Troubleshooting
Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen problems — and how to fix them
Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Squirrel and rodent excavation
Grey squirrels and mice dig up newly planted or young tubers; plant mature tubers of at least 4–5 cm diameter and peg down wire netting over the planting area for the first season until tubers anchor themselves deeply.
Botrytis (grey mould) on flowers
In wet autumns, Botrytis cinerea causes fluffy grey mould on the flowers and young leaves; improve air circulation around plantings, remove affected material promptly, and avoid any overhead watering.
Prevent ivy-leaved cyclamen problems before they start
Most ivy-leaved cyclamen issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen problems — FAQ
Why is my ivy-leaved cyclamen squirrel and rodent excavation?
Grey squirrels and mice dig up newly planted or young tubers; plant mature tubers of at least 4–5 cm diameter and peg down wire netting over the planting area for the first season until tubers anchor themselves deeply.
Why is my ivy-leaved cyclamen botrytis (grey mould) on flowers?
In wet autumns, Botrytis cinerea causes fluffy grey mould on the flowers and young leaves; improve air circulation around plantings, remove affected material promptly, and avoid any overhead watering.