The cyclamen is a flowering plant that we normally have inside the house. It is not one of the most demanding, and it does not need a lot of care, so it is normal that we love having it in the house. But is it possible to have it outside? Yes, of course.
In fact, in temperate or mild climates, there is a custom of having it on the balcony, or taking it out to the patio in the morning, and bringing it back into the house at nightfall. There are even those who always keep it outdoors. So, How do you care for cyclamen outside?
that it does not lack light
To flourish, cyclamen it must be placed in an area where there is light. It does not necessarily have to be direct, but it is advisable. In no case should it be placed in a dark place, because in those conditions it would not bloom and the leaves would lose color, in addition to health. Therefore, good places can be those that I have mentioned before: balcony, window sill, patio, terrace, or garden.
Likewise, and taking into account that it is a plant that does not exceed 30 centimeters in height when it blooms, should be put in front of others that are larger, otherwise these would give you shade.
Pot or soil?
Where you want. Since it is a small plant, it can be planted both in pots and in the ground. It doesn't take up a lot of space, and it doesn't have invasive roots either. But you do have to keep the following in mind:
- In case of having it in a pot, this must have holes in its base. If the roots come out, you just bought it or it has been in it for more than two years, always plant it in one that is about 5 centimeters wider and taller. Put universal ground of some well-known brand on it, like Flower o fertiberia.
- Should keep her on the floor, the earth must quickly absorb and filter the water; that is to say, it does not have to flood easily. If it happens, make a hole that measures about 50 x 50cm, and fill it with universal substrate for plants.
Outdoor watering of cyclamen
How to water the cyclamen? It is a plant that does not have to be watered much, because it does not need it. Now, it would be a mistake to think that you can last a long time without receiving a single drop of water. Therefore, we recommend rehydrating it every 3 or 4 days.
To do this, you must use water that is suitable for human consumption, or rainwater. If the tap has a lot of lime, it would end up causing damage as it would clog the pores. Therefore, it is important to avoid using it for irrigation.
Can you have cyclamen in water?
There is a belief that cyclamen can do well in a pot without holes and without soil, only with water. But no, it is not an aquatic plant, so it should not be kept in those conditionsNot if you want to keep it for a few years. There are species that will feel happy with their roots submerged, such as the water hyacinth or the water lily, but our protagonist would soon drown.
So if someone tells you to have it with the roots submerged... it is better that you ignore them. Nor would it be a good idea to have it in a pot with a plate underneath it always., unless you drain it after watering.
When to pay it?
The fertilization will be done while it is blooming, that is, in winter and spring. In this way, the cyclamen will be able to produce many flowers and for a somewhat longer period of time. But beware, to get the results you expect, you must fertilize it with a liquid fertilizer that is specific for flowering plants (for sale here).
Follow the instructions for use, otherwise you could cause an overdose. And excess manure or fertilizer is one of the most common causes of plant death, which is why it is so important to read the instructions on the container, since this prevents the roots from being damaged.
How to preserve the cyclamen from one year to the next?
Image – Wikimedia/Tejvan Pettinger
After flowering, both the leaves and the flowers wither and dry up. When that happens, at first glance it gives the impression that he has died, but the truth is that this is not the case: the rhizome is still alive, and will sprout the following year if properly cared for. Therefore, two things can be done:
- One, leave it in the pot or on the ground and water very occasionally.
- Or two, take it out, clean it with a dry brush or cloth, and store it in a paper or cardboard bag or box in a room.
In any case, so that it goes well, it is important that it is exposed to low temperatures; that is, feel the cold a little. That way it can sprout when the time comes.
We hope that it is now easier for you to keep your cyclamen outside.