Cyclamen Care: Winter Blooms from a Tuber

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum hybrids) brighten winter with swept-back, butterfly-like flowers in white, pink, red, and purple above marbled, heart-shaped leaves. They bloom November–March, then go dormant—understanding this cycle is the key to success.

Active Growth (Fall–Spring)

• Light: Bright, indirect. No direct sun.
• Temperature: Cool! 50–60°F (10–15°C) ideal. Warm rooms cause yellowing and collapse.
• Water: Bottom-water when soil surface feels dry. Keep tuber dry. Use a saucer; remove excess after 20 min.
• Feed: Every 2–3 weeks with dilute liquid fertilizer during bloom.

Dormancy (Late Spring–Summer)

After flowering, leaves yellow and die. Stop watering. Place pot in a cool, shaded, dry spot. The tuber rests. In late summer (August–September), repot in fresh mix: 60% beech leaf mold, 25% peat, 15% sand. Resume watering lightly; new growth appears.

Propagation

Seeds sown late summer germinate in 5–6 weeks. Or divide tubers in spring—each piece needs a growth bud.

Common Mistakes

• Overwatering (especially on the tuber).
• Too warm (aim for 55°F nights).
• Dry air (use pebble tray).
• Tossing the "dead" plant in summer—it's just dormant!

Why Grow Them?

Few plants flower so prolifically in the dark months. A cool windowsill and a little discipline yield months of color.