

Most of the time, winter is devoid of flowers. Yet, there are some flowering plants that love winter, such as cyclamens. In fact, cyclamens are often sold during the winter because these colorful beauties love cold temperatures.
Here is all that you need to know about cyclamens, including what they are, why they are a “reverse perennial,” and how to take care of them.
WHAT IS A CYCLAMEN?
A cyclamen is a plant with heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with silver veining or patches. Its flowers come in pink, red, white, and purple, and their colors can be solid or marbled.
They are native to the alpine forests of western Asia, Greece, and southern Europe. Although cyclamens have become endangered in their native habitats, they can survive up to one hundred years old if given proper care.
WHAT IS A REVERSE PERENNIAL?
A reverse perennial is a plant that blooms in the winter but stays dormant in the summer, which is exactly what a cyclamen does. A cyclamen prefers temperatures between 60-70°F during the day and 40-50°F at night to stay healthy and bloom.
Cyclamens can usually withstand temperatures that reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Below that and your cyclamen will likely need frost protection, such as mulch or straw. If you plan to keep your cyclamen outside , then consider getting a frost-tolerant variety, such as early spring cyclamen, summer cyclamen, and autumn cyclamen.
Otherwise, consider planting your cyclamen in a pot. This way, you can bring it indoors to enjoy its flowers in winter and shield it from hot summer weather.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A CYCLAMEN
In addition to the above temperatures, Cyclamens need bright, indirect sunlight.
They also require high humidity without being overwatered. You can achieve this balance by using a humidifier plus occasional watering. Cyclamens need the most water during their active period from September to May.
During its dormancy period (mostly during the summer), water a cyclamen less to prevent root rot. Consider bottom watering to prevent overwatering and avoid getting the plant’s leaves wet.
For fertilizers, use a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every other month.
Use a well-draining potting mix and repot your cyclamen every two years.
HOW TO REBLOOM A CYCLAMEN
First, you need to put the plant into a dormant state. In June, move your cyclamen to a shady and cool spot. Don't give it any more fertilizer. Keep the soil barely moist, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Prune the plant as necessary making sure to remove any yellow or dying leaves.
In September, you should start seeing new growth. This is when you should give your cyclamen bright, indirect sunlight and resume its normal watering schedule to coax it into an active state. If the plant is not reblooming, then you may have improper light conditions.
WHERE TO GET A CYCLAMEN
Cyclamens are great indoor winter plants, and they’ll provide you with color and greenery during the gloomiest of winter days.
Stockslager's Greenhouse and Garden Center has cyclamens available, and we can guide you through the perfect care regime so that your cyclamen can someday have its 100th birthday. Come visit us or give us a call.