Cyclamen, or Cyclamen persicum, is a small flowering plant with sweet-smelling small flowers on long stems that rise above the leaves. It’s a tuberous perennial, which means that during the summer it dies back to its thick roots (tubers) and then grows back quickly each fall. Flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
The heart-shaped leaves are medium green, often with silver marbling. Cyclamen is often grown as a houseplant, and in the winter, when the holidays are coming up, you can find them blooming in grocery stores and garden centers. Seeds can be planted in late summer for blooms in the subsequent years winter (roughly 18 months later). Cyclamen is toxic to both animals and people.
With their dainty nodding flowers in shades of white, pink red and purple, cyclamens add elegance to any space. But you may have noticed these plants for sale in both the outdoor garden section and indoor floral department. So what exactly is the difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen varieties?
While similar in appearance indoor and outdoor cyclamens have key factors that set them apart. Read on to learn how to distinguish between these delightful lookalikes so you can best care for the one you bring home.
An Overview of Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a genus of around 20 species of flowering perennials They belong to the Primulaceae family along with other favorites like primroses, Cyclamen are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe and Africa,
The most popular types grown as houseplants are florist’s or Persian cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum). Meanwhile, hardy outdoor species include C. coum, C. hederifolium, and C. purpurascens.
While their individual needs vary, all cyclamens produce dainty nodding blooms on slender stalks above attractive foliage. With the right care, they flower during fall, winter, and early spring.
Key Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Cyclamen
At first glance, indoor and outdoor cyclamens appear quite similar. But several factors set them apart:
Hardiness and Temperature Tolerance
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Indoor – Florist’s cyclamen is native to a summer-dry Mediterranean climate and lacks winter hardiness. It thrives indoors at 50-65°F and cannot tolerate frost.
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Outdoor – Species like C. coum hardy to USDA zones 4-9 can withstand winters down to -20°F once established. They flourish outdoors year-round in suitable climates.
Light Requirements
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Indoor – Keep florist’s cyclamen in bright indoor light but out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching. Supplement with grow lights in winter.
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Outdoor – Hardy cyclamen need partial shade to full sun depending on variety and climate. Shelter from hot afternoon sun.
Soil Needs
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Indoor – Florist’s cyclamen grows best in loose, well-drained indoor potting mix. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
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Outdoor – Hardy cyclamen prefers rich, humusy, and alkaline outdoor soil. Tolerates dampness better than its indoor cousin.
Longevity and Care
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Indoor – Florist’s cyclamen blooms for a single season as a houseplant before going dormant. Discard after flowering or try replanting the tuber.
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Outdoor – Hardy cyclamen is a perennial plant, surviving for years in the garden. Tubers spread and develop each year.
As you can see, florist’s and hardy cyclamen have some distinct differences in their cultivation needs and lifespans. But with the right care, both can produce abundant delicate flowers.
How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Cyclamen
When shopping for cyclamen, check plant tags and descriptions carefully. Here are some tips for identifying which variety you are selecting:
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Look for labels clearly marking “indoor/florist” or “hardy/garden” cyclamen types.
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Seek out specialty growers focused on each type. Indoor plants are often sold alongside other flowering houseplants.
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Check pricing. Hardy outdoor cyclamens typically cost a bit more than florist’s varieties.
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Opt for indoor cyclamen in 4 to 6 inch pots suited for decor. Outdoor plants may arrive in larger nursery pots.
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Consider flower timing. Indoor cyclamen blooms in winter while hardy types flower in fall or spring.
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Match your purchase to suitable growing zones and climate if planting outdoors.
With attention to these details, you can find the perfect cyclamen type to match your space.
Caring for Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cyclamen
Once you select the right variety, providing suitable care is key. Follow these tips to keep your cyclamen thriving:
Caring for Indoor Cyclamen
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Site in bright, indirect light and 50-65°F temperatures. Avoid drafty spots.
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Let soil dry out slightly between waterings. Water from the base to avoid tuber rot.
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Provide humidity by misting leaves or placing the pot on pebbles in a shallow water tray.
