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Are your cyclamen plant leaves turning yellow and dropping off? Are you wondering if there is any way to save your plant? Find out what to do about yellowing cyclamen leaves in this article.
Cyclamen are stunning indoor flowering plants that look beautiful in any home Their dainty flowers and heart-shaped leaves add cheer during the winter months
But cyclamen leaves turning yellow can put a damper on their beauty. Yellowing leaves are one of the most common problems cyclamen owners face
The good news is that discovering the cause of the yellow leaves can help you fix the issue. In this article, I’ll explain the main reasons behind yellow cyclamen leaves and how to resolve them.
What Causes Yellow Leaves on Cyclamen Plants?
There are several possible causes for cyclamen leaves turning yellow which makes troubleshooting frustrating for beginners. Here are the most common reasons in order from most to least frequent
1. Natural Dormancy
Yellowing leaves can be a natural part of the cyclamen lifecycle. After flowering ends in spring and summer, the warm temperatures trigger dormancy. The leaves will begin to yellow and wilt during this resting period. It’s completely normal and not something to worry about.
However, if the leaves turn yellow during the winter flowering period, it’s likely due to another issue listed below.
2. Improper Watering
Overwatering or underwatering account for many cases of yellowing cyclamen leaves. They don’t like soggy soil and will droop and discolor if given too much water. On the other hand, allowing cyclamen to dry out can falsely signal it’s time to enter dormancy. The leaves will yellow and become crisp.
3. Excessive Heat
Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures between 50-70°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 70°F can cause leaves to yellow. Common culprits are heating vents, direct sunlight heating the plant, or placement near other heat sources.
4. Too Much Sun
Direct sun is too harsh for cyclamen. It can burn leaves and cause yellowing. Indoors, choose a spot with filtered sunlight from an east or west window. Outdoors, provide partial shade. Morning or evening sun is better than midday sun.
5. Pests
Spider mites, aphids, scale, thrips and mealybugs are common cyclamen pests. They damage plant tissues while feeding and can lead to yellowing leaves. You may notice sticky deposits, cottony masses or tiny bugs on an affected plant.
While less common, fungal diseases like botrytis and bacterial infections can also cause yellowing.
How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Cyclamen
Once you determine the cause of yellowing leaves, you can take steps to fix the problem. Here are tips to resolve the main causes:
Adjust Watering
Cyclamen prefer even, moderate moisture. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, then soak thoroughly. Water from the bottom to keep moisture off foliage. Use your finger to test soil moisture if unsure when to water. Move to a self-watering pot for easier moisture maintenance.
Lower the Temperature
Keep cyclamen in the ideal 50-70°F range. Move pots away from heating vents, direct sun exposure or other heat sources. Cooler temperatures help them flower longer.
Provide Gentle Light
Filtered sunlight is best for cyclamen. Sheer curtains, frosted glass and bright shade limit sun exposure while permitting adequate light for growth and blooms.
Inspect for Pests
Check under leaves and along stems for signs of pests like sticky residue, bumps, cottony tufts or webbing. Remove bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by wiping with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Avoid spraying the foliage.
Improve Air Circulation
Stagnant air promotes fungal and bacterial problems. Use a small fan to gently circulate air around cyclamen plants. Prune affected leaves and remove any fallen debris around plants.
Quarantine Affected Plants
Isolate plants with diseased yellowing leaves to prevent spread. Discard severely infected plants. Sterilize pots and tools after use on sick plants.
By identifying and addressing the underlying cause, you can get your cyclamen back to beautiful green leaves and abundant blooms. Consistent care tailored to cyclamen’s preferences helps prevent many leaf problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyclamen Leaves Turning Yellow
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about cyclamen yellow leaves:
Should I remove yellow leaves from my cyclamen?
Yes, you can prune off yellowing leaves to improve the plant’s appearance. Use clean, sharp scissors to snip yellow leaves at the base. Removing damaged foliage can encourage new healthy growth. However, during natural seasonal dormancy, you can leave yellowed leaves attached.
How can I prevent cyclamen leaf yellowing?
To prevent cyclamen yellow leaves, provide consistent care tailored to the plant’s preferences:
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Water thoroughly when the soil surface is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering.
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Keep plants between 50-70°F and away from excess heat sources.
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Give bright, indirect light from an east or west window.
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Watch for pests like spider mites under leaves.
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Gently circulate air around plants to deter fungal or bacterial diseases.
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Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth periods.
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Allow natural yellowing during dormancy periods. Resume watering when new growth appears.
Do yellow leaves mean my cyclamen is dying?
Not necessarily. Yellow leaves due to cultural issues like improper watering, heat stress or pests do not necessarily mean the plant is dying. Address the underlying cause and improve care to nurse it back to health. However, if yellowing continues to worsen despite your best efforts, the plant may be beyond saving.
Should I cut off all the yellow leaves on my cyclamen?
It’s not necessary to remove every single yellow leaf down to the last one. Prune off just the damaged foliage as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Leaving some yellowed leaves attached during dormancy is fine. The plant will naturally shed its old leaves as new ones emerge.
Why do the flowers on my cyclamen turn yellow?
Faded, yellow flowers on a blooming cyclamen are normal. The flowers last about 4-6 weeks before dying. Deadhead spent blooms by pinching them off to encourage new buds. However, flowers that yellow and shrivel immediately may indicate cultural issues like incorrect watering, light, or pests.
Are yellow cyclamen leaves always a sign of a problem?
Yellowing leaves due to natural causes like seasonal dormancy are not a problem, and even healthy plants can shed a few old leaves. But if many leaves rapidly turn yellow during active growth, it usually signals an underlying issue that needs attention. Don’t ignore widespread yellowing.
By understanding the various reasons behind cyclamen yellow leaves, you can get to the root of the problem and take action to restore your plant to its former glory. Consistent care and prompt troubleshooting when problems arise will keep your cyclamen thriving.
Why are My Cyclamen Leaves Going Yellow?
It could be normal. Cyclamens come from Mediterranean countries, where winters are mild and summers are extremely dry. Many Mediterranean plants bloom in winter and sleep through the summer so that they don’t have to struggle to survive the dry conditions. When leaves are turning yellow on cyclamen as summer approaches, it may simply mean that the plant is preparing for summer dormancy. It’s not easy to bring a cyclamen back into bloom after a long summer nap, but if you want to try to save your plant over the summer, let the leaves remain in place until they fall off on their own. This allows the tuber to absorb nutrients from the dying leaves. Place the pot in the coolest room in the house for the summer months. Lots of sunlight helps. In the fall, repot the tuber into fresh potting soil. Bury it so that a little of the top remains above the soil. Water lightly until leaves begin to appear, then keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Feed with a houseplant fertilizer designed for flowering plants according to the package instructions.
What to Look For
•Check temperature and water. Warm temperatures and improper watering can also cause yellow leaves on cyclamen plants. Cyclamen plants like daytime temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 C.) and night temperatures around 50 degrees F. (10 C.). The blossoms last longer when the plant is kept cool. •Check the soil. Cyclamen likes a moderately moist soil. It should be moist to touch, but never soggy. Water around the sides of the pot or from the bottom to prevent rot. Drain for 20 minutes and then discard the excess water. •Insect pests may be to blame. Cyclamen is susceptible to the usual houseplant insects, all of which can cause some degree of yellowing. Spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs can all be treated with insecticidal soap spray. Cyclamen mites are particularly nasty insects, and you probably won’t be able to get rid of them. Discard infested plants to keep the insect from spreading to other houseplants.