The cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) is one of the most appreciated plants both indoors and outdoors, thanks to its beautiful winter bloom and its ease of care in temperate and mild climates. Although commonly found in homes, cyclamen are perfectly suited to beautifying terraces, balconies, and gardens, provided we provide them with proper care. Find out more below. How to keep your cyclamen healthy outdoors throughout its life cycle, from choosing the ideal location to managing irrigation, substrates and their conservation year after year.
Is it a good idea to have cyclamen outdoors?
Cyclamen is a plant that, in Mediterranean or temperate climate environments, fits perfectly with the exteriorIts Mediterranean origins make it resistant to cool winters and mild temperature changes between seasons. Outdoors, cyclamen develops its full ornamental potential and can provide flowers for several months, especially in autumn and winter. In regions where temperatures drop significantly or there is a risk of severe frost, it is recommended to shelter it in protected areas or temporarily move it indoors.
This explains why some people choose to place cyclamen on balconies, patios, or terraces during the day and bring it inside at night if extreme cold is forecast. However, in areas where the minimum temperature rarely drops below 0-2°C, the plant can be kept outdoors most of the time and even naturalize in the garden.
Choosing the perfect location: light and shadow
One of the Key factors for success in growing cyclamen outdoors is the choice of the right location. Cyclamen needs a lot of light to flourish abundantly, but It is not favored by direct sunlight during the central hours of the day, as it can burn its leaves and flowers. Therefore, it is ideal to place it in bright semi-shade: an area that receives indirect light or soft morning sun.
Place your cyclamen at the front of flowerbeds or in raised areas of planters so that it is not shaded by larger plants, as Its size does not usually exceed 20-30 cm. tall. It also works very well next to north-facing walls or on wind-protected windowsills.
Excessively dark exposure will cause the leaves to lose vitality and color, and prevent the flowers from blooming. On the other hand, if the cyclamen receives too much sunlight, the leaves may turn yellow and the flowering period will be shorter.
Growing cyclamen in a pot or in the ground?
Cyclamen is very versatile and It can be grown in the ground or in a pot or planter.Both options offer good results if certain precautions are taken:
- Potted: Choose a pot with wide drainage holes and make sure the container allows excess water to drain. If you're repotting a newly purchased cyclamen or want to renew it, use a pot that's about 5 cm wider and deeper than the original root ball. Before planting, place a layer of clay balls in the background and a drainage felt If possible, add a universal substrate or a specific mix for flowering plants. Never bury the bulb below the level it came in the pot: excessive coverage can cause rot.
- On ground: Choose an area of ​​the garden or flowerbed with soft, loose soil. Cyclamen need a soil that drains very well and never becomes waterloggedIf the soil is very clayey or compact, dig a hole at least 40 x 40 cm (20 x 20 inches) in diameter and fill it with a universal potting mix containing 25% ​​river sand or perlite to promote drainage. Leave a space of XNUMX to XNUMX cm (XNUMX to XNUMX inches) between plants to ensure aeration.
In both cases, Avoid saucers with standing water under the pots, as they can cause root rot. If you want to retain moisture, place a layer of gravel or clay balls under the pot.
Watering cyclamen outdoors
El Irrigation regime is one of the most delicate aspects for cyclamen to thrive outdoors. Although it is not a plant that requires a lot of water, it is essential that the substrate never become completely dry While it's active and in bloom. On the other hand, excess moisture is the cyclamen's main enemy, as it can cause fungus and tuber or bulb rot:
- Water every 3 or 4 days In autumn and winter (more or less depending on humidity and rainfall), always check that the substrate is dry at a depth of 2-3 cm before watering again. In spring, if the temperature rises, you can water a little more spacing out.
- Avoid wetting the center of the plant and its flowersIt is preferable to apply water only to the substrate or use immersion irrigation by submerging the pot for a few minutes.
- Always use lime-free water (preferably rainwater or filtered water) to prevent salt buildup in the bulb. Excessively hard water can cause blockages in nutrient absorption.
- Never leave stagnant water in the saucersAlways empty them after each watering.
During the dormant period (when the plant has lost its flowers and leaves), watering should be reduced to a minimum, only lightly moistening every 2-3 weeks to prevent the bulb from drying out completely.
Professional advice on irrigation
The best method for watering potted cyclamens It's done by immersion. Submerge the pot in a container of warm water for 10-15 minutes, allowing the substrate to absorb moisture from the base. Then, drain the pot well and place it on a saucer of gravel to keep the base moist, but without the roots coming into direct contact with the standing water.
Avoid watering directly on the flowers and tubers to prevent fungal diseases such as Botrytis.
Recommended soil and substrate for cyclamen
the ground is key to success of cyclamen outdoors. This genus prefers moist soils light, fluffy and airy, with good drainage and slightly acidic soil (pH around 6-6,5). Compact or clayey soil will retain too much moisture and encourage the growth of fungi and rot.
- Improve garden soil by adding 20% ​​sand or perlite and mature organic matter if it is heavy.
