowering season.