Cyclamen plants produce delicate and vibrant flowers that resemble butterflies floating on their heart-shaped leaves.
All the time and work you put in your growing cyclamen will be completely rewarded by seeing those beautiful flowers bloom. However, not all gardening is sun and flowers. It comes with a considerable portion of frustration and disappointment that can really test your patience.
It’s truly heartwarming to see cyclamen plants hanging down.
There may be sagging environmental or climatic conditions, but the most common causes include root rot, underwater, and excessive water causes of dehydration or excessive heat in the plant.
Apart from these reasons, plants may enter a dormant period. This is a natural part of the cyclamen growth cycle that usually occurs in spring and summer when leaves die gradually yellow.
What are the signs of cyclamen plants hanging down?
Recognizing the early warning signs of drooping cyclamen can help you take quick action to save the plant.
These symptoms often manifest themselves over time, so paying attention to the overall health and appearance of a plant is key to catching the problem before it gets severe.
Wilted and bent flower stems
The most obvious sign is when the delicate flower stems are bent downwards or appear limp, even if the soil is thought to be appropriate.
This is often emphasized by the fact that plants ingest water, temperature fluctuations, and insufficient light, causing the stem to lose structural integrity.
Yellow leaves
The leaves begin to turn yellow from the inside. The old outer leaves are especially first.
Some yellowing is normal during dormant, but excessive or rapid yellowing during the growing season usually indicates the development of overwater, poor drainage, or root rot, which affects the plant’s ability to transport nutrients.
Soft, mushy tubers
A gentle check on the base of the plant should give you a firm feel to the healthy tubers, but drooping cyclamen often have soft, squishy or dark clumps.
This is usually a sign of root rot caused by flooded soil, and unfortunately, when tubers become mushy, the plants often exceed their savings.
Leave and lose your upright position
Rather than standing upright, the distinctive heart-shaped leaves begin to droop or flatten against the soil surface.
This level of loss occurs when the plant is unable to properly absorb water as it is prepared to enter damaged roots, extreme temperatures, or naturally dormant periods.
Why is my cyclamen drooping?
Cyclamen plants are praised for their impressive, upward-facing petals and patterned leaves, but they can be worried if they suddenly hang down.
Sagging is a way of showing something in the plant’s care environment is out of balance, but in some cases it can be part of a natural rhythm.
To restore sagging cyclamen to health, it is important to correctly identify the cause. Below are the main reasons why cyclamen is drooping, and we’ve explained in detail.
Also read: 17 perennials blooming in autumn and winter
1. On the water
One of the most common reasons why it’s drooping is to consume water. Cyclamen grows from tubers. The tubers are extremely sensitive to sitting in a water-infiltrated state. When the soil is constantly wet, the tubers begin to rot, and the roots lose the ability to transport water and nutrients to the leaves and flowers. The result is a collapse of leaves that appear to be very similar to drought stress, with much more dangerous consequences.
In watered cyclamen, the leaves turn yellow and you may notice that the foul or musty smell from the soil turns into mushy roots that have in advanced times become blackened, mushy roots. If ignored, this can lead to complete tuber rot and plant death.
Always check the soil before watering to prevent water consumption. Dry the top inch slightly and avoid pouring water directly onto the tuber crown. Suck the bottom water – Place the pan on a shallow water dish to allow the soil to absorb.
2. Underwater
Meanwhile, underwater can cause dramatic sagging. Because cells cannot maintain the internal water pressure, water that does not receive sufficient water will lose its leaf hardness. This can cause the leaves to flop and cause the flowers to shrink or dry out quickly.
Unlike many houseplants that can withstand negligence, cyclamen is consistently moist, but thrives to avoid flooding. Drying them during the growth and flowering period will completely emphasize the plant and weaken future flowers.
If the cyclamen appears limp and the soil feels dry bones, thorough watering is usually enough. However, always be careful to bathe in water to ensure that excess water is drained, preventing tubers from sitting in water.
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3. Too much heat or direct sunlight
Cyclamen is a cooler Mediterranean forest area and grows at mild and mild temperatures. It performs best in cool environments ranging from 50 to 65F.
Indoors, warm rooms, direct sunlight, or proximity to heating holes or radiators can quickly highlight them.
When cyclamen is exposed to heat, the leaves can curl at the edges, the flowers may wither or collapse, and the entire plant may hang down as if exhausted. This is not a sign of permanent damage, but a natural response to the plant to inappropriate conditions.
To prevent heat stress, place the cyclamen in a bright but indirect light position, such as near a north or east-facing window. A cool room extends the flowering period and keeps the leaves much longer.
4. Bad drainage
If watering carefully does not drain properly, it may create similar conditions to water intake. Cyclamen planted in heavy soil or pots with no drainage holes is prone to flooding. Stagnated water suffocates roots and promotes fungal infections. Both appear as hanging yellow leaves.
The solution is to lick in a container with proper drainage holes and lightweight, well aerated potting mix.
Peat, perlite and compost blends are good for providing moisture while allowing excess water to escape. Slightly loosen the soil causes air to circulate around the tubers, reducing the risk of rot.
Also Read: How to Propagate Dahlia from Cuts?
5. Dormant period
Not all hanging down. This can be a natural part of the cyclamen life cycle. After several months of flowering, the plant prepares for dormancy, during which its leaves turn yellow and droop, eventually dying. The tubers will rest until the next growing season.
Dormant can be mistaken for decline, but in reality it is essential for the survival and blue rolls of the plant. At this stage, reduce watering to prevent tuber rot and place the pan in a cool, shady area. When new shoots appear in the fall, we will resume regular watering and care.
Understanding dormancy prevents unnecessary worries and gives the cyclamen the necessary rest before returning with fresh flowers.
How to prevent cyclamen from dripping?
Moderately water – moisten the soil evenly during the growing season, but not watering the pot. Use bottom watering – Place the pan in a shallow water dish to absorb moisture while drying the roots. Check the soil before watering. Allow the top inch of the soil to slightly dry before adding water. Ensure proper drainage – Always grow cyclamen in pots with drainage holes and use a light, airy mix to avoid flooded roots. Maintains a cool temperature – Keeps the plants in the room between 10-18°C (50-65°F) away from heaters and hot drafts. Provides indirect light – Place the cyclamen with bright but filtered light to prevent leaf focal and weak growth. Avoid direct heat and the sun – stay away from strong afternoon sunlight and from radiators and appliances. Feeding modestly – only during active growth will provide a balanced diluted fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can put stress on your plants. Respect for dormancy – Return the plant to nature after flowering. Reduce watering, rest the tubers, and resume care when new shoots appear.
Also Read: How to Propagate Zinnias?
Conclusion
The sagging of the cyclamen is not always the cause of the alarm. It is often a way to notify plants of stress or prepare them for dormancy.
By carefully watering, ensuring proper drainage and keeping the plants cool and bright, you can prevent most issues. With a little attention to the natural cycle, your cyclamen stays healthy and comes back with a fresh flower display every year.
Computer Science Alumnus Khaja Moinuddin is delighted with gardening and homestead. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening and composting
