Cyclamen

Scientific name: Cyclamen

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The Cyclamens originally came from the Mediterranean region. These plants are one of the most beautiful flowerings houseplant. Cyclamens’ flowers come in an array of colors, such as pink, purple, red and white. Cyclamens are difficult to look after and to provide the right conditions for its survival through several seasons, but not impossible. Keep in mind that these are seasonal plants.

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Light

These plants do not enjoy direct sunlight. Put them 1 to 2m away from a window.

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Temperature

It is very important that Cyclamens be kept in cool rooms. If the plants are in a hot and dry environment, leaves turn yellow.

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Watering

These plants are peculiar in the sense that they are irrigated from the bottom rather than from the top. Fill a shallow plate of water under the pot, letting the plant stand freely. After 10-15 minutes the plant would have taken the amount of water needed. Throw out the rest of the water if still not absorbed. Repeat whenever you find the surface of the compost dry. Overwatering will kill the plant.

Be very careful when watering these plants, because any drop of water that accidentally falls on the foliage, will be caught in the hairy leaves causing bacteria invasion and botrytis, which is the decaying of the leaf.   

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Feeding

Feed fortnightly when in flower. Never spray the leaves with plant food.

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Helpful instructions

When flowers die and leaves turn yellow it is very important to cut them back to their corm, to prevent seed formation. Also, gradually withhold water until the corm is completely dormant and put the pot in a dark, cool place like a garage. In mid-September, take the plant outdoors in a lightly shaded place, water it sparingly until corm start shooting again. Most people throw their corms out, once the plant starts dying.

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Varieties of Cyclamen available in store