Question
I got my cyclamen last week, and it has lots of flowers bloomed and a bunch of growing ones too, as well as leaves.I want to know what i have to do to keep my cyclamen blooming and growing. I live in apartment and it only get sun in the afternoon,I wonder if its too hot for it, or its ok ? Can i water once a week?or its too much?Any kind of fertilizer its ok?When my cyclamen going into dormancy? when that happens what should i do?what is the signs?
Thank you very much!

Answer
Hi Sejane,

In general, Cyclamen bloom during the cooler months and tend to go into semi-dormancy during the warmer months. This is the opposite of most other flowering plants. However, given the right conditions cyclamen will bloom off-and-on all year long.

Cyclamen prefers lots of bright indirect light. Right in an unshaded north window would be great. Your west window may be too much for it, not only heat, bit also light intensity.

Do not repot it because its root system is small and it needs to be potbound to bloom. Water it thoroughly, then wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering thoroughly again. It will wilt if it gets too dry so avoid letting it get that dry.

Cyclamen like cool temps as low as 45 degrees and try to keep it below 70 degrees. 55 degrees is the preferred temperature for flower production. If the temps become warmer than 70 degrees, it may go into dormancy and develop lots of yellow leaves. If that happens, reduce water (give it just enough water to keep it from completely drying out) and light until cooler temps return. By the way, the experts differ on this. Some say stop watering entirely and keep it in a cool, dry, dim place for 4 months starting in June.

Spider mites can be a problem so be vigilant and treat them promptly if they appear. Fertilize your cyclamen regularly when it is growing vigorously. Any kind of fertilizer is fine.

Some experts advise against top watering in order to avoid getting the corm wet. I always top water and have not had a problem with this.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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