Make Your Plants Happy – Cyclamen Outdoors Care Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive Cyclamen Outdoors Care Guide. If you’re looking for tips on how to care for your outdoor cyclamen plants, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to keep your cyclamen healthy and thriving.

Cyclamen are beautiful plants that brighten up the dark autumn and winter days. They can be tender perennials or hardy perennials, depending on the variety. Cyclamen make excellent temporary pot plants when kept cool in bright, airy places. They prefer free-draining soil and part shade, so it’s important to choose the right location for them in your garden.

If you’re planning to keep cyclamen indoors, make sure to place them in cool and bright locations away from radiators and direct sunlight. For outdoor cyclamen, it’s best to plant them in a sheltered position, away from heavy rain. Autumn is the perfect time to plant cyclamen, either as potted plants or tubers. And when it comes to repotting, be careful not to disturb the roots too much.

Watering is an essential aspect of cyclamen care. Indoor cyclamen should be watered from the base, while outdoor cyclamen can rely on natural rainfall. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Removing faded flowers and leaves will help prevent rot as well.

Keep an eye out for diseases and pests that can affect cyclamen, such as grey mould and cyclamen mites. By following our care tips, you’ll be able to maintain the health of your cyclamen and enjoy their vibrant blooms throughout the autumn and winter seasons.

So, let’s dive deeper into the world of outdoor cyclamen care and discover how to make your plants happy!

Choosing the Right Cyclamen for Your Garden

If you’re considering growing cyclamen outdoors, it’s essential to choose the right variety for your garden. Two popular options are Cyclamen persicum and Cyclamen coum.

Cyclamen persicum:

Cyclamen persicum is a tender variety that produces small, pretty flowers in colors like white, crimson, and magenta. It thrives in cool conditions and should be kept away from direct sunlight for optimal growth. This variety makes a beautiful addition to shaded areas in your garden.

Cyclamen coum:

Cyclamen coum is a hardy garden variety that forms carpets of foliage and blooms in early spring. It can tolerate various conditions, including humus-rich soil and dry, thin soil with shade. This variety is an excellent choice for planting under tree canopies or in hedgerows.

When planting outdoor cyclamen, choose a sheltered position, and make sure to follow the spacing and planting depth recommendations for the specific variety. In general, plant them 10-15cm apart and just below the soil surface.

Variety	Characteristics	Recommended Planting
Cyclamen persicum	Tender variety with small, colorful flowers	Cool, shaded areas away from direct sunlight
Cyclamen coum	Hardy variety that forms carpets of foliage and blooms in spring	Under tree canopies or in hedgerows

By selecting the right cyclamen variety for your garden, you can ensure they thrive in their outdoor environment and add a vibrant touch to your landscape.

Watering and Fertilizing Outdoor Cyclamen

Outdoor cyclamen is a resilient plant that can rely on natural rainfall for its watering needs. However, in case of unseasonal drought or prolonged dry periods, it is important to check the moisture level of the soil and water accordingly. If the soil feels dry, provide a thorough watering to maintain adequate moisture levels.

To promote healthy growth and conserve moisture, it is recommended to top dress outdoor cyclamen pots with compost annually in early autumn. This not only adds nutrients to the soil but also helps retain moisture and protect the plant’s roots.

“Watering from the base is beneficial for outdoor cyclamen, as it prevents water from sitting on the leaves, which can lead to rot. This method also encourages the plant to develop strong roots by seeking out water at the base.”

Watering Tips for Outdoor Cyclamen	Fertilizing Tips for Outdoor Cyclamen
Only water outdoor cyclamen when the soil feels dry. Water from the base to prevent waterlogging and rot. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot. Check the moisture level of the soil during prolonged dry periods.	Fertilize outdoor cyclamen every few weeks while they are in bloom. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer with low nitrogen content. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.

By following these watering and fertilizing tips for outdoor cyclamen, you can ensure the plant’s health and vibrant blooms throughout the season.

Caring for Indoor Cyclamen

Indoor cyclamen requires specific care to ensure their optimal growth and longevity. By following some simple guidelines, you can keep your indoor cyclamen happy and thriving.

Watering

Proper watering is essential for the health of indoor cyclamen. Unlike outdoor cyclamen, which rely on natural rainfall, indoor cyclamen should be watered from the base. Fill a tray with water and place the pot on top, allowing the plant to draw up the water it needs. Avoid constant dribbling of water and let the compost almost fully dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.

Light and Temperature

Indoor cyclamen should be kept in cool and bright locations, away from direct sunlight and radiators. These plants prefer temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Exposure to extreme heat or bright light can cause the leaves to fade and the flowers to wilt. If the cyclamen is placed near a window, it’s important to ensure that it is shielded from direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Dormancy Period

After the cyclamen has finished flowering, it will enter a dormant period. During this time, the leaves will turn yellow and wither. It is important to stop watering the plant at this stage and allow it to rest. Place the cyclamen in a cool and dry location, such as an unheated room or outdoors, where it can experience a period of dormancy. Resume watering and fertilizing once new growth appears, usually in early autumn.

