Generally speaking, the best time to plant cyclamen is during the fall season. Depending on the region and climate, this would usually take place during months like September, October, or November. Additionally, you might want to consider the fact that you will want to plant the cyclamen when temperatures are slightly cool but not cold.
After the bulbs have been planted you will want a period of moisture – so it is best to plant cyclamen in a month where the rainfall has increased. For optimal growth, it is recommended to place mulch around the cyclamen bulbs to conserve moisture and protect them from the cold weather.
Lastly, make sure you have a location that receives partial shade.
Do cyclamen come back every year?
It is possible for cyclamen to come back every year, depending on the variety and care you give them. Common Cyclamens (Cyclamen persicum) are perennials but typically only bloom for one season – at most two seasons.
However, Hardy Cyclamen (Cyclamen coum or hederifolium) are capable of coming back year after year and given the appropriate care can rebloom for several seasons. To ensure that your cyclamen returns every year, you’ll need to make sure it has proper watering and fertilization.
Make sure to fertilize your cyclamens at least every other month during the growing season and to water your cyclamens often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Keeping the cyclamen in a bright area without direct sunlight and deadheading old flowers can also increase its chances of coming back every year.
Can cyclamen stay outside in winter?
The answer to whether cyclamen can stay outside in the winter is slightly complicated and depends largely on the climate in your location and the care you take with the plants. Cyclamen naturally occur in Mediterranean climates, where winters are mild and wet with brief cold snaps.
In areas with wet, mild winters, many species of cyclamen can survive outdoors in the winter when properly protected. If you are in a region with colder and harsher conditions, cyclamen should be grown in containers and taken inside when the temperature falls below freezing.
In an ideal situation, the cyclamen should be potted and placed on a shaded patio or balcony for protection from harsh winter weather, such as strong winds and freezing temperatures. If a freeze is forecasted, the container needs to be brought indoors until the temperature rises again.
It is important to keep the soil of the cyclamen moist, and to use a light fertilizer about every other watering to provide the proper nutrients for healthy growth. Additionally, you should cover the plant with a layer of winter mulch to protect the roots from cold winter temperatures.
In general, cyclamen plants grown outdoors should be moved to a sheltered area of the garden in winter, or brought inside until temperatures consistently remain above freezing. With the right care, cyclamen can survive outdoors with minimal protection in mild winter climates, but they are not hardy enough to survive cold, northern winters outside unless they are brought indoors.
What temperature is too cold for cyclamen?
The ideal temperature range for cyclamen to thrive is between 55-65° F. Temperatures below 55° F can cause cyclamen to become dormant. At temperatures lower than 40° F, the plants can experience long-term damage or even die.
For outdoor cyclamen, consider bringing the pots inside during winter or moving them to a sheltered area such as a porch or covered patio. If the area can maintain 55° F and the plant is not subjected to winds, light frost may be tolerated.
In very cold climates, it’s best to grow cyclamen indoors for the winter months or to use a combinaiton of both indoor and outdoor growing methods.
How long does it take for a cyclamen to come out of dormancy?
The amount of time it takes for a cyclamen to come out of dormancy varies depending on the type of cyclamen and the specific environmental conditions. Generally speaking, cyclamen can be expected to emerge from dormancy around late winter or early spring.
Depending on the cultivar, the time for blooms may vary from about 8-10 weeks after emerging from dormancy. More information on specific cultivars can be found online. Unfavorable weather conditions, such as cooler temperatures in the winter months, can delay the emergence from dormancy and the time until the blooms appear.
It is worth noting that cyclamen die off during dormancy and the foliage can desiccate, so they may appear dead while still being alive. Regular watering during this period can help maintain a healthy growth cycle.
Overall, it can take anywhere from 8-10 weeks for a cyclamen to come out of dormancy and begin to bloom.
Can cyclamen withstand a freeze?
Cyclamen cannot withstand a freeze. Cyclamen are very sensitive to cold temperatures and need temperatures no lower than 50°F (10°C) for ideal winter growth. Even if temperatures dip below freezing for a few hours, cyclamen can suffer damage and may not survive.
When winter temperatures in your area dip below 50°F, it is important to move your cyclamen containers to a sheltered area – such as a heated garage, porch, or balcony – until freezing temperatures have passed.
Also, try and provide extra insulation by covering containers with blankets and straw.
Do cyclamen need sun or shade?
Cyclamen prefer partial shade or indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can cause their foliage to scorch. They like cool temperatures, so avoid placing them in hot, sunny windowsills. Instead, opt for areas with moderate sunlight, like well-lit bathrooms, hallways, and north-facing windows.
In addition, as cyclamens are native to rocky woodland areas of the Mediterranean, they thrive in soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. For optimal growth and flowering, cyclamen should be planted in a pot with a soil mix of one part potting soil and one part peat moss.
With the right amount of light and soil conditions, the cyclamen will grow best when the temperatures are between 10 and 18°C. It will be important to water regularly and prevent the soil from getting too soggy.
Can cyclamen grow in full shade?
