How to grow ivy-leaved cyclamens in pots?

Which varieties of ivy-leaved cyclamen are best for growing in pots?

Due to their small size, ivy-leaved cyclamens can easily be grown in pots. Indeed, they barely reach 15 cm in height with a 20 cm spread.

Opt for pink ivy-leaved cyclamen or white variety, which will charmingly adorn small spaces, window sills, terraces and balconies in autumn.

Cyclamen hederifolium (photo H. Zell) and Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Album’ (photo Meneerke bloem – Wikimedia) are perfectly suited to growing in pots or planters

When to plant ivy-leaved cyclamen in a pot?

Ivy-leaved cyclamen bulbs are ideally planted during summer, in July–August, during plant dormancy.

Flowering occurs between September and November. First leaves then appear and persist throughout winter until spring. Note that ivy-leaved cyclamens can take a year to establish properly and flower.

Tubercles of Cyclamen hederifolium (photo Erutuon – Flickr)

Planting ivy-leaved cyclamens in pots

The container

To plant your ivy-leaved cyclamens, choose fairly wide containers (at least 50 cm), so you can grow 3 to 4 specimens and create an attractive flowering display. Large planters and troughs will be the preferred containers.

Moderate depth of around 30 cm will generally suffice.

Regarding materials, although cultivation in plastic pots is possible, we recommend favouring terracotta pots which allow better aeration of the substrate.

Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Album’ growing in a terracotta pot

Substrate

Ivy-leaved cyclamens prefer rich, well-drained, fresh soil.

Opt for a mix of :

• half garden soil,
• half potting compost for planters and pots or potting compost for perennials and borders that promotes flowering
• a handful of sand to increase drainage
• a handful of well-rotted compost (optional)

Planting

Ivy-leaved cyclamens are generally available as tubers. Plant them promptly after purchase. If the tuber looks shrivelled, soak it for an hour in a basin of water before planting to allow it to rehydrate and encourage establishment.

Similarly, if you chose plants in pots, soak them for about an hour before planting. You can also sow ivy-leaved cyclamens. Consult our dedicated guide to ensure success.

1. Place a thin layer of gravel, terracotta shards, pumice or clay pebbles at the bottom of the container to a depth of about 4 cm, to create a draining layer and avoid waterlogging
2. Fill the container with the mixed substrate
3. Place the cyclamen tubers with the smooth, flat side (sometimes slightly concave) facing up and the rounded side facing down, spacing them about 15 cm apart
4. Plant them to a depth of about 3–5 cm (not too deep, so the plant can emerge easily)
5. Cover with substrate and firm gently with fingers
6. Water moderately

Young shoots of ivy-leaved cyclamen (photo sources Flickr: Erutuon (left); Rebecca Partington (right))

Exposure

Potted ivy-leaved cyclamens should be placed in semi-shade, preferably east- or north-facing. In hot summer climates, the pot can be placed in shade. In winter, avoid sites exposed to prevailing winds and heavy rain.

Caring for ivy-leaved cyclamens in pots

Ivy-leaved cyclamens require little care and maintenance.

Watering

In a pot, potting mix inevitably dries out more quickly than in the ground. But thanks to reserves stored in its tubercle, the ivy-leaved cyclamen can withstand periods of drought.

Water moderately as soon as soil becomes dry, avoiding wetting the foliage.

Space out waterings after flowering, except during particularly dry winter periods. In that case, water sparingly, never leaving the potting mix waterlogged, otherwise tubercle rot may occur.

Stop watering during the plant’s dormant period (after foliage has died back).

Fertilising

Applying fertiliser to potted ivy-leaved cyclamens helps promote flowering. Feed approximately every 15 days or follow manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.

Use either a liquid fertiliser (fast-acting but short-lived) or a stake fertiliser (slower-acting but longer-lasting). Choose fertilisers specially formulated to stimulate flowering or suitable for window boxes and containers.

Pruning

Pruning of ivy-leaved cyclamens involves removing dead leaves, stems and flowers as they fade.

Never remove foliage before it has completely died back, as it allows the plant to build up nutrient reserves.

Repotting and propagation

The tubercles of ivy-leaved cyclamens multiply on their own over time. Unlike other bulbs, they do not divide. Propagation is by seed, sown into a new container.

Cyclamens do not like being moved much. Leave them in their container for 3 or 4 years. When the tubercle becomes too large, repot into a larger pot or plant into the ground.

Pests and diseases

Apart from rot caused by excess water, ivy-leaved cyclamens are hardy and rarely troubled by diseases or pests.

If foliage dries out before the normal period of dieback, this may be due to excess sun. Move the pot to a cooler, shadier spot. Premature yellowing of leaves, as well as weak or sparse flowering, can indicate a lack of fertiliser. As for wilting leaves, this can result from overwatering: allow the potting mix to dry out thoroughly before resuming more moderate watering.

Overwintering

Ivy-leaved cyclamens are hardy, typically to around -15°C, and adapt to all climates in France. They can therefore be kept outdoors all year round.

In case of prolonged severe frosts, you can protect the container if it is fragile (terracotta) by applying a thick mulch around it, wrapping it in bubble wrap, or by planting it directly in the ground for the duration of the cold season.

Pink Cyclamen hederifolium (photo Erutuon – Flickr)

further reading

• Discover our ideas and inspiration for pairing cyclamen in the garden.