Cyclamen: Indoors and Outdoors

If you've ever wondered why your cyclamen quickly wilt indoors, it might be because you've overheated them. The delicate flowering plants prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 12 and 16°C. For this reason, they are not well-suited for warm indoor spaces. Nevertheless, cyclamen are popular houseplants. Depending on the variety and species, they can also make a great impression in a vase or outdoors.

Although cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) has traditionally been used exclusively as a houseplant – mainly because it is not frost-resistant – it is increasingly making its way to balconies, gardens, and even graves. Particularly the smaller-flowered varieties are well-suited for outdoor use, as they can withstand the first autumn storms and even heavy rain showers. To prevent the plant from rotting, the faded flowers on the stems should be regularly removed with a firm tug. Some varieties can even tolerate light frost. However, cyclamen should always be overwintered in a sheltered spot and not be exposed to temperatures below -5°C.

Cyclamen not only look great as houseplants and outdoor plants but some varieties also make excellent cut flowers. When the conditions are optimal, they can last in a vase for about two to four weeks. To help with this, the ends of the flower stems should be scored.

In fact, there are also cyclamen that can survive permanently in perennial beds. Specific flowering times for each variety ensure a long-lasting sea of flowers. The early spring cyclamen (Cyclamen coum), summer cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens), and autumn cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) all complement each other wonderfully. They are all hardy species of Cyclamen and can therefore stay in the garden permanently. They thrive best in a sunny to partially shaded location.
The tubers of the early spring cyclamen are offered in the fall. These can be planted about three to four centimeters deep in well-drained soil. Soon after, the heart-shaped leaves will emerge.
The summer cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens) are among the scented plants. As European cyclamen, they belong to the native varieties but are not widely spread. Their flowers have a scent of violets and vanilla, ranging in color from light pink to intense crimson.