Troubleshooting
Cyclamen problems — and how to fix them
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellowing leaves
Usually a sign of too much warmth, too little light, or watering errors. Move to a cooler, brighter spot and review your watering. Gradual yellowing in late spring is normal onset of dormancy.
Crown or tuber rot
Caused by water sitting on the corm. Always water from below or at the pot edge, ensure good drainage, and keep the top of the tuber exposed above the soil.
Gray mould (Botrytis)
Fuzzy gray growth in the crowded center, encouraged by cool, damp, still air and overhead watering. Improve airflow, remove affected leaves at the base, and avoid misting.
Cyclamen and spider mites
Microscopic mites cause curled, distorted, discoloured leaves and stunted buds, and thrive in dry air. Raise humidity and keep rooms cool; infestations are hard to eradicate, so prevention is key.
Collapsing or drooping stems
Most often overwatering, but can also signal a too-hot room. Check that the pot drains freely and isn't standing in water, and move away from heat sources.
Flower buds failing to open
Typically caused by temperatures above the cool range cyclamen prefer. Relocate to a cooler spot (ideally under about 18C / 65F) away from radiators and vents.
Prevent cyclamen problems before they start
Most cyclamen issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cyclamen problems — FAQ
Why is my cyclamen yellowing leaves?
Usually a sign of too much warmth, too little light, or watering errors. Move to a cooler, brighter spot and review your watering. Gradual yellowing in late spring is normal onset of dormancy.
Why is my cyclamen crown or tuber rot?
Caused by water sitting on the corm. Always water from below or at the pot edge, ensure good drainage, and keep the top of the tuber exposed above the soil.
Why is my cyclamen gray mould (botrytis)?
Fuzzy gray growth in the crowded center, encouraged by cool, damp, still air and overhead watering. Improve airflow, remove affected leaves at the base, and avoid misting.
Why is my cyclamen cyclamen and spider mites?
Microscopic mites cause curled, distorted, discoloured leaves and stunted buds, and thrive in dry air. Raise humidity and keep rooms cool; infestations are hard to eradicate, so prevention is key.
Why is my cyclamen collapsing or drooping stems?
Most often overwatering, but can also signal a too-hot room. Check that the pot drains freely and isn't standing in water, and move away from heat sources.
Why is my cyclamen flower buds failing to open?
Typically caused by temperatures above the cool range cyclamen prefer. Relocate to a cooler spot (ideally under about 18C / 65F) away from radiators and vents.