Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a petite flowering plant with sweet-scented, small blooms on long stems that stretch up above the foliage. It is a tuberous perennial, meaning it dies down to its thick roots (tubers) during its summer dormancy period and then regrows quickly each fall. Flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
The heart-shaped leaves are medium green, often with silver marbling. Its commonly grown as a houseplant and is especially popular during the winter holiday season when you can find cyclamen blooming on shelves in garden centers and grocery stores. Seeds can be planted in late summer for blooms in the subsequent years winter (roughly 18 months later). Cyclamen is toxic to animals and people.
The Captivating Cyclamen: A Guide to the Key Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Varieties
Cyclamen are charming tuberous flowering plants that have captivated gardeners and plant lovers for centuries. With their delicate nodding blooms and heart-shaped foliage, they add elegance wherever they grow. But cyclamen come in both indoor and outdoor varieties, each with their own specific needs and growing habits. Understanding the differences is key to successfully raising these delightful plants.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about the distinctions between indoor and outdoor cyclamen. You’ll learn how to select, cultivate, and display the perfect cyclamen for your space after discovering factors like:
- Hardiness and temperature tolerance
- Light and soil requirements
- Bloom season and lifespan
- Care and maintenance
Armed with this knowledge you can confidently choose between florist’s and hardy cyclamen and provide the conditions required for your variety to thrive indoors or out. Let’s dive in!
An Introduction to Enchanting Cyclamen
Cyclamen are members of the Primulaceae family, which also includes beloved plants like primroses. They are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe and Africa. The most popular types in cultivation are
- Florist’s or Persian cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) – the top indoor variety
- Hardy outdoor species like C. coum, C. hederifolium, and C. purpurascens
No matter the variety, cyclamen are prized for their elegant nodding blooms on slender stalks and their attractive silver-marked heart-shaped leaves. Both indoor and outdoor types bloom during the cooler months, lighting up spaces with delightful color when little else is flowering.
Key Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Varieties
While indoor and outdoor cyclamen appear quite similar at first glance, several factors distinguish these charming lookalikes:
Hardiness and Temperature Tolerance
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Indoor cyclamen lacks winter hardiness and thrives in indoor temperatures of 50-65°F. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing weather.
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Outdoor hardy cyclamen can withstand freezing winters down to -20°F once established. It flourishes outside year-round where winters are cold.
Light Requirements
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Indoor cyclamen needs bright, indirect indoor light. Direct hot sun will scorch the leaves. Supplement with grow lights in winter.
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Outdoor varieties thrive in partial shade to full sun depending on type and climate. Shelter from hot afternoon sunlight.
Soil Needs
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Indoor cyclamen grows best in airy indoor potting mix. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent tuber rot.
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Outdoor cyclamen prefers rich, humusy, alkaline garden soil. It tolerates dampness better than indoor types.
Life Span and Care
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Indoor cyclamen blooms for one season as a houseplant before going dormant. It’s often discarded after flowering.
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Outdoor hardy cyclamen is a perennial, surviving for years in the garden. Tubers spread and develop annually.
As you can see, indoor and outdoor cyclamen have distinct differences when it comes to growing needs and plant habits. Paying attention to these factors will help you pick and properly care for the right cyclamen type.
Selecting Indoor and Outdoor Cyclamen
When shopping for cyclamen, check plant tags and descriptions carefully to determine which variety you are choosing. Here are some helpful tips:
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Seek out plants labeled clearly as “indoor/florist” or “outdoor/hardy” types.
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Check pricing – hardy outdoor varieties typically cost more than florist’s cyclamen.
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Consider bloom season – indoor types flower in winter while outdoor varieties bloom in fall and spring.
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Choose small 4-6 inch pots for indoor plants and larger nursery pots for outdoor specimens.
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Seek specialty growers focused on each type – indoor cyclamen are often sold with other houseplants.
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Match outdoor selections to suitable growing zones and climates.
With close attention to these details, you can find the perfect cyclamen for your indoor or outdoor space.
