How to Grow Cyclamen Plants

How to Grow Cyclamen Plants

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a popular, easy-to-grow plant for indoors and out. Members of the primrose family, native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. There are 20 species, most hardy. Plants have attractive dark green, heart-shaped leaves. Flowers bloom profusely in a wide color range.

Easy care. They grow well in semi-shade, making them good houseplants. Most varieties grow 4–6 inches—perfect for indoor pots.

Their heart-shaped leaves make cyclamen a popular Valentine's Day gift.

Outdoors, place in shade gardens, around trees, or in rock gardens—similar to native habitat.

Botanical Name: Cyclamen
Important Note: Cyclamen are poisonous. Bulbs and rhizomes are toxic. Keep away from children and pets.

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Propagation of Cyclamen Plants

Most often propagated from tubers (roots). Dig up tubers and divide into sections—each must have at least one eye. Replant divided tubers just below soil level.

Seeds can be harvested from spent blooms. Horticulturalists use this for new varieties. Growing from seed takes longer. Few seed companies carry seeds.

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How to Grow Cyclamen – Plant Care

Cyclamen grows in various soils and wide pH range. Best in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Before planting, mix in compost and organic matter.

Plant tubers just below soil level, no more than 1–2 inches deep.

Water well, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use bottom watering for indoor plants. Avoid wet, soggy soil—root rot occurs.

For optimum growth, fertilize monthly. Indoors, use fertilizer spikes or liquid fertilizer.

Different varieties bloom at varying times. To promote blooms, add high-phosphorus fertilizer and increase light.

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Insects and Disease

Few insect and disease problems.

Root rot is most common—avoid with well-drained soil. Houseplant pots need drainage holes.

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Hardiness

Most varieties are hardy. A few won't survive frost. If uncertain about your variety's hardiness, cover plants or bring indoors when cold weather arrives.

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