Bountiful Gardens

The Winter Jewel: Cyclamen persicum

Cyclamen are native to the Mediterranean and parts of North Africa. They are "cool-season" growers, meaning they wake up and bloom when the weather gets chilly and go to sleep (dormancy) when things heat up in the summer. They are the perfect plant for those who want a splash of vibrant color during the grayest months of the year.

Suggested Placement in the Home

• The "Cool" Windowsill: Unlike most tropicals, Cyclamen hate being hot. An East or North-facing window in a cool room (like a guest bedroom or an unheated hallway) is perfect.

• Away from the Fireplace: Never place a Cyclamen near a heater, radiator, or fireplace. The warmth will tell the plant it’s "summer," and it will immediately stop blooming and go dormant.

• Double-Potting: Place the grower pot inside a decorative ceramic pot. This helps insulate the roots and keep them at a consistent, cool temperature.

Care & Maintenance

• Bottom Watering: This is the secret to a happy Cyclamen! Pour water into a saucer and let the plant soak it up for 15 minutes, then dump the excess. This keeps the "crown" (the top of the tuber) dry, preventing rot.

• Deadheading: When a flower fades or a leaf turns yellow, don't just cut it. Reach deep into the base of the plant, grab the stem, and give it a quick, sharp tug. The stem should "snap" off cleanly at the tuber.

• Grooming: Remove any spent blooms or yellowing leaves immediately to prevent mold from forming in the dense foliage.

• The Summer Nap: When the plant stops blooming and the leaves turn yellow in late spring, it isn't dying—it’s going dormant. Move it to a cool, dark spot and stop watering until late summer.

The Essential Tip for Beginners

The "Snap" Technique: Never leave a partial stem behind when removing a dead leaf or flower. If you cut the stem halfway down, the remaining "stump" will likely rot and spread that decay to the main tuber. Always use the "tug and snap" method to ensure the entire stem comes away from the base, keeping the tuber healthy and clean!