Troubleshooting
Purple Cyclamen problems — and how to fix them
Purple Cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens) 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.
Vine weevil
Vine weevil larvae burrow into the tuber, causing the plant to collapse suddenly with no prior warning signs. Apply nematode biological controls (Steinernema kraussei) to pot-grown plants in late summer; check tubers when repotting and destroy any white C-shaped grubs.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Humid, stagnant air encourages Botrytis cinerea on flowers and leaves, producing fluffy grey mould. Improve air circulation, remove dead flowers and foliage promptly, and avoid wetting leaves when watering.
Prevent purple cyclamen problems before they start
Most purple cyclamen issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Purple Cyclamen problems — FAQ
Why is my purple cyclamen vine weevil?
Vine weevil larvae burrow into the tuber, causing the plant to collapse suddenly with no prior warning signs. Apply nematode biological controls (Steinernema kraussei) to pot-grown plants in late summer; check tubers when repotting and destroy any white C-shaped grubs.
Why is my purple cyclamen botrytis (grey mould)?
Humid, stagnant air encourages Botrytis cinerea on flowers and leaves, producing fluffy grey mould. Improve air circulation, remove dead flowers and foliage promptly, and avoid wetting leaves when watering.