Guidelines for Caring for Indoor Cyclamen
Water indoor cyclamen from the base, using a tray of water
Avoid overwatering and let the compost almost fully dry out between waterings
Keep indoor cyclamen in cool and bright locations, away from direct sunlight and radiators
Ensure temperatures are between 50-60°F (10-15°C)
Stop watering during the dormant period when leaves turn yellow and wither
Place cyclamen in a cool and dry location during dormancy
Resume watering and fertilizing once new growth appears

Common Issues and Pests for Cyclamen

While cyclamen plants are beautiful additions to any garden, they are susceptible to various issues and pests that can affect their health and vigor. Understanding these common problems and how to address them is essential for successful cyclamen care in the winter months.

Grey Mould

One of the most common issues faced by cyclamen is grey mould, which is caused by warm and wet conditions. This fungal disease can lead to the development of a grayish mold on the leaves and flowers, eventually causing them to rot. To prevent grey mould, it is important to provide good air circulation around the plants by spacing them adequately and removing any fallen leaves or debris. Additionally, watering the plants at the base and avoiding overhead irrigation can help keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of grey mould.

Cyclamen Mites

Cyclamen mites are tiny pests that infest cyclamen plants, particularly the flower buds and young leaves. These pests can cause stunted growth, deformed foliage, and failure to bloom. To control cyclamen mites, it is important to improve air circulation around the plants and maintain a consistent temperature. Additionally, removing any infested plant material and keeping the surrounding area clean and free from weeds can help prevent the spread of these pests.

Rot and Wilting

Overwatering and exposure to excessive heat can lead to rot and wilting in cyclamen plants. It is important to provide well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the plants. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and ensure that the pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged conditions. If rot is suspected, stop watering the plants and move them to a cooler location away from direct sunlight to promote recovery.

Issue	Symptoms	Prevention	Treatment
Grey Mould	Grayish mold on leaves and flowers, rotting	Provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering	Remove affected plant material, apply fungicide
Cyclamen Mites	Stunted growth, deformed foliage, failure to bloom	Improve air circulation, maintain consistent temperature	Remove infested plant material, apply miticide
Rot and Wilting	Yellowing, wilting leaves, root rot	Provide well-draining soil, avoid overwatering	Stop watering, move to a cooler location

By being aware of these common issues and taking proactive steps to prevent and address them, you can ensure the health and vitality of your cyclamen plants throughout the winter season. Regular monitoring, proper watering practices, and good plant hygiene are key to keeping your cyclamen happy and thriving.

Growing Cyclamen from Seed

If you have the time and patience, growing cyclamen from seed can be a rewarding experience. While it may take several months for the seedlings to develop into mature plants, the process can be quite fascinating. To start, plant the seeds in loose, well-draining soil, and cover them with a dusting of vermiculite. This will provide the ideal conditions for germination.

It is important to provide the right temperature and light conditions for the seeds to sprout. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to rot. Place the pots in a warm and well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for germination is around 65°F (18°C).

As the seedlings grow, thin them out to allow space for healthy development. Once they have reached a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoor garden beds. Remember to provide proper drainage and shelter the young plants from harsh weather conditions.

Tips for Growing Cyclamen from Seed:

• Use loose, well-draining soil and cover the seeds with vermiculite.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
• Place the pots in a warm, well-lit area away from direct sunlight.
• Thin out the seedlings to allow for healthy development.
• Transplant the mature seedlings into individual pots or garden beds.
• Provide proper drainage and protect the young plants from harsh weather.

Remember, growing cyclamen from seed requires patience and attention to detail. While it may take time for the seedlings to develop into mature plants, the reward of watching them thrive and bloom is worth the wait.

Pros of Growing Cyclamen from Seed	Cons of Growing Cyclamen from Seed
Opportunity to experience the full lifecycle of the plant.	Takes several months for the seedlings to develop into mature plants.
Allows for a wider variety of cyclamen species and cultivars.	Requires careful monitoring of temperature, light, and moisture levels.
Can be a cost-effective way to expand your cyclamen collection.	Young seedlings may be more vulnerable to diseases and pests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of cyclamen requires attention to factors such as temperature, watering, and light conditions. Whether you choose to grow cyclamen indoors or outdoors, providing the right environment is crucial for these beautiful plants to thrive.

To ensure the health of your cyclamen, it’s important not to overwater them and to provide proper drainage. Cyclamen prefer free-draining soil and should be watered from the base for indoor plants. Outdoors, they rely on natural rainfall and do not require additional watering.

Avoid exposing your cyclamen to extreme temperatures and light conditions. Keep them cool and away from direct sunlight and radiators to promote optimal growth and flowering. Additionally, remove any faded flowers and leaves to prevent rot and maintain the overall health of the plant.

By following these cyclamen care tips, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms of cyclamen throughout the autumn and winter seasons. Whether they are adding color to your indoor space or brightening up your garden, cyclamen plants are sure to bring joy and beauty to any landscape.