Question
Hi,

I recently got a little cyclamens as a gift.  It is growing in a little 2-inch pot and the leaves are about 3-1/2 inches wide and 2 inches high.  It had 6 blooms when I got it and has lost 3 but made 2 new ones.  The problem I have is that it dries out every couple days, and since it is in my office it can hardly go a weekend without getting droopy.  Also, the most recent bloom has a stalk 2/3 as high as the others, and the stalks for 2 new leaves are 1/3 higher than the rest.  Should I repot the plant?  What type of potting medium should I use?  Are there any other tips you can offer?  Thanks.

Christian

Answer
Hi Christian,

If you repot now, it will probably interrupt its current flowering cycle. If it is not wilting over the weekend, then it is not getting too dry. If it is, you could try letting it sit in just enough water to get it through the weekend without wilting.

Once the flowering has stopped, you can move it up into a pot one inch larger, but no bigger. Use a peat-based soilless potting mix.

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. Do not repot it too soon 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.

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.
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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