Cyclamen is a tuberous flowering plant popular for its colorful, reflexed petals and attractive, often marbled foliage during the cooler months. Its unique growth cycle, which includes a period of dormancy, makes the timing and duration of its bloom a frequent question for gardeners. The bloom time depends entirely on the specific species, whether it is a tender houseplant or a hardy garden variety.
Seasonal Timing Based on Cyclamen Type
The bloom time of Cyclamen is dictated by whether the species is classified as tender or hardy. The tender type, known as Florist’s Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), is commonly purchased indoors and is a winter bloomer. This variety typically begins its flowering period in late fall and continues through early spring, often lasting for eight to twelve weeks with proper care.
Hardy cyclamen species, suitable for outdoor planting, have a different bloom schedule. Cyclamen hederifolium (Ivy-leaved Cyclamen) is a fall-blooming variety, with flowers appearing from late August through October, before the leaves fully emerge. Cyclamen coum is a true winter bloomer, displaying its small flowers from January to March, often surviving even through snow.
Care Requirements to Sustain Flowering
Maintaining the flowering period requires specific environmental conditions. Cyclamen thrive best in consistently cool temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 65°F during the day, with nighttime temperatures dipping slightly lower, around 50°F. Exposure to temperatures above 70°F can prematurely trigger dormancy, causing the buds to fail and the plant to stop blooming.
The plant needs bright, indirect light to fuel its continuous production of flowers. Placing it near an east-facing window is often ideal, as it receives morning sun without the intensity of direct midday or afternoon light. Watering technique is important, as the tuber is susceptible to rot if kept too wet or if the crown is watered directly.
Water Cyclamen from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up moisture through the drainage holes. Removing spent flowers, a process called deadheading, encourages the plant to put energy into new bloom production instead of seed development. The entire spent flower stem should be gently twisted and removed all the way back to the tuber to prevent rot.
Post-Bloom Dormancy and Reblooming
After the active flowering period ends, typically in late spring, the Cyclamen enters a mandatory rest phase known as dormancy. This transition is signaled by the leaves starting to yellow and wither, which is the plant’s natural mechanism for conserving energy during the hot, dry summer months. The plant relies on the energy stored within its tuber to survive and prepare for the next season.
To manage this rest period, gradually reduce watering and stop fertilization entirely as the leaves begin to fade. The plant should be moved to a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a garage or basement, where the tuber can remain undisturbed for approximately six to eight weeks. The soil should be kept barely moist to prevent the tuber from drying out, but excess moisture must be avoided to prevent rot.
The reblooming cycle is triggered in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to cool and new growth emerges from the tuber. The tuber can be repotted in fresh, well-draining soil, ensuring the top half remains exposed to the air. Resuming regular watering and moving the plant to a brighter, cool location will encourage new leaf growth, leading to the formation of new flower buds for a subsequent winter bloom.