During active growth, water when the soil surface looks or feels dry and allow the medium to become almost dry before watering again. Firm, upright foliage is a useful observation alongside the surface check.
How to water florist cyclamen
During active growth, water when the surface looks or feels dry and let the medium become almost dry before watering again.
Plant coveredCyclamen persicumCyclamen · indoor and outdoor
When to water
Florist cyclamen normally grows from autumn through winter and early spring, then may enter whole-summer dormancy. Reduce or withhold watering as leaves die back and resume when new leaves appear. A dormant plant outdoors in summer must not remain in wet media.
How to water thoroughly
- Water thoroughly while avoiding the crown and center of the plant. UW Extension describes bottom-watering for about 15 minutes as one option before allowing excess water to drain.
- Do not leave the pot standing in wet media or water, and do not keep a leafless dormant corm in wet soil. The medium should approach dryness between waterings.
Signs of too much or too little water
Soft or drooping foliage can indicate that water is needed, while yellow leaves can occur with soil that is too wet or too dry and may also reflect hot, dry conditions or low light. Yellowing does not tell you to water more without checking the medium and season.
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plants of the World OnlineTaxon identity and distribution
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of ExtensionCyclamen care; watering, flowering and dormancy sections