Cyclamen are flowering plants cherished for their distinctive swept-back petals and marbled, heart-shaped foliage. They are grown either as hardy garden perennials (like the frost-tolerant Cyclamen hederifolium) or as potted houseplants (like the tender florist’s cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum). Successfully growing cyclamen requires matching the plant to the correct physical location and providing the precise environmental conditions it needs. This guide addresses the specific requirements for placement and planting medium, ensuring the plant remains healthy and produces blooms.
Finding the Right Outdoor Spot
Hardy cyclamen varieties are planted directly in the garden, often naturalizing over time. These perennial species perform best in cooler climates, generally thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. The planting site must provide protection from excessive heat and direct, harsh sunlight.
The ideal location mimics the plant’s native habitat, characterized by dappled or deep shade. Planting under deciduous trees is effective because the bare winter canopy allows sunlight during the active growing season. Once the tree leaves out, the cyclamen enters summer dormancy, protected from intense heat and sun by the dense foliage overhead.
Locations against north-facing walls or in sheltered woodland gardens also provide necessary light conditions. The spot must be protected from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage and trigger premature dormancy. The tubers of hardy cyclamen should be placed just below the soil surface.
Optimal Indoor Conditions
Florist cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) are grown as houseplants and require precise environmental control. The primary challenge is maintaining a consistently cool temperature, as they bloom in cooler months. The preferred daytime temperature range is 60°F to 65°F, with nighttime temperatures ideally dipping into the 50s Fahrenheit.
Place the potted plant in a cool, bright spot that receives ample indirect light. An east-facing window provides gentle morning sun. South or west-facing windows require a sheer curtain to diffuse the light and prevent leaf burn, since direct sun exposure through glass can quickly trigger dormancy.
Avoid common indoor hazards that stress the plant. Placement near heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces introduces warm, dry air that can cause the leaves to yellow. Drafts from frequently opened doors or cold windows can also be detrimental. Maintaining slightly higher humidity, perhaps by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water, helps create a healthier microclimate.
Preparing the Planting Medium
The composition of the planting medium is paramount to cyclamen survival, whether planted in the garden or a container. Cyclamen tubers are highly susceptible to rot, making superior drainage necessary. The soil must be well-draining to prevent waterlogging around the tuber, which is the primary cause of plant death.
For outdoor planting, amend the existing garden soil with organic materials and coarse grit or sand to improve porosity. The medium should be rich in humus, which helps retain slight moisture while draining freely. Hardy cyclamen tolerate a soil pH that is neutral to mildly acidic or slightly alkaline, but good drainage remains the most important factor.
Potted florist cyclamen require a specialized mix that balances moisture retention with aeration. A peat-based potting mix, often enhanced with perlite or pumice, provides the necessary structure to prevent compaction and allow water to pass quickly. The use of a pot with large, unobstructed drainage holes is required for container-grown cyclamen.