How to Care for Cyclamen Plant Indoors

Cyclamen are stunning plants known for their vibrant flowers and unique heart-shaped leaves. They typically bloom in the fall and winter, making them a popular choice for holiday decor or as gifts. Indoor cyclamen are perennials that go dormant during the spring and summer, often leading people to think they've died and throw them away mistakenly. 

In reality, they’re just resting! With the right care, you can have your cyclamen blooming beautifully again next winter. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need about cyclamen care. 

Light

In winter, during its peak growth phase, cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light. The best spot is near a window with a sheer curtain or in an area with dappled sunlight, providing gentle exposure without direct rays. When the cyclamen enters dormancy in summer, move it to a cool, dark, well-ventilated area to rest and recover.

Water

Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and water thoroughly when it feels dry, making sure the roots don’t sit in standing water to prevent rot. Water at the base of the plant, keeping the leaves and flowers dry. After blooming, cyclamen naturally enter a dormant phase, so it’s time to reduce watering.

Temperature and Humidity

Cyclamen prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 65°F (10°C to 18°C). Keep them away from heat sources like radiators or heaters to prevent drying out. They also prefer moderate humidity, so placing your cyclamen on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier can help maintain the right environment.

Soil 

Cyclamen need well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and a bit of sand works well for indoor cyclamen. Alternatively, a potting mix formulated for African violets or other plants with similar needs is a good choice. 

Fertilizer

Cyclamen are not heavy feeders but benefit from occasional feeding, especially during their active growing and blooming periods. From fall to early spring, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant phase when the plant isn’t actively growing.

Prune

While not essential, removing wilted flowers and leaves promotes more blooms and keeps the plant tidy. Pull off spent flowers and leaves from the roots or use clean, sharp scissors to trim them. At the end of the blooming period, cut off faded flowers when the leaves start to yellow to help your cyclamen survive dormancy.

Repotting

Repot your cyclamen every 1-2 years, typically after its dormant period and before the flowering period begins. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one to refresh the soil. Be gentle with the tuber to avoid damaging the plant. After repotting, thoroughly water the cyclamen, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

How to Propagate Cyclamen

Cyclamen can be propagated through tuber division or seeds, with tuber division being the more common and beginner-friendly method. 

Tuber Division

1. After the dormant period, carefully lift the cyclamen tuber from the soil.
2. Look for natural divisions or offsets around the main tuber. Use a clean, sharp knife to separate these offsets, making sure each has a piece of the tuber.
3. Replant the divisions in separate pots with well-draining soil, making sure the tubers are partially exposed above the soil surface.
4. Water gently and place the new plants in a location with indirect light. Ensure they don’t sit in water to avoid rot.

Seed Propagation

1. Collect seeds from the cyclamen after the flowers have faded, and they have formed seed pods.
2. Gently remove the seeds and plant them in a shallow tray or pot filled with well-draining soil.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water gently.
4. Place the pot in a warm location with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
5. The seeds may take several weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Indoor Cyclamen Troubleshooting

Although indoor cyclamen care is relatively simple, there are still some hassles that can be encountered during the maintenance process:

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on your cyclamen can be a sign of overwatering or low humidity. Ensure the soil drains well and that the plant isn’t sitting in excess water. If needed, increase the humidity around the plant.

Root Rot

Root rot is caused by sitting in water or poor drainage. To prevent it, ensure the pot has drainage holes. If you notice root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim away the affected roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.

Poor Blooming

Poor blooming is often caused by insufficient light or stress from temperature fluctuations. Ensure your cyclamen receives bright, indirect light, and avoid moving it too frequently.

Pests

While cyclamen are generally pest-resistant, they can occasionally attract aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of pests, and treat them with insecticidal soap or a water and dish soap mixture if needed.

How to Make Cyclamen Plants Bloom Again

As temperatures increase, your cyclamen’s leaves will begin to yellow, signaling the start of its dormant phase. During this time, stop fertilizing and reduce watering. Place your cyclamen in a cool, dry location for the summer, such as a sheltered, shady spot outdoors or in the basement. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering. 

By September, your cyclamen should begin to show new growth. At this point, bring the plant indoors, inspect it for pests, and repot if needed. Once you notice fresh growth, resume your regular care routine.