Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicumAlso known as: Florist's Cyclamen, Persian Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a stunning flowering plant known for its upswept, butterfly-like blooms and heart-shaped leaves with silver marbling. Native to the Mediterranean region, it naturally blooms in cooler months, making it a popular holiday gift plant. It grows from a tuber and goes dormant in summer.

Moderate Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
50-65°F (10-18°C)

Ideal Temp
60°F (16°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 7-10 days, water when soil surface is dry
Summer	Reduce watering as plant goes dormant - keep barely moist
Fall	Resume regular watering as growth resumes
Winter	Every 5-7 days during active blooming, keep soil evenly moist

Water from below to avoid crown rot. Never let water sit on the tuber.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Not recommended - can cause crown rot
Summer	Not needed during dormancy
Fall	Not recommended
Winter	Not recommended - place on pebble tray instead for humidity

Prefers humidity but avoid wetting leaves and flowers. Use a pebble tray.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with half-strength liquid fertilizer
Summer	No fertilizing during dormancy
Fall	Every 2 weeks as growth resumes
Winter	Every 2 weeks during active growth and blooming

Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming.

Pruning

Frequency: Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves

Best Season: During blooming season

Twist and pull spent flowers at the base - don't cut. Remove yellowing leaves the same way.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 2 years

Best Season: Late summer before new growth

Keep tuber partially above soil line. Use well-draining, humus-rich potting mix.

Flowering

Season
Fall through spring

Color
Pink, red, white, purple, or bicolored

Elegant upswept petals resembling butterflies. Can bloom continuously for 2-3 months with proper care.

Propagation Methods

Seed propagation (slow - 12-15 months to bloom)
Division of tubers (difficult and risky)

Common Problems

Yellow leaves: Overwatering, too warm, or natural dormancy
Drooping flowers: Too warm or needs water
Crown rot: Water sitting on tuber - always water from below
No blooms: Too warm or insufficient light

Pro Tips

Keep in cool location - below 65F (18C) for longest blooms
Place near a bright, cool window away from heating vents
Can rebloom next year if allowed to go dormant in summer
Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering

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