Cyclamens make lovely houseplants during their bloom season. Once the blossoms fade the plant enters a period of dormancy, and it can look as though it is dead. Let’s find out about cyclamen dormancy care and what to expect when your plant begins to fade.
Is My Cyclamen Dormant or Dead?
During the cyclamen dormant period, the plant may seem to be dead. First, the blossoms shrivel and drop off, and then the leaves yellow and fall. This is a normal part of a cyclamen's life cycle, and you shouldn't be alarmed. There are two things you can check to make sure your plant is still alive. First, look at the calendar. When it’s time for the plant to go dormant, nothing can stop the decline. If you still have doubts, you can push some of the soil aside and check the corm. It should be plump and firm. Soft, shriveled, or slimy corms indicate trouble.
When Do Cyclamens Go Dormant
Cyclamen are Mediterranean plants, and they follow a typical life cycle for plants from that region. Winters are mild and summers are dry. Plants learn to survive by blooming in winter or early spring and going dormant in the summer when moisture is scarce. With proper care, dormant cyclamen plants will reemerge in the fall. While they rest, cyclamens need dry soil and dim light. Cool temperatures encourage abundant blossoms during the next cycle. Stop watering the plant when it enters its decline. If you are using a peat-based potting mixture, you should drizzle a small amount of water onto the soil now and then to keep it from drying completely. Moisture can cause the corm to rot, so use water sparingly, moistening only the surface of the soil. Move the plant to a brighter location when it shows signs of life in the fall. Water the pot thoroughly, adding a complete liquid fertilizer for flowering plants according to the package instructions. Keep it cool to encourage flowering, with daytime temperatures no higher than 65 degrees F. (18 C.) and night temperatures around 50 degrees F. (10 C.).
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Cyclamen Seed Info: Can You Get Seeds From A CyclamenWhile cyclamen are tuberous plants and usually propagated by dividing, Mother Nature provides all plants with natural propagation methods. If you've ever wondered "do cyclamen plants produce seed," click here to learn about cyclamen plant seeds.
-
Cyclamen Care After Flowering: How To Treat Cyclamen After BloomingFlorist's cyclamen is typically given as gifts to brighten up the indoor environment during late winter's gloom, but what about caring for cyclamen after flowering? If you've been wondering how to treat cyclamen after blooming, click here to learn more.
-
Different Cyclamen Plant Varieties – Learn About Types Of Cyclamen PlantsThe typical florist cyclamen is only one of many cyclamen plant types. In fact, there are more than 20 species within the genus. Click this article for a small sampling of cyclamen plant types and cyclamen varieties.
-
Container Grown Cyclamen: Outdoor Care Of Cyclamen In PotsCyclamen are low, flowering plants that produce bright, beautiful blooms in shades of red, pink, purple and white. While they do well in garden beds, plenty of gardeners choose to grow them in containers. Learn more in this article.
-
Yellowing Cyclamen Leaves: Solutions For Leaves Turning Yellow On CyclamenAre your cyclamen plant leaves turning yellow and dropping off? Are you wondering if there is any way to save your plant? Find out what to do about yellowing cyclamen leaves in this article. Click here to learn more.
-
Repotting Cyclamen Plants: Tips On Repotting A Cyclamen PlantMost plants need to be repotted sooner or later, and cyclamens are no exception. Click here to learn about cyclamen repotting methods.
-
Cyclamen Plant Division: How To Divide Cyclamen BulbsMany cyclamen plants become trash because people are unaware of how to properly care for them. Well cared for cyclamen plants can be grown for years and divided to create more. Learn about dividing cyclamen plants in this article.
-
Feeding Cyclamen Plants: When To Fertilize A Cyclamen PlantCyclamen are traditionally a Christmas time plant because their delicate orchid-like blooms are at their full glory in mid-winter. As the blooms start to fade, you may wonder how and when to fertilize a cyclamen. Click here to learn about feeding cyclamen plants.
