Cyclamen plants are one of the best winter bloomers. Over the years, growers have come up with many new hybrids for us to enjoy. Some have ruffled flowers, and some varieties are miniature, but all maintain a large bright flower, usually in red, pinks, maroons and white. All cyclamen display green or variegated heart shaped leaves.
Gertens cyclamen make a colorful splash for at least 8 weeks!
One of the reasons our cyclamen, grown in our greenhouses, last as long as they do is that we build up the base of the plant first, from bulb to our soil mix. Proper variety selection, culture and nutrition will allow the plant to grow a lot of leaves - and with cyclamen, leaves = flowers. If you gently push apart the leaves on one of our cyclamen you will see lots of buds coming up from the center.
Care for your cyclamen
- In your home, cyclamen like to be a little on the cooler side with temperatures around 61ËšF
- Keep them in direct light or bright indirect light.
- While in bloom, keep the root ball moist. Cyclamen should be kept moist by watering in a tray and allowing the roots to take up the water rather than watering from above the plant which can lead to rotting. Remove yellow leaves and spent flowers.
- Feed the plant every two weeks. Do NOT overfeed. Less is more.
When cyclamen are done blooming you can discard the corm (compost it) or save it. After the foliage dies back, the plant should be left to dry. The corm should then be dug and repotted in midsummer and placed in a warm place so it can establish roots before returning it to a cool 55 - 60Ëš F. to encourage flowering.
You can also move a cyclamen outside in April - the plant will take a freeze, but you should be careful to acclimate the plant so the change isn't too great, both from a temperature and sunlight perspective.
Tip: Easy to use soil moisture and light meters can help ensure your cyclamen and other houseplants receive the proper water and light. Mini-floral snips are handy for trimming and shaping.
photo by matthiasboeckel
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!
