Cyclamen persicum
Quick answer
In winter a drooping cyclamen is most often dry: a heated room dries the soil fast, and firm leaves go soft when it needs water. Feel the soil. If it is dry, stand the pot in water for about 15 minutes and let it drain. If the soil is wet and the tuber feels soft, stop watering, because the tuber may be rotting.
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How to tell
The soil is bone dry and the plant is actively growing, so thirst is possible. During summer rest, dry soil alone is not a reason to water. Check for new growth before adding water.
The fix
Check the soil first. If it is dry and the plant is actively growing, water thoroughly and let the excess drain. If the soil is wet, check drainage instead of adding more water.
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How to tell
Soggy roots can also cause drooping because damaged roots cannot take up water. The soil is wet, the base feels soft, and adding more water makes the damage worse. Small dark flies around moist potting medium may be fungus gnats. They suggest conditions suitable for breeding, without proving that the surface never dries.
The fix
Hold off while the mix is wet. Inspect the roots, remove soft, rotten roots with clean tools and repot in fresh, well-drained, lightly moist mix. Let excess water drain away and avoid drying the entire root ball. Water according to moisture, only when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry. Check drainage and do not water just because a calendar says it is time.
How to tell
It sits near a cold window, an outside door or an air-con vent, and looks limp after cold nights or while the vent is running.
The fix
Move it away from the draft to a spot with steadier temperatures.
How to tell
Drooping began after a purchase, move or repot. A move can change light and temperature without disturbing the roots.
The fix
Check moisture and roots before changing anything. Keep its spot and care steady and don’t fertilize while it settles. If roots were damaged, follow this plant’s repotting guidance. Water according to moisture, only when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry. Check drainage and do not water just because a calendar says it is time.
How to tell
It wilts in the heat of the afternoon but recovers by evening.
The fix
Shift it out of direct midday sun. A temporary wilt in heat is the plant conserving water.
How to tell
Along with drooping foliage, unopened buds or flowers fall, usually a reaction to a sudden change in light, temperature, or watering just as the Cyclamen was budding.
The fix
Keep its spot and watering completely stable through the bloom cycle. Once it settles, the next flush of buds should hold.
Yes, in late spring. As flowering ends, the leaves yellow, wilt and die back because its summer rest is starting. In winter, drooping is a reason to check the soil and its spot.
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