Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum-
Lighting
Bright, but not direct sunlight.
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Watering
Water when soil feels dry.
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Humidity
High humidity; mist often.
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Feeding
Every 2 weeks in spring & summer
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Temperature
Cool temperatures are best; 10-20C
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Pests
no pests
About the Cyclamen
The Cyclamen is a good plant to have around the house during winter as it will produce beautiful colourful blooms from October to April. It comes in a variety of colours so you could by a few plants and place them together to show off their colours.
After it’s bloomed, the plant becomes dormant. You might think to look at it that it has started to die but it is quite normal for it to lose its leaves and flowers. Once this starts to happen, you can water it less and move it to a cooler area of the house. Don’t throw it out because come next winter it will produce more beautiful blooms to liven up your room.
The cyclamen doesn’t grow very big so it will be best placed on a side table in your living room, where you and your visitors can admire its blooms, or bedside table.
Caring for your Cyclamen
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lighting
It’s best to avoid direct sunlight so try placing the cyclamen in north-facing window. When the plant enters dormancy (usually around spring time) you can move it somewhere darker.
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watering
The cyclamen is fussy with watering. You need to get it when the soil feels dry but not too dry that the leaves have started to wilt. when watering, be sure to water below the leaves as these can rot if water remains on them. Let the water drain away once you’ve watered and be careful not to leave the plant sitting in water. During its dormancy, over the spring/summer, don’t water it. You can begin watering again in September.
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humidity
Try to keep the plant around humid air when it's growing and flowering. You can do this by misting regularly or even better by placing it on a tray of water with some pebbles in it so that the air around the plant will be humid but it won't be sitting in water itself.
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feeding
Feed from time to time during growth periods.
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temperature
Keep your cyclamen cool and preferably away from radiators. Temperatures between 10 and 20C will help keep the cyclamen healthy. If it's a cold, frosty evening, bring it away from any windows and further into the room to stop it getting too cold.
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pests
The Cyclamen doesn't really have any pests.
First aid for your Cyclamen
Common problems
Some of the leaves have turned yellow
It might be that the plant is getting too much heat or light. Try moving it to a cooler, slightly darker area. Leaves and flowers will die. You can remove them to encourage more growth.
Need some more help?
Do you own this plant and have any tips to offer?
Is your plant not doing too well and you'd like some advice on how to help it?
Why not ask others for help or leave some advice below.