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Remove spent flowers and yellowed leaves promptly.
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After blooming ceases, gradually reduce watering to encourage dormancy.
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Discard the plant after flowering, or repot the tuber in dry soil and let it go dormant until the next winter season.
Caring for Outdoor Hardy Cyclamen
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Select a partially shaded garden site with rich, well-draining soil. Plant tubers 2-3” deep.
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid soggy conditions.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost when growth begins in fall and again in early spring.
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Remove yellowed foliage as it appears. Leave stems and tubers intact.
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Allow plants to die back naturally in summer and reemerge again when cooler weather returns. Lift and divide overloaded tubers.
Creative Uses for Indoor and Outdoor Cyclamen
Whether raising florist’s or hardy varieties, cyclamen offer versatile beauty:
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Feature indoor cyclamen in cool-toned winter arrangements and living centerpieces. Combine with evergreen boughs, pinecones, and holiday decor.
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Let outdoor cyclamen flower near walkways and entries to welcome guests with vivid winter color.
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Mix potted indoor cyclamen with forced bulbs like paperwhites or amaryllis. Display together on plant stands or shelves.
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Underplant hardy cyclamen with early spring bulbs like crocus, snowdrops, and miniature daffodils. Echo colors in each layer.
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Cluster containerized outdoor cyclamen by a front door, patio, or deck. Choose one color for a bold monochromatic display.
With their elegant nodding blooms and attractive foliage, both indoor and outdoor cyclamens deserve a place in every gardener’s repertoire. Just be sure to select the variety best suited to your space and needs.
Have you grown florist’s or hardy cyclamen in your own gardens? Share your tips and tricks for success with these charming seasonal plants.
Propagating Cyclamen
Cyclamen is hard to spread because stem cuttings don’t root easily and most of the varieties grown are hybrids that don’t make fertile seeds. They can be spread by carefully dividing the corm-like tuberous roots, but this must be done carefully to make sure the plants stay alive. Cutting the tubers often opens the root up to rot, so be prepared for failure. Heres how to attempt it:
- Take the plant out of its pot and cut off the stems in the summer, when the plant is mostly dormant.
- If the tuber that looks like a corm has grown offsets, carefully cut these off from the main root. If there aren’t any offsets, look for growth eyes. Carefully cut the tuber into pieces, making sure that each piece has at least one growth eye.
- Immediately replant the pieces in a well-draining, peat-based growing mix. Each piece of root should just barely stick out of the potting mix.
- Wet the potting mix, but then put it somewhere dry and shady. In the fall, move it somewhere brighter and start watering it once a week. This will help it grow new leaves.
Pruning
Proper pruning of cyclamen involves simply removing yellowing, dead leaves as they appear. Fading flowers and seeds heads can also be plucked off, which may extend the blooming period.
A Comprehensive Guide On Cyclamen Plant Care! (6-TRICKS*)
FAQ
Can indoor cyclamen be planted outdoors?
Can cyclamens survive outside?
How long do outdoor cyclamen last?
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor Cyclamen?
To help you choose the right one for you, here’s a brief look at some of the key differences between both. Indoor cyclamens are usually taller and wider than outdoor ones. They also have larger and slightly thicker stems. Indoor cyclamen flowers are typically showy with upright leaves.
Can Cyclamen be kept outside?
Keeping indoor Cyclamen outside is quite challenging and the results are not guaranteed, so you should typically avoid it. This is mainly because indoor Cyclamens aren’t as hardy as outdoor species, so they’ll not be able to survive cold winter winds and frost.
Are cyclamen indoor or outdoor plants?
Cyclamen are indoor plants, even though they can be occasionally grown outdoors in a protected area. The reason for this is that cyclamen require a specific temperature range and soil moisture levels which cannot be met outside in most areas of the United States.
Do Cyclamen grow in cold weather?
Cyclamen plants are native to the Mediterranean region, where they grow in cool, moist conditions. When grown indoors, they require cooler temperatures and more humidity than many other houseplants. In contrast, outdoor cyclamen plants can tolerate colder temperatures, but they also require well-draining soil and protection from frost.