Dormancy & Blooming: Your Guide to Cyclamen Care

by Leona "Kay" Lehmer 01/22/2024

Cyclamen are popular for their bright fall and winter flowers. Often given as gifts during the holiday season, cyclamen flowers can last for several weeks indoors. However, once the blooms have wilted and the plant becomes dormant, many plant owners find it difficult to encourage them to bloom a second time. Luckily, there are steps you can take to encourage your cyclamen to bloom a second year:

Understanding Dormancy

Cyclamen are perennials, native to the Mediterranean region where the summers are sunny and dry. To survive the extreme conditions, the plant goes dormant during the summer to conserve energy. For those not expecting this behavior, it's understandable to assume the plant has simply died. However, plants with dormancy periods rest until the environmental conditions are ideal for new growth. For cyclamen, this means flourishing and flowering in the fall and winter when the temperatures are cool and moisture is more prevalent.

Ideal Conditions

The key to encouraging your cyclamen to bloom again is to provide it with ideal conditions during dormancy. Here's what to do:

  • After the plant stops actively flowering, reduce watering and fertilization frequency.
  • When the leaves begin to wither and turn yellow, do not remove them until they are completely dry.
  • Place the plant in a cool place without much sunlight. Outdoor patios, balconies and porches are good options if they're covered. Otherwise, your garage or a cold room in the house will work.
  • Water very sparingly, but keep the soil moist.
  • When the temperatures start to drop again in the late summer months, you might see new foliage. Start watering regularly again and place in a spot with moderate sunlight.

With this care regimen, your cyclamen should be ready to bloom again in the fall and for years to come.

About the Author
Author

Leona "Kay" Lehmer

I have been in the real estate industry for over 25 years!  I started working with some of the top builders in Tampa and then decided to pursue my general real estate license.  I love working with people and helping them find the home of their dreams.  The TampaBay Metro area(Tampa, St Petersburg, Clearwater...)is a great City and has grown unbelievably in the past 25+years.  I have extensive knowledge that I can share for those coming to the Florida area or those who want to move up or downsize or have to leave our great state.  I make it my goal to work for you to find the right home, whether it be upsizing or downsizing, I will find the best location for you! From the beaches to golf course to the city or country, I can find the perfect home for you!  When you call my phone, you get ME! You are not handed off, if I don't know the answer to a question, I will find out and get back to you!  I Work FOR YOU!!