Caring for Indoor and Outdoor Cyclamen
Providing proper care tailored to your variety is essential once you’ve brought home your cyclamen. Follow these tips for success:
Indoor Cyclamen Care
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Provide bright, indirect light around 50-65°F. Avoid drafty spaces.
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Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Water from the base to prevent tuber rot.
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Increase humidity through misting and pebble trays.
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Remove spent blooms and yellowed leaves promptly.
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Gradually reduce watering after flowering ceases to induce dormancy.
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Repot tubers or discard plants after the indoor flowering period ends.
Outdoor Cyclamen Care
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Select a partially shaded garden spot with rich, well-draining soil. Plant tubers 2-3” deep.
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid overly wet conditions.
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Fertilize with compost or balanced organic feeds in fall and early spring.
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Remove faded leaves but leave stems and tubers intact.
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Allow plants to die back naturally in summer and return in fall as cooler temps return.
With the proper care matched to your variety, both indoor and outdoor cyclamen will reward you with an abundant floral display.
Creative Ways to Showcase Cyclamen
The elegance of cyclamen makes them a lovely addition to displays and arrangements:
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Combine indoor cyclamen with evergreens, pinecones, and berries for stunning winter centerpieces.
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Let outdoor cyclamen flower near walkways to welcome guests with vivid winter and early spring color.
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Display indoor cyclamen with forced bulbs like paperwhites or amaryllis for additional seasonal blooms indoors.
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Underplant hardy outdoor cyclamen with early bulbs like crocus, snowdrops, and mini daffodils.
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Cluster container plantings of outdoor cyclamen on patios, porches, and decks for bold spots of color.
With their varied bloom seasons and diversity of flower forms and colors, cyclamen offer endless possibilities to spark creativity and seasonal joy both indoors and out.
The Captivating Cyclamen: An Intriguing Choice for Every Gardener
As you can see, cyclamen are complex, intriguing plants that come in varieties tailored to both indoor and outdoor growing. While the species share common traits like heart-shaped foliage and delicate nodding blooms, their specific needs differ.
By understanding the distinctions between florist’s and hardy types, you can pick the right cyclamen for your space. Match your variety to suitable conditions, and you’ll be rewarded with enchanting flowers that persist through winter and early spring when little else blooms.
If cared for properly, cyclamen offer charm and grace to delight gardeners year after year. Their diversity makes them an intriguing choice for spaces both inside and out. With this guide’s insights to inform your selection and care, you can confidently incorporate these captivating flowering plants into your own indoor and outdoor displays.
Light
Give cyclamen bright, indirect light in the winter when the plant is actively growing. In the summer, when the plant is dormant, its best to keep cyclamen in a cool, dark spot with good air circulation.
Cyclamen Mites
Cyclamen houseplants are prone to mites between stems and leaves, which can cause curling leaves. Also, look for aphids on the stems and new growth.
A Comprehensive Guide On Cyclamen Plant Care! (6-TRICKS*)
FAQ
Can you put an indoor cyclamen outside?
For indoor cyclamen, stop watering when they stop flowering and let the leaves go yellow and wither. This is usually in April, but could be a few weeks later. Then put them somewhere cool and dry, for the summer. They will even be happy outdoors as long as they are out of the rain.
How long does an indoor cyclamen last?
‘With proper care, a cyclamen can last several months,’ says Gene. ‘After flowering, the plant will go dormant. You can encourage flowering again next season by reducing water, and placing it in a cool, dark place for a couple of months before resuming regular care.
Is cyclamen an indoor plant or outdoor plant?
Cyclamen need a cool, bright spot indoors to thrive. Place your plant out of direct sunlight but where it will enjoy lots of indirect light.
Can cyclamen go outdoors?
Outdoor Cyclamen
Outdoor planted cyclamen thrive in well drained soil, and waterlogged ground could result in rot. To ensure your cyclamen is in good soil, add a mix of mulch and compost into the soil below the roots to aid in drainage.