People like to grow florist’s cyclamen, also called indoor cyclamen, because of their big, showy winter flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white. The flowers may be frilly or scented, and are set off by marbled, heart-shaped leaves. In the fall and winter, you can find them at garden centers and florists everywhere. People often give them as gifts. Given the right care, they should flower for at least six weeks. If you want to buy a cyclamen, make sure it has a lot of buds. This will make the plant flower for longer.
Florist’s cyclamen are cultivars of the wild Cyclamen persicum, native to Turkey. The smaller-flowered cultivars, also known as ‘mini cyclamen’ are sold as outdoor bedding plants in autumn. These are great for adding colour to pots and window boxes in autumn and early winter. However they are not frost hardy.
Florist’s cyclamen die back naturally in spring, in preparation for a period of dormancy in summer. At this point many people discard their plant. Even though you can get the plant to flower again next winter, it will do better if you let it grow naturally and water it less in the summer while it rests.
Cyclamen are stunning flowering plants that can brighten up any room or garden with their colorful blooms But keeping these delicate perennials looking their best requires paying close attention to their watering needs Getting the watering frequency right is key to keeping your cyclamen healthy and flowering,
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how often to water potted and garden cyclamen for optimal growth.
Cyclamen are a genus of around 20 species of perennial flowering plants that are native to Europe and the Mediterranean. They are popular as potted plants and garden flowers due to their beautiful blooms that come in shades of pink, red, white, and purple.
The most commonly grown variety is Cyclamen persicum, also known as florist’s cyclamen. These plants produce delicate flowers that grow on long stems above heart-shaped leaves with striking silver marbling. The foliage is just as decorative as the blooms!
Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures and grow well outdoors in zones 7-9. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Indoors, they do best in east or north facing windows.
Proper watering is critical for cyclamen. Too much or too little water will cause the tubers to rot and the plant to wilt. Read on to learn how to get it just right!
How Often to Water Potted Cyclamen
Potted cyclamen should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry. As a general rule, they need watering about once a week during active growth and flowering. Here are some tips for watering potted cyclamen correctly
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Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the top inch of soil. Water whenever it is dry to the touch.
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The plant’s foliage will start to droop slightly when it needs water. Watch for signs of wilt as your cue to water.
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In winter, reduce watering frequency to every 10-14 days since plants are less active.
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Always water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the whole root zone is hydrated.
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Water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry out before nighttime. Wet leaves overnight invite disease.
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Pour water at the base of the plant, avoiding getting water on the tuber or crown which can cause rot.
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Grow potted cyclamen in pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil to prevent soggy conditions.
By paying close attention to soil dryness and the plant’s appearance, you can maintain an appropriate watering regimen for potted cyclamen. Adjust frequency based on season, growth rate, and indoor conditions.
How Often to Water Cyclamen Outdoors
When grown outdoors in garden beds or pots, cyclamen have the same watering needs but environmental factors come into play. Here are some tips for watering outdoor cyclamen:
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Outdoor cyclamen require more frequent watering than indoor plants, especially in hot weather. Check soil and water every 2-3 days during heat waves.
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Container plants may need daily watering if exposed to full sun and summer heat. Monitor closely and don’t let pots dry out.
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Reduce outdoor watering frequency in fall and winter as plant enter dormancy. Water when top few inches of soil are dry.
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Check soil moisture after rain storms. Heavy rains may not sufficiently penetrate the foliage to water the roots.
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Avoid overhead watering. Instead, use drip irrigation or direct water to the soil at the base to keep foliage dry.
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Consider moving containerized plants to a shady spot outdoors or an unheated garage in winter to reduce watering needs.
The watering needs of outdoor cyclamen can vary a lot depending on climate, season, and exposure. Check soil frequently and learn your plant’s signs of thirst to maintain ideal moisture.
Signs Your Cyclamen Needs Water
Here are some visual cues that your cyclamen is thirsty and needs a good drink:
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Drooping foliage – The leaves and flowers will start to wilt and bend downwards when the plant needs water.
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Dry soil – Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger in the pot. If the top 1-2 inches are dry, it’s time to water.
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Lightened foliage – The leaves may start to appear paler or yellowed if underwatered.