- Use specific substrates for flowering plants or a universal potting mix, avoiding reused soil if it has housed diseased plants.
- In planters, you can place a layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom and cover with drainage felt.
Cyclamen appreciates light fertilizers in enriched soil, but never excessively. A balanced fertilization ensures optimal flowering and leaf development.
Fertilization and fertilization: when and how to do it
El Fertilizing cyclamen is essential during its growth and flowering stage.. It provides nutrients that help prolong and intensify flower color. Follow these tips for proper fertilization:
- Apply specific liquid fertilizer for flower plants Water every two weeks while the cyclamen is blooming. Choose products rich in potassium and don't overdo it with nitrogen, as this can cause the plant to grow soft and less resilient.
- Always follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions. Too much fertilizer can be fatal to cyclamen.
- Stop fertilizing when the plant enters its dormant phase (leafing and flower drying) and resume fertilizing when new growth and budding appear.
How to keep cyclamen from one year to another
Cyclamen is a perennial and tuberous herbaceous, that is, its tuber remains alive underground after the end of flowering. Do not throw away the plant when the leaves and flowers wither.: The bulb can last for many years if you take good care of it, even more than two decades.
- 1 Option: Leave the bulb in the ground or pot, reduce watering almost entirely, and store it in a cool, dry place. With the arrival of cool weather and the first rains, it will sprout again. You can learn more about its conservation in this article..
- 2 Option: Remove the bulb when it's completely dry, clean it with a brush or dry cloth, and store it in a cardboard box or paper bag in a cool, well-ventilated area. Renew it with clean potting soil the following season.
Storage in cool environments (exposure to lower temperatures) is vital for the bulb to enter dormancy and subsequently produce a new, vigorous bloom. If the weather is very hot in summer, it's best to remove the bulb and store it in a cool place until fall.
Varieties and colors of cyclamen for outdoors
There are many varieties of cyclamen, which differ in size and color. From mini cyclamens from small flowers, ideal for pots and rockeries, to medium forms perfect for planters and flowerbeds, and large cyclamens They stand out in large flowerbeds or open spaces. Colors range from pure white, soft pink, magenta, deep fuchsia, bright red, and even purples and violets. The color "cyclamen" has been so iconic that it even gives its name to a pinkish-violet hue highly prized in the design world.
Combine different varieties of cyclamen in the garden to achieve spectacular visual effects outdoors during the colder months, especially if you mix them with other winter-friendly seasonal plants such as pansies, heathers, or violas.
Pruning, maintenance and disease prevention
It is not necessary to perform drastic pruning on cyclamen.. Maintenance consists of Regularly remove dry or withered flowers and leavesThis prevents the growth of fungus and keeps the plant's energy focused on developing new shoots.
- Remove the leaves and flowers from the base, never leaving any remains on top of the tuber.
- Regularly monitor for the appearance of pests such as aphids or mites. If you notice gray spots on leaves or flowers, it may be Botrytis, a fungus that thrives in excessive cold and humidity. You can consult prevention techniques at this link.
Keeping cyclamen ventilated and avoiding excess water is the best prevention against disease.
Planting and transplanting cyclamen
Transplanting cyclamen is very simple:
- Soak the root ball in warm water for a few minutes before planting to hydrate the roots and make it easier to remove from the original pot.
- Place in the prepared substrate and make sure the bulb is at ground level, never buried too deeply.
- Add the recommended substrates according to location and ensure effective drainage.
- Water gently the first time and do not fertilize until the plant shows active growth.
The best time to transplant is after the bulb has dormant, before the start of autumn growth.
Common problems with outdoor cyclamen and solutions
- Drooping flowers or soft stems: Excess water or direct irrigation of the tubers is the most common cause. Reduce humidity, let the substrate dry out, and water less often.
- Yellow sheets: It could be due to a lack of light or overwatering. Check both factors and adjust accordingly for your plant.
- No flowers come out: Cyclamen won't bloom if the temperature is too high or the light isn't enough. Provide a cooler, brighter environment and fertilize appropriately.
- Bulb rot: It almost always comes from waterlogged substrate. It renews the substrate and improves drainage.
If your cyclamen shows signs of decline after purchase, the most effective way is to hydrate the root ball well and place the plant in optimal light and temperature conditions.
Curiosities and ornamental value of cyclamen
Cyclamen is popularly known as alpine violet and in some countries, it gives its name to a deep violet-pink color. In its natural habitat, it can be seen in the snows of the Near East, on islands and in historic cemeteries, and has traditionally been valued for its beauty and ability to liven up gardens in the colder months.
Due to its hardiness, cyclamen is the star of public squares and flowerbeds in winter and one of the best allies for maintaining vibrant colors in the garden when it needs them most.
Thanks to all this care, cyclamen can accompany you year after year, filling your outdoors with color and life. It's one of the most profitable species for those looking to achieve vibrant gardens and cheerful terraces in the middle of winterBy following these tips, you'll enjoy the great durability, elegance, and beauty of cyclamen on the outside of your home for a long time.
