Troubleshooting Cyclamen: What to Do When Your Plants Haven’t Sprouted Yet

Cyclamen are beautiful, delicate flowers that can bring a splash of color to your garden, especially in cooler weather. But if you've planted your cyclamen this spring and haven't seen any shoots yet, you're probably wondering what's going on. Don't worry—there's a good chance your cyclamen are just taking their time, especially given the hot, dry summer we've had in Southeastern Ohio. Let's dive into why this might be happening and what you can do to help your cyclamen thrive.

Understanding Cyclamen Growth Patterns

Cyclamen are known for their unique growth patterns. Unlike many other plants that bloom in the warm months, most cyclamen species prefer cooler weather. They often go dormant during the summer, particularly if it's hot and dry. Dormancy is a survival strategy for these plants; they "sleep" through the harsh conditions and wait for better weather to start growing again.

So, if your cyclamen haven't sprouted yet, they might still be in their summer dormancy period. As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, your cyclamen should start to wake up and grow.

Watering: Finding the Right Balance

One of the most important aspects of caring for cyclamen is getting the watering just right. Cyclamen corms (the bulb-like structures they grow from) are sensitive to both too much and too little water.

• Too much water can cause the corms to rot, especially if the soil doesn't drain well.

• Too little water can stress the plants, making it even harder for them to break dormancy.

Here’s what you should do:

• Water your cyclamen occasionally, making sure the soil is slightly moist but not soggy.

• Check the soil before watering by sticking your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, wait a few more days.

• Make sure your cyclamen are planted in well-draining soil. You can mix in some sand or small gravel to improve drainage if needed.

  
  

Providing the Right Environment

Cyclamen prefer a spot in your garden with partial shade, especially in regions like Southeastern Ohio where summers can be quite hot. Too much direct sunlight can be harsh on them, particularly when they're trying to grow.

• Shade: A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. This way, they get enough light to grow but are protected from the hottest part of the day.

• Mulch: Applying a light mulch around the plants can help keep the soil cool and moist, which is beneficial as the temperatures start to cool down in fall. Just be careful not to bury the corms too deeply.

  
  

Patience Pays Off

Cyclamen are slow growers, and when they're newly planted, they might take some time to adjust before they start showing growth. If you’ve planted the corms this spring, it’s normal for them to be a little slow, especially if the summer has been unusually hot and dry.

As the weather cools down, keep an eye on your cyclamen. You should start seeing those first shoots poking through the soil as the plants come out of dormancy. If by late fall or early winter you still don’t see any growth, gently dig around one of the corms to check on its condition. It should feel firm, not soft or mushy. A firm corm is a good sign that the plant is still alive and just needs a bit more time.

Final Thoughts

Growing cyclamen can be a lesson in patience, especially in regions with extreme summer weather like Southeastern Ohio. By understanding their growth patterns, watering carefully, and providing the right environment, you can help your cyclamen thrive. As temperatures drop, your cyclamen should grow and bloom, adding a lovely touch to your garden. So hang in there—the wait will be worth it!

If you have more questions or want to share your experience with other gardeners, join our community on Facebook here. We’d love to hear how your cyclamen are doing and offer support along the way!

Happy gardening!