Yes, cyclamen can grow in full shade. Cyclamen are actually known to prefer a part shade to full shade location. The key to success when growing cyclamen in full shade is to ensure that the area does not become too hot, as this will ultimately affect the plant’s growth and health.
Additionally, cyclamen need well-draining soil and regular moisture in order to thrive. While full shade locations create a more humid environment than part shade locations, the soil should still be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings.
If the soil remains too wet, it can lead to root rot. Thus, it is important to find a balance between soil moisture and light when caring for cyclamen in full shade environments. Ultimately, as long as conditions are right, cyclamen can do well in full shade.
Is a cyclamen an indoor or outdoor plant?
A cyclamen is typically an indoor plant, but can be grown outdoors in areas with a mild climate. Cyclamen prefers a partially shaded spot, away from direct sunlight. It is a cold-tolerant plant, meaning that it can tolerate freezing temperatures, although it won’t survive in excessive heat.
During the summer months, cyclamen needs to be kept moist and away from extreme temperatures. In colder climates, cyclamen can be planted outdoors in the late spring and brought indoors during the winter.
It also works well in containers and planters in a porch or patio.
Do cyclamen like lots of water?
Yes, cyclamen do like lots of water. It’s important to keep the soil moist to get the best out of your plants. Make sure to water them at least once a week, and more often during the warmer months. Allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.
Furthermore, misting your cyclamen with a spray bottle can help to recreate its preferred humid environment. Additionally, you can use a pebble tray beneath or near the plant to increase the ambient humidity around it.
This can create the perfect environment for cyclamen to thrive.
How do I keep my cyclamen blooming?
To keep your cyclamen blooming, you’ll need to provide the right environment for the flowers to thrive. Watering your cyclamen properly is essential for keeping the flowers blooming, as the plant can dry out quickly.
When watering your cyclamen, make sure the soil stays moist, but not soggy. A good tip is to water it until the excess begins to trickle out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. You should also provide enough light for the cyclamen to thrive.
The best spot for a cyclamen is one that gets indirect sunlight, but not too much direct sunlight. Once a month, use a liquid fertilizer to give them some extra nutrition to encourage flowering. Make sure to fertilize in the morning rather than late in the day to avoid burning the leaves.
In addition to providing the right conditions for your cyclamen, it’s important to remove any spent blooms or leaves in order to keep them looking attractive and to keep them healthy. Finally, you’ll want to remember to repot your cyclamen when necessary, generally about every two to three years.
Repotting helps to provide the plant with new nutrients, ensuring the flower will bloom again.
How much sun does a cyclamen need?
A cyclamen prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. It should never be placed in direct sunlight or it will scorch the leaves, which will cause them to turn brown. Too little light will result in the flowering stems being limp and bearing few flowers.
Placing the plant in a spot with at least a few hours of indirect sun each day should result in a more vibrant flower display. If placing the plant far from a window, a supplemental lighting source may be necessary, such as a fluorescent shop light.
Exposure to temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can also damage the plant, so it should not be placed near drafty doors and windows, cold air conditioning vents, or in an unheated garage or basement.
Where should cyclamen be placed outside?
When planting cyclamen outside, it is important to choose a sheltered location. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6. 5 to 7. 5. The best time to plant is late summer to early autumn.
Before planting, add organic matter such as compost and aged manure to the soil to give the plants the nutrients they need to thrive. If planting in containers, choose a light and well-draining potting mix.
Cyclamen are winter flowering varieties, so position plants so they are able to take advantage of winter sun. Position cyclamen out of the way of strong winds and watch out for slugs and snails. Place the plants at least 40 cm apart to ensure plants have enough space to grow.
Keep the soil evenly moist, water in the morning to give the plant time to absorb the water before nightfall and help prevent diseases. Deadhead spent flowers as needed to encourage more blooms.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen?
Yes, there are some differences between indoor and outdoor cyclamen. Indoor cyclamen plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and cooler temperatures. They should be kept moist, but never wet, as too much water can lead to root rot.
They also require plenty of airflow to prevent the foliage from becoming too humid. Outdoor cyclamen plants, on the other hand, are hardier than their indoor friends and can tolerate colder temperatures and full sun with plenty of shade.
They prefer slightly moist and well-draining soils and should be watered enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Both types of cyclamen require regular fertilization, but outdoor plants will generally require more due to their need for more nutrients while growing.
Additionally, outdoor cyclamen need to be protected from extreme winds and intense heat or frost.
Can a cyclamen be planted outdoors?
Yes, a cyclamen can be planted outdoors. The key to successfully doing so is to make sure you choose a location that has part to full shade and has soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. While you may be able to get away with having the soil slightly alkaline, it is best to keep it on the acidic side for more optimal growth.
The best times to plant cyclamen outdoors are in late summer or early Fall. When planting, ensure that you dig a hole large enough to spread out the roots and tamp the soil down firmly when done. Once planted, give the cyclamen some water and keep it slightly moist but not overly wet.
Providing the right amount of water and protection from direct sun should help your cyclamen stay vibrant and healthy throughout the seasons.