How to grow cyclamen indoors – everything you need to know about watering and planting for festive flowers this Christmas
Get the most out of this festive perennial


Cyclamen bursts into bloom in the garden from late winter to spring, but if you're a houseplant enthusiast, you can learn how to grow cyclamen indoors too.
It might be one of the most popular winter flowers outside, but cyclamen is also on our list of the best Christmas houseplants. Plus, it's perennial, meaning it can flower year after year with the right care.
'Indoor cyclamens are known for their colourful blooms and long flowering season, and with the right care, these plants can not only look healthy and full for several months, but for years,' says David Denyer, flower expert at Eflorist.
You'll need to learn how to grow cyclamen indoors first, though. We've put together an indoor cyclamen care guide to help you get the most out of these cheerful winter blooms.
David Denyer is a two-time Florist of the Year and six-time Chelsea Gold Medalist at Eflorist. With over 35 years of floristry experience, David has captivated global audiences with his artistic talent, creativity, and passion. He has become a well-celebrated and influential figure in the industry, solidifying his reputation with appearances on the renowned television show Gardeners’ World.
Where to grow cyclamen indoors
First, you'll need to work out the best place to grow your cyclamen plant.
'They thrive in bright, indirect light and cooler temperatures, around 10-18°C, so an ideal location would be near an east-facing window,' says David.
So, we've got the perfect spot sorted – but what about the places you should avoid growing cyclamen indoors?
'When considering the location for your cyclamen, avoid placing them near heat sources or in direct sunlight, and also away from frosty windows and cold draughts,' says David. So, make sure you keep your cyclamen plant away from radiators or draughty spots.
Do bear in mind that cyclamen is toxic, so make sure you keep the plant away from pets and children.
How to water indoor cyclamen
Another key element of learning how to grow cyclamen indoors is watering your plant correctly.
David says it's best to water cyclamen once every week, but make sure you allow the soil to dry out between each watering. 'A great tip is to touch the top of the soil with your fingers to check the moisture levels, and if it's dry, it's time to give it a water,' he explains. If you're wondering why your cyclamen is drooping, that's a good sign that it needs water, too.
Before you reach for the watering can, though, there's a more effective way of watering cyclamen – from the bottom.
'Keep the soil slightly damp by watering from below,' says Monique Kemperman, lead PR and campaign manager at the Flower Council of Holland. 'Allow the plant to absorb water from a saucer at room temperature, then remove the excess.'
It's also important to make sure there's enough moisture in the air around the plant.
'Cyclamen thrives in humid environments, so consider placing a tray of water and stones nearby,' advises Andrew Porwol, seasoned garden and landscape expert and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre.
Deadheading
Deadheading is central to indoor cyclamen care. Not only will it keep your plant healthy, but it can also encourage it to flower for longer.
'Remove wilted flowers and leaves regularly to encourage new growth,' Monique advises.
It's also a good idea to remove any yellowing leaves. 'Give them a gentle twist and pull them away from the base of the plant to prevent mould growth,' says David.
Where to buy indoor cyclamen
FAQs
What do you do with cyclamen after they have finished flowering?
If you want your cyclamen plant to bounce back next year, there are a few important steps to take after it finishes flowering.
'When the plant finishes flowering, it enters a dormant phase where the leaves turn yellow, so giving it the correct care during this time increases the chance of it blooming once again,' explains flower expert David. 'During the dormant phase, stop watering the cyclamen and move it into a cool, dry place in your house, such as a cupboard.'
You'll only need to water the plant occasionally during its dormant phase.
'After a few months, you can re-pot the tuber in fresh soil and resume watering to encourage new growth and flowers – typically, in autumn,' David adds.
How long do indoor cyclamen last?
Cyclamen is a perennial plant, meaning it can last years with the right care. But what about the flowers?
'With proper care, cyclamen typically last around eight weeks indoors, but they can bloom for several months in the right conditions,' says Monique from Flower Council of Holland.
Now you know how to grow cyclamen indoors, you can look forward to cheerful heart-shaped blooms each winter.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Sophie joined the Ideal Home team as Gardens Editor in June 2024. After studying English at Royal Holloway, University of London, she began writing for Grow Your Own, which spurred on her love of gardening. She's tried growing almost every vegetable under the sun, and has a soft spot for roses and dinnerplate dahlias.
As Gardens Editor, Sophie's always on the lookout for the latest garden trend. She loves sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies.
-
Sorry, open shelving, but this is the beautiful and practical storage trend taking over kitchens in 2025
A freestanding pantry is one of the most practical trends to emerge this year
By Charlotte Boyd
-
Aldi has launched an air fryer in 2025's biggest colour trend - and it's only £30
We're seeing this colour everywhere right now, and Aldi nails it
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I just bought my first home, and this £10 buy was the very first thing I bought for it to make it feel warmer and secure
If I did it all again, this would still be my very first buy
By Rebecca Knight
-
B&M has nailed 2025's breakout garden furniture trend - it's one of the most affordable and stylish I've seen
Get the luxe look for less
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I was shocked to discover a treasure-trove of designer-look garden furniture at La Redoute on sale right now – 6 chic standouts
Give your garden that high-end look
By Sara Hesikova
-
Lidl garden range includes a genius hack to instantly make a patio look more expensive – and it's only £17
Is your patio decking looking a little tired? We suggest you head to your nearest Lidl right away
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Aldi's BBQ top pizza oven is back in time for summer – and it's even cheaper than last year
Any budding dough-spinners would be foolish to miss out on this bargain buy
By Kezia Reynolds
-
George Home's curved garden furniture collection has nailed this year’s hottest seating trend – these are our top picks from the collection
It's both comfortable and stylish
By Kezia Reynolds
-
IKEA's mini greenhouse has just launched in a stunning on-trend colourway – and it's only £15
The striking new blue colourway is perfect for seeing in the spring in style
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Habitat is selling the perfect lookalike for IKEA’s stylish garden furniture set – and it’s £870 cheaper!
IKEA's HAVSTEN outdoor furniture is sleek and stylish but not cheap by any means – but we've found an alternative
By Sara Hesikova
-
Social media can’t get enough of the striking Dunelm Santorini egg chair - but I’ve found a cheaper alternative at QVC that looks just as good
QVC seriously needs to be on your radar for some of the best stylish and comfortable garden furniture this summer
By Kezia Reynolds