Expert: Laura Walker - 9/24/2004

Question
Laura,
I have a cyclamen plant. I'm ready to transplant it to a bigger pot. Right now the top of the bulb is exposed, when transplanting, do i keep the bulb exposed or cover it with dirt, or does it matter? right now it is on my shady deck in Seattle.

Answer
Carol,
There are two types of Cyclamen, the florist's cyclamen is not hardy and it should be an indoor plant in the winter and a patio plant in spring and summer. It will of course be dormant through the winter so bring it indoors because it won't survive the winter.

Cyclamen's bulbs are what grows on this plant making a larger plant,but the hardy type also drop seed after bloom if you plant them in the flower bed.Hardy Cyclamens remain in the ground all year round and will ressed readily to make more.The florist type are planted very shallowly with the bulb exposed,so that is probably what you have. Just find a larger pot,make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom.Get fresh potting soil and plant it in the new pot exactly as it is planted in it's existing pot.Just water it deeply ONLY when the soil gets dry.Do not over water,it could cause the bulb to rot.Don't expect new growth until spring,when you may again return it outdoor to the patio or well lit sunroom.
Have a great Fall season in Seattle!