blog, Plant Care

How to Care for your Cyclamen

Cyclamen Care & Culture

Botanical name: Cyclamen persicum
Common name: Florist’s Cyclamen
USDA Hardiness Zones: Typically grown as an indoor plant in Zones 4–9; hardy outdoors in Zones 9–11.

🌸 About Cyclamen

Cyclamen are prized winter bloomers, offering vibrant color and elegant, upswept petals during the colder months when many plants are resting. Their heart-shaped, patterned leaves add charm even when not in bloom. While often sold as holiday gifts, cyclamen can thrive indoors for months with proper care — and even rebloom year after year with a little seasonal attention.

☀️ Light

Place cyclamen in bright, indirect light. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, but don’t let it sit in deep shade or the plant may stop flowering.

🌿 Soil

Use a well-draining, light potting mix, ideally one designed for indoor flowering plants. Good drainage is crucial — cyclamen dislike “wet feet.” If repotting, choose a container with drainage holes.

💧 Water

Cyclamen prefer evenly moist soil, but never soggy.

  • Water when the top inch feels dry.

  • It’s best to water from the bottom — set the pot in a shallow dish of water for about 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

  • Avoid getting water on the crown (the base of the leaves), which can lead to rot.

During the plant’s dormant period (after blooming), reduce watering until new growth appears.

🌸 Fertilizer

Feed every 2–3 weeks while actively growing and flowering, using a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop feeding during dormancy.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves by gently twisting the stems near the base rather than cutting — this helps prevent rot and keeps the plant tidy.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Cyclamen thrive in cool temperatures — ideally between 55–65°F (13–18°C). Avoid heat vents and drafts.
They appreciate moderate humidity, so grouping plants or using a pebble tray can help during dry winter air.

🐛 Common Problems

  • Yellow leaves: Often from too much water or heat.

  • No blooms: May need more light or cooler temperatures.

  • Crown rot: Caused by watering from above or poorly draining soil.

🌱 Seasonal Care

After flowering, cyclamen enter dormancy:

  1. Stop feeding and reduce watering.

  2. Allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally.

  3. Store the dormant tuber in a cool, dry location through summer.

  4. In early fall, repot the tuber with the top half exposed and resume watering to encourage new growth.

💚 Closing Tip

Cyclamen are a true winter delight — graceful, long-lasting, and surprisingly easy once you learn their rhythm. With a cool spot, bright light, and careful watering, your plant will reward you with a fresh burst of blooms year after year.

Michelle Harvey