Why are My Cyclamen Leaves Going Yellow?
It could be normal. Cyclamens come from Mediterranean countries, where winters are mild and summers are extremely dry. Many Mediterranean plants bloom in winter and sleep through the summer so that they don’t have to struggle to survive the dry conditions. When leaves are turning yellow on cyclamen as summer approaches, it may simply mean that the plant is preparing for summer dormancy. It’s not easy to bring a cyclamen back into bloom after a long summer nap, but if you want to try to save your plant over the summer, let the leaves remain in place until they fall off on their own. This allows the tuber to absorb nutrients from the dying leaves. Place the pot in the coolest room in the house for the summer months. Lots of sunlight helps. In the fall, repot the tuber into fresh potting soil. Bury it so that a little of the top remains above the soil. Water lightly until leaves begin to appear, then keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Feed with a houseplant fertilizer designed for flowering plants according to the package instructions.
What to Look For
•Check temperature and water. Warm temperatures and improper watering can also cause yellow leaves on cyclamen plants. Cyclamen plants like daytime temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 C.) and night temperatures around 50 degrees F. (10 C.). The blossoms last longer when the plant is kept cool. •Check the soil. Cyclamen likes a moderately moist soil. It should be moist to touch, but never soggy. Water around the sides of the pot or from the bottom to prevent rot. Drain for 20 minutes and then discard the excess water. •Insect pests may be to blame. Cyclamen is susceptible to the usual houseplant insects, all of which can cause some degree of yellowing. Spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs can all be treated with insecticidal soap spray. Cyclamen mites are particularly nasty insects, and you probably won’t be able to get rid of them. Discard infested plants to keep the insect from spreading to other houseplants.
