Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum
Florist's cyclamen is a cool-season bloomer with upswept petals and heart-shaped leaves marked in silver. It flowers when many houseplants rest, in colors from white to deep crimson. Keep it cool and bright, and it stays compact enough for a tabletop planter.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
Cyclamen contains cyclamine, a toxic saponin. If ingested, it can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consumption of large amounts, particularly the tubers, can lead to cardiac rhythm abnormalities and seizures.
Care Notes
Light
Set your cyclamen in bright, indirect light in a cool room. Aim for about 50–65°F (10–18°C). Keep it away from radiators, heat vents, and hot afternoon sun.
Water
Water from the bottom by setting the pot in a shallow saucer for 15–20 minutes. That keeps water off the crown, where rot starts easily. Keep the soil evenly moist while it blooms, then cut way back once dormancy begins.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining, peat-based mix. Choose a planter with drainage holes so the tuber never sits in waterlogged soil.
Humidity & Temperature
Cyclamen likes higher humidity and cool air. After blooming, yellowing leaves and dieback are normal dormancy, not failure. Move the pot somewhere cool and darker, stop fertilizing, and resume watering in late summer when you bring it back to the light.
Common Issues
Yellow leaves often mean too much heat or overwatering. Gray mold shows up when water sits on flowers and foliage, so avoid overhead watering. Drooping usually means the soil dried out or the room is too warm.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
High-potassium liquid fertilizer
Soil
Rich, well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a slightly acidic pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6 to 12 inches tall
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Seed sowing or careful division of the tuber during the dormant period.
Common Varieties
Sierra Series
Compact, heart-shaped dark green leaves with silver marbling that looks a bit like butterfly wings.
Halios
Large heart-shaped leaves with deep green centers and silvery-white marbling.
Metis
Compact, with heart-shaped foliage that shows deep green centers and contrasting silver marbling.
Lazer
A compact type with heart-shaped leaves and high-contrast silver marbling over a deep green base.
Miracle
Compact, heart-shaped dark green leaves with clear silver-white marbling.