Cyclamen Care Tips
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A white cyclamen gift keeps me company in the kitchen. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
Cyclamen Care Tips
I can’t remember the last time I had a blooming cyclamen but I’m back in the fan club with this white variety now keeping me company in the kitchen.
Cyclamen is a member of the Primrose family, and grows around the Mediterranean. The species that has achieved houseplant status, Cyclamen persicum, originates from Persia, present-day Iran. The philosopher Plato described the plant as far back as the 4th century BC.
The small plants have very interesting heart-shaped marked leaves and flowers sitting on top of long stems.
When I was growing cyclamen a few years back, I remember I was most successful growing them in the east window with indirect sunlight. I also marked them as the leaves died off. The plant needs a couple of months of rest before starting a new growing cycle.
Another challenge is over-watering. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch but don’t let them sit without water for long, they like to have consistent moisture.
Once blooms fade, leaves start turning yellow and fall off. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
Yellow leaves can be caused by a couple of issues. Too much water will prompt leaves to lose their green color. The leaves will also turn as the plant starts to fade.
Flowers will also develop seed heads, which I cut off so the plant doesn’t exhaust itself.
Once the leaves die back, give the plant a rest for 1-2 months, then start watering again to see it re-bloom.
