Cyclamens

Winter Color in Shady Places

Star-Tip 1069

Gardening Tips for successful and beautiful Landscapes and Gardens

Outdoor Considerations & Care

Cyclamens begin to show up in the Nursery around late September, when they begin blooming. They don’t care for afternoon sun in the Desert Southwest, so plant them where they get protection and lots of shade. The nice thing about them here is that with just blue sky to look at and no direct sunlight you can get blossoms.

If your just getting them for winter color, and plan on them being an annual you can put them just about anywhere you want after October 1^st. They are succulents though, so good drainage and infrequent water will help them do their best. Fertilize monthly to get the maximum from the blooms, and add some bone meal.

Indoor Ideas

Location	Bright indirect light. East or North facing windows are good.
Watering	Water thoroughly once a week. Drain excess water from tray.
Fertilizer	Add Bone Meal then Dr. Q’s Houseplant Food every 4 weeks during blooming season.
Suggestions	Cool temperatures mean a longer blooming season. Cyclamen like extra humidity. Use a humidity tray.

Special Care for the late and dormant season

1) Flowers begin to fade	Pinch faded blooms at their base. Fertilize with Dr. Q’s Houseplant Tonic every 4 weeks until new leaves appear.
2) New Leaves begin fading	Stop fertilizing. Gradually decrease watering. Corm will go dormant.
3) Plant Rest Period	Once corm is dormant, let soil dry completely. Place plant in a cool, dark place for a 6-12 week rest.
4) New Blooms	Remove from pot and replant in fresh soil. About 1/3 of the corm should be planted at the soil’s surface. After the new leaves appear, fertilize once a month with Dr. Q’s Houseplant Tonic until next dormant cycle.

Troubleshooting

Problems	Causes	Cures
Yellowing Leaves Crown is firm and healthy looking.	Hot Dry Air Under Watering Direct Sunlight	Place plant on Humidity tray. Keep evenly moist. Make sure sunlight is correct.
Leaves appear to wilt. Crown of plant is soft.	Over Watering Water gets onto the crown.	Back off if you are watering too often! Over watering is the number one cause of houseplant problems. Water carefully or If possible water from the bottom, and only water when the soil feels dry to the touch below the surface.
Short blooming time.	Room Too Hot Air Too Dry	Grow in cooler location. Place plant on Humidity tray.
Stunted Leaves.	Mites	Mites are extremely small and will usually be found on the undersides of leaves. Wash the plant carefully and clean with Q Tips and alcohol. Spray with Safer's Insecticidal Soap weekly for 3 weeks.