Confident Care for a Long-Lasting Seasonal Bloomer
Cyclamen are loved for their delicate, upswept blooms and beautifully patterned leaves. They bring color during cooler months and can bloom for weeks when cared for properly. With the right light and watering routine, cyclamen are rewarding plants that can return year after year.
Light
Cyclamen prefer bright, indirect light. A cool room with filtered sunlight is ideal. Too much direct sun can fade blooms and stress the plant, while very low light may reduce flowering.
Water
Cyclamen like evenly moist soil but do not tolerate sitting in water. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering. When you water, avoid pouring directly into the crown, which is the center of the plant where the stems emerge.
Bottom watering works especially well. Place the pot in a shallow dish of water for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from below. Remove the pot and allow excess water to drain thoroughly.
Temperature
Cyclamen thrive in cooler temperatures and prefer a range between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best away from heat vents, fireplaces, and warm drafts. Cooler nighttime temperatures help extend blooming.
Humidity
Moderate humidity is helpful, especially in heated homes during winter. Keeping cyclamen away from dry, forced air helps preserve both foliage and blooms.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential. The soil should hold light moisture but never become compacted or waterlogged.
Understanding Your Plant
Cyclamen are seasonal growers. They naturally bloom during cooler months and may slow down as temperatures rise. If flowers begin to fade and leaves yellow in late spring, the plant may be entering dormancy.
Dormancy is a normal and healthy part of the cyclamen life cycle.
After Bloom Care and Dormancy
As blooming finishes, remove spent flowers by gently twisting and pulling the stem from the base. Continue normal care while the plant still has healthy green leaves.
If the plant begins to go dormant, reduce watering gradually and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Once the leaves have faded, place the plant in a cool, dry area and water very sparingly.
In early fall, new growth will begin to appear. At that point, resume regular watering and move the plant back into bright, indirect light. With proper care, cyclamen can rebloom beautifully.
Are Cyclamen Right for You?
Cyclamen are a wonderful choice for cooler indoor spaces and for those who enjoy seasonal blooms. They are especially rewarding for plant owners who appreciate understanding a plant’s natural rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Cyclamen are not difficult plants — they simply follow a seasonal cycle. With the right light, cool temperatures, and thoughtful watering, they offer weeks of color and the potential to bloom again in future seasons.
