Garden Care Guide

Cyclamen Care

Cyclamen

A tuberous plant that flowers in winter and prefers bright, cool spots without direct sun. It sheds its leaves in summer and goes dormant; it should not be watered during this period.

Half-hardy · -12 °C / 10 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: As the top of the soil dries out, preferably by bottom watering (fill the saucer with water and leave it for 20 minutes), about 0.1-0.2 L per week.
  • Fertilizing: Every two weeks, a high-potassium liquid fertilizer for flowering plants (half the label dose) (do not overapply).
  • Pruning: Pull off yellowing leaves and faded flowers together with their stalks by twisting gently at the base.
  • General care: It is in its flowering period; keep it away from heat sources such as radiators.
  • Pests & diseases: To keep the tuberous root from rotting, try not to let water touch the leaves and stem.
  • Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -12 °C.
February
  • Watering: Continue as in January.
  • Pruning: Keep removing yellowing leaves and faded flowers.
  • Plant protection: Check the undersides of the leaves for spider mites or aphids.
  • General care: To encourage abundant flowering, keep it in a cool place (15-18°C).
  • Pests & diseases: If you see powdery mildew (white powdery appearance), increase ventilation.
  • Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -12 °C.
March
  • Watering: As flowering declines, water slightly less often.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: Continue cleaning up.
  • General care: The plant gradually begins to prepare for dormancy.
  • Pests & diseases: Continue general observation.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing completely.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
  • General care: Let the leaves turn yellow and fall naturally; this lets the energy return to the tuber.
  • Pests & diseases: Watering sparingly is critical to avoid rotting the tuber.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Pruning: Clear the last remaining dry leaves as well.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: No problems are expected during dormancy.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: The tuber is dormant.
  • Pests & diseases: There is no risk.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: There is no risk.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: At the end of the month, check the tuber and change the soil if necessary (repotting). The upper half of the tuber must remain above the soil.
  • Pests & diseases: When checking the tuber, look for soft, rotten parts.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • General care: Move the pot back to a bright, cool place; the waking period has begun.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the newly emerging leaves for pests.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Once the new leaves have fully developed, start fertilizing at a diluted dose at the end of the month.
  • General care: Growth and budding period.
  • Pests & diseases: To guard against the risk of rot, take care to water from below.
November
  • Watering: Continue as in October.
  • Fertilizing: Start applying flowering plant fertilizer every two weeks.
  • Pruning: Remove the first yellowing leaves if needed.
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for aphids and whiteflies.
December
  • Watering: Continue as in November.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every two weeks.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and faded flowers.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Pests & diseases: Provide good ventilation to reduce the risk of Botrytis (gray mold).
  • Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -12 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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