So, you’ve had a cyclamen for a while now, and everything has been going great. You’ve been watering it properly, and it’s been adding refreshing visuals to your house.
Here’s the thing: If you want your plant to continue thriving, you’ll have to repot it at one point. Do you know how? When? What pots to use?
I know it sounds overwhelming, but that’s why I’m here. I’ll answer all these questions and more to help repot your cyclamen perfectly.
When to Repot Cyclamen
There isn’t a definitive answer to that question. Ultimately, you want to repot your cyclamen when they’re about to overgrow the container.
So, it depends on how fast your plant is growing and how big the container is. That said, I can tell you that it takes most cyclamen around 2-3 years to fill their pots.
Can You Repot Cyclamen When In Flowering?
I don’t recommend repotting your cyclamen when in flowering. Even if it’s grown enough, you should wait until the dormant period.
Yes, like most other plants, cyclamen experience a dormant period. They put their energy into growing during winter but rest/sleep during the summer.
That’s the perfect time to repot them. That doesn’t mean you can’t repot a non-dormant cyclamen, but It’ll be less safe.
Do Cyclamen Grow Well In Pots?
That might sound like a strange question if you’re a first-time plant parent. Yes, pots aren’t always an ideal choice to grow plants in.
Sometimes, they’re not flexible enough to cater to the plant’s needs in different weather. It also doesn’t help that cyclamen prefer cold weather, which isn’t always achievable if the plant is growing in a pot indoors.
Does that mean you shouldn’t plant your Cyclamen in pots?
No; you can still plant them in pots. As long as you provide the ideal environment, you have nothing to worry about. I’d argue that cyclamen grow better in raised beds surrounded by other shrubs and trees, but a regular pot will do just fine.
In some cases, it might even be the safer option. You see, cyclamen prefer cold weather, but they don’t like frost.
So, if you live in a country with freezing temperatures, your best bet would be to grow them in an indoor pot.
How Long Do Potted Cyclamen Last?
I know the last section might have gotten you a bit worried about cyclamen’s lifespan in pots, but I’m here to put you at ease. Cyclamen can last for years in pots.
In fact, some can even go on to live 100 years, so that should tell you something about their resilience.
What Kind of Pot for Cyclamen?
Choosing a pot for your cyclamen isn’t as easy as walking into a store and grabbing the first pot you come across.
You want to consider the material of the pot, the best options being plastic or clay.
Here’s the thing: All pots aren’t created equal. Each material has its pros and cons.
So, let’s see how both materials differ from each other to determine which is suitable for you.
Clay Pots
Clay pots have been used in growing plants for decades. Let’s see what they have to offer.
Pros
- They’re highly porous, allowing water and air to move more freely through the soil and penetrate the sides of the pot.
- They’re sturdy enough to face extreme wind without falling, which makes them safer to place outdoors.
Cons
- They dry the soil out quickly, so your cyclamen might require more watering.
- They can’t withstand cold weather and will break easily if you try to drill a few holes.
- They’re quite heavy, which makes them harder to move.
- Clay tends to form a white layer on the outside of the pot, which most people find visually repelling.
Plastic
Offering excellent value at affordable prices, it’s no wonder plastic pots have become popular these past few years.
Pros
- They’re lightweight, flexible, and easy to carry.
- They retain more moisture than clay, which is helpful if you frequently forget to water your plant.
- They’re usually made with recycled plastic, making them more environmentally friendly in the long run.
Cons
- They’re not that durable, meaning they won’t last more than a few seasons.
- They retain too much heat, which speeds up the wilting process.
- They have thin walls, which prevents them from protecting your cyclamen from weather changes.
- Plastic can’t withstand sunlight for too long, so your pot might fade and lose its structural integrity after a while.
What Size Pot for Cyclamen?
The size of the pot depends on the size of your plant. Overall, you want to leave two centimeters around the tuber to give your cyclamen enough space to grow in the pot.
Plant your cyclamen in a small pot, and it won’t be able to hold it or cater to its water needs. The overgrown roots will quickly absorb all the water, leaving the plant to wilt.
If you pick a large pot, however, it’ll prompt the plant to grow more foliage while the flowers remain small. So, the big pot will take away from the cyclamen’s spotlight and the pink flowers won’t get much room to shine.
I believe a pot that’s 3-6 inches in diameter is enough for most cyclamen, but you can always go bigger if your plant calls for it.
How to Repot Your Cyclamen
Now, all that’s left is to show you how to repot your cyclamen.
I know first-time plant parents might get nervous, but don’t worry. It’s easier than you think.
- Choose a pot that’s one inch bigger in diameter than your old one. You want to ensure your pot can take the newly grown cyclamen and give it room to grow more.
- Fill some of the new pot with well-draining soil. You can also add organic materials, like manure and compost.
- Take the cyclamen out of the pot and brush off the old soil. You don’t have to remove it all. Whatever happens, though, don’t rinse or wash the plant.
- Now, put the plant in the new pot and fill it with your soil mixture.
- Place your new pot in a shady area and avoid watering your cyclamen until autumn.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve become an expert in repotting cyclamen. Ultimately, it’s not as complicated as some people make it out to be.
Cyclamen are sturdier than you think. All you have to do is know when/where/how to pot them, and they can last for 100 years.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.