Question
Hi,  I have both a mini and big cyclmen, can they be transplanted to outside? I live in Maine, would they survive in the winter? Please tell me what are good plants for outside,and could survive Maine winters. Also I have some pictures of a plant I have. Can you tell me what it is and can it be transplanted outside?  It is green with yellow spots. Thank you,  Martha

Answer
Hi Martha,

Thanks for sending the photo. Your mystery plant is called "gold-dust Dracaena." Its botanical name is Dracaena godseffiana.

Houseplants, including Cyclamen and Dracaenas, are from tropical or semi-tropical regions and cannot survive freezing temperatures. 45 to 50 degrees is the lowest temperature for these two plants.

You can certainly keep them in their pots and move them outside to a protected location for the warmer months and bring them back inside in the fall.

My expertise is limited to indoor houseplants and none of them will survive New England winters. (I'm not sure I would either!). For outdoor plantings, you will have to stick with plants that are native to your area or to comparably cold regions.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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