When it comes to brightening up a living room, few plants grab your attention like the Cyclamen (or “Alpenveilchen,” as they say in Germany). These beauties usually put on a show from September all the way into early spring. But if you want those lush blooms to keep coming, you’ve got to get the location just right.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Just like their wild cousins, indoor Cyclamens love it cool and shady. A cozy, heated living room in the middle of winter? That’s actually a nightmare for these plants. If it gets too warm, you’ll see leaves turning yellow fast and flowers wilting before they even have a chance. If you don’t move them to a cooler spot quickly, the plant likely won’t make it.
To keep your Cyclamen happy, look for a spot that is:
- Cool (ideally under 63°F/17°C)
- Shady or partial shade
- Bright, but away from direct, scorching sunlight
- Humid
Think about places like a drafty entryway or a hallway—these spots stay cool but usually have enough light from nearby windows. An unheated guest room or a chilly bedroom works great, too. Bathrooms and kitchens are also solid choices because they tend to be bright, stay on the cooler side, and offer that extra humidity the plant craves.
The Right Soil Mix
Even the perfect spot won’t save your plant if the soil is wrong. You want a high-quality, fresh potting mix, ideally with a bit of compost mixed in for a steady nutrient boost. When you’re potting it up, I highly recommend adding a drainage layer of expanded clay pebbles (like LECA) at the bottom. This prevents “wet feet,” which leads to root rot. If the roots rot, it spreads to the tuber—the plant’s heart—and once that’s gone, there’s no bringing it back.
Watering and Fertilizing Tips
Watering is where most people trip up. Since the Cyclamen grows from a tuber, you have to be careful; that tuber hates getting wet. Never pour water directly onto the center of the plant. Instead, pour water into the saucer or the outer decorative pot. Let the plant soak it up for about 20 minutes, then pour out any leftover water.
For feeding, give your Cyclamen a half-strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the blooming season. Fertilizer spikes are a great low-maintenance alternative, too. Just remember: once the plant goes into its summer dormancy, stop the watering and the feeding entirely to let it rest.
