Wetting Their Appetite Too Much Could Be Doing In the Cyclamen

Question: I buy a cyclamen every winter and it does well until summer, then it dies. Am I doing something wrong?

V.C., Costa Mesa

Answer: Cyclamen are tuberous-rooted perennials that go dormant in the summer, losing many, if not all of their leaves.

Chances are you are overwatering your cyclamen during the warm months and therefore rotting them out.

They like to be kept moist when they are actively growing in the fall, winter and spring, but should be kept on the dry side in the summer.

In June, July, August and the beginning of September, put cyclamen in a shady spot and cut back on watering. When the weather cools and cyclamen start to show new growth, resume watering more regularly.

Have a problem in your yard? University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are here to help. These trained and certified horticultural volunteers are dedicated to extending research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. They are involved with a variety of outreach programs, including the UCCE Master Garden hotline, which provides answers to specific questions. You can reach the hotline at (714) 708-1646 or e-mail ucmastergardeners@yahoo.com. Calls and e-mail are generally returned within two to three days.