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Fewer flowers – Inadequate watering causes buds and flowers to drop.
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Crispy leaf edges – Underwatered plants will get brown crispy edges on the leaves.
Brainstorm some other sign indicators here as well
Don’t wait until you see severe wilting or leaf crisping to water. Try to catch cyclamen before they show major signs of distress. With experience caring for cyclamen, you’ll learn when your plant needs a drink before it starts wilting.
Problems from Overwatering or Underwatering
Maintaining the delicate balance in soil moisture is vital to cyclamen health. Too much or too little water leads to serious problems. Here’s how to avoid common issues:
Underwatering
- Wilting, drooping leaves and flowers
- Leaves and buds dropping
- Leaf yellowing and browning
- Stunted growth and small tubers
- Plant death
Overwatering
- Foliage brown spots
- Rotting tubers
- Fungus gnats
- Moldy soil
- Root rot
- Plant death
To avoid making these watering mistakes, monitor soil moisture frequently and learn when your cyclamen needs water before visible symptoms arise. Err on the side of under watering rather than overwatering cyclamen whenever in doubt.
Tips for Watering Cyclamen Like an Expert
Follow these best practices and you’ll become a cyclamen watering expert in no time:
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Learn to recognize when your plant needs water before major wilt sets in.
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Water thoroughly until excess drains from the pot. A little soak is better than frequent small drinks.
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Always water in morning to allow foliage to dry out in day.
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Reduce watering frequency by half in winter months.
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Keep potted plants in well-draining soil and containers.
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For outdoor plants, water at soil level to keep leaves dry.
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Check soil moisture frequently, especially with changes in season or environment.
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If unsure when to water, wait until soil is just barely dry to the touch.
With a little practice, you’ll get a feel for exactly how often to water your cyclamen for optimal blooms and plant health. Pay close attention and you’ll be rewarded with a long display of colorful flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Cyclamen
How much water does a cyclamen need?
Potted and garden cyclamen need about 1-2 inches of water per week during active growth and flowering. Reduce by half in winter. The key is thorough, occasional watering rather than frequent light sprinkles.
Should you let cyclamen leaves dry out between watering?
It’s best to water cyclamen before leaves start drying out. Look for soil dryness instead. Waiting until leaves are severely wilted stresses the plant.
Can you overwater cyclamen?
Absolutely. Soggy soil and excess moisture will cause tubers to rot. Water only when the top inch of soil dries out to prevent fungal diseases.
Do cyclamen like to be kept moist?
The tubers and soil should not be kept soggy and moist. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings while not allowing severe wilting. The delicate balance prevents rot.
Should I mist my cyclamen?
Do not mist cyclamen leaves. Wet foliage invites diseases like powdery mildew. Always water at soil level keeping water off the leaves and crown.
Can cyclamen recover from under watering?
If caught early, cyclamen can bounce back after being slightly underwatered. Severe drooping with dried out tubers has caused permanent damage. Prevent wilting by watering regularly.
Ready to Master Cyclamen Watering?
Hopefully this guide has helped explain exactly how often cyclamen need watering for thriving plants indoors and outside. The keys are to check soil moisture frequently, water thoroughly, and avoid excess moisture on the foliage or tubers. With a little attentive care, your cyclamen will reward you with long-lasting, colorful blooms.
Caring for indoor cyclamen
Water once the soil begins to feel dry. Instead of watering with a watering can, put the plant in a saucer or shallow bowl of water for about an hour, until the compost is damp but not soaked. This will keep the leaves from getting mildew. Let any excess water drain away.
Cyclamen don’t need much feeding – otherwise they will produce lots of foliage rather than flowers. If you want to keep your plant from year to year, feed it with house plant fertilizer every two months. If not, you don’t need to do this.
Remove any dead or dying flowers or leaves by tugging them away gently.
Indoor cyclamen: jump links
Your cyclamen needs a cool, bright spot to thrive. Hold in a room that is cool, about 10 to 15°C. A cool conservatory, porch, or east- or north-facing window sill works well (bring it inside if frost is expected overnight). Keep away from direct sunlight. It will turn yellow the leaves and flowers will fade quickly if you keep your cyclamen in a warm room. The plant will also go into early dormancy.