19 Common Problems With Cyclamens

Ah, cyclamens, those charming little plants with their vibrant blooms and uniquely twisted leaves! They're a popular choice for plant lovers who want a splash of color during the dreary winter months. However, like any other houseplant, cyclamens come with their own set of challenges. If you've ever owned one, you might have noticed that they can be a bit finicky.

In this article, we'll tackle 19 of the most common problems you might encounter with cyclamens. From droopy leaves to mysterious yellowing, we've got you covered with practical tips and tricks to keep your cyclamens happy and healthy.

1. Wilting Leaves

One of the most common issues cyclamen owners face is wilting leaves. It’s a sight that can make any plant parent panic a bit. But fear not, wilting leaves often have a straightforward explanation.

Most times, wilting is due to improper watering. Cyclamens are quite particular about their water needs. They prefer their soil to be kept moist but not soggy. If you water them too much, the roots can rot, leading to wilting. On the flip side, if you let them dry out too much, the leaves will droop. It’s all about finding that Goldilocks zone.

Another possible reason is the temperature. Cyclamens thrive in cooler environments, ideally between 50-65°F (10-18°C). If the temperature is too high, the plant may wilt. So, keep them away from heaters and direct sunlight.

To address wilting:

• Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Use your finger to feel the top inch of soil—if it's dry, it's time to water.
• Ensure your pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Place your cyclamen in a cooler spot, away from heat sources.

2. Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a real head-scratcher. It’s like your cyclamen is trying to tell you something, but what? Usually, yellowing leaves indicate a nutrient deficiency or overwatering.

Sometimes, cyclamens suffer from a lack of magnesium or nitrogen. You can address this by using a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every couple of weeks during the growing season. This should help your plant regain its green glow.

Overwatering can also be a culprit. When roots sit in water for too long, they can suffocate and die, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Make sure your cyclamen is in a pot with proper drainage, and don't let it sit in a saucer of water.

3. Dropping Buds

Picture this: your cyclamen is full of potential with buds ready to bloom, but suddenly they start dropping. What gives? This is often due to environmental stress.

Bud drop can be caused by a sudden change in temperature or humidity. Cyclamens like consistency. A drastic move from one room to another or exposure to drafts can stress them out.

To prevent bud drop:

• Keep your cyclamen in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity.
• Avoid placing them near doors or windows where drafts are common.
• Consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant to increase humidity levels.

4. Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases can be a nightmare for cyclamen owners. These plants are prone to various fungal issues, especially in humid conditions. The most common ones include botrytis blight and fusarium wilt.

Botrytis blight appears as gray mold on leaves and flowers, especially in cool, damp conditions. On the other hand, fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungus that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves.

To tackle fungal diseases:

• Remove and dispose of any infected plant parts immediately to prevent the spread.
• Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing them out and pruning if necessary.
• Avoid overhead watering which can create a damp environment conducive to fungi.
• Consider using a fungicide as a last resort, following the instructions carefully.

5. Pest Infestation

Ah, pests—the bane of every plant parent's existence. Cyclamens can fall victim to a variety of pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and cyclamen mites.

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants, while spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. Cyclamen mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye but cause curling and distortion of leaves.

To combat pests:

• Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests, especially on the underside of leaves.
• Use a strong stream of water to wash off aphids or mites.
• Introduce beneficial insects, like ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids.
• Consider insecticidal soap or neem oil for more persistent infestations.

6. Leaf Curling

Leaf curling can be another puzzling issue. It’s often a sign of cyclamen mites or environmental stress.

Cyclamen mites can be a bit tricky to deal with due to their tiny size. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and can cause leaves to curl and become distorted.

Environmental factors like too much direct sunlight or inconsistent watering can also cause leaves to curl as the plant tries to conserve moisture.

To address leaf curling:

• Check for signs of mites and treat as needed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Ensure your cyclamen is getting indirect light rather than direct sunlight.
• Maintain a consistent watering schedule to prevent stress on the plant.

7. Poor Flowering

Nothing is more disappointing than a cyclamen that refuses to bloom. Several factors could be at play here.

Insufficient light is a common reason for poor flowering. Cyclamens need bright, indirect light to produce flowers. If they're in a dark corner, they might not get enough energy to bloom.

Another reason could be over-fertilization. While it seems like more food should equal more flowers, too much fertilizer can actually harm your plant and inhibit blooming.

To encourage flowering:

• Move your cyclamen to a spot with bright, indirect light.
• Feed it with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season but avoid over-fertilizing.

8. Leggy Growth

If your cyclamen is looking a bit leggy, it might be a sign that it's reaching for more light. Like many houseplants, cyclamens will grow long and lanky if they don’t get enough light.

Leggy growth can also be a sign of high temperatures or over-fertilization. Remember, cyclamens prefer cooler environments and too much fertilizer can lead to rapid, weak growth.

To fix leggy growth:

• Provide your cyclamen with more light by moving it closer to a window or providing supplemental grow lights.
• Ensure the plant is in a cool environment, away from heat sources.
• Cut back on fertilizer and stick to a regular feeding schedule.

9. Root Rot

Root rot is a dreaded diagnosis for any plant lover, and cyclamens are not immune. It's usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to roots sitting in water and eventually rotting.

Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a bad smell coming from the soil. If you suspect root rot, it's crucial to act fast.

To address root rot:

• Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be white and firm, while rotten ones will be brown and mushy.
• Trim away any affected roots with sterilized scissors.
• Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
• Adjust your watering habits to prevent recurrence.

10. Cyclamen Going Dormant

Lastly, let's talk about dormancy. Cyclamens naturally enter a dormancy period after their blooming season, usually in the spring and summer. During this time, the leaves may yellow and die back, which can be alarming if you’re not expecting it.

But don't worry, this is completely normal. Your cyclamen is just taking a little nap before it gears up for the next blooming season.

To care for a dormant cyclamen:

• Reduce watering significantly. You want to keep the soil barely moist.
• Place the plant in a cool, dark place.
• After a few months, you'll notice new growth, which means it's time to bring it back into the light and resume regular care.

Final Thoughts

Cyclamens, despite their finicky nature, are a rewarding addition to any plant collection. With the right care and attention, you can address these common problems and enjoy their vibrant blooms season after season.

At Cafe Planta, we're all about helping you nurture your plant babies. Whether you're looking for a new houseplant, plant care accessories, or just need some advice, we're here for you. Feel free to reach out to us via email or connect with us on Instagram. Let's grow together!