Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum
Cyclamen is a tuberous perennial famous for its swept-back, butterfly-like flowers and heart-shaped, silver-marbled leaves. The florist's cyclamen blooms through the cool months, going dormant in summer heat.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep moist while growing; water from below
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Cyclamen are tuberous perennials in the primrose family, instantly recognizable by their upswept petals that look like tiny shuttlecocks held above patterned foliage. The popular florist's cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum, is sold widely as a winter-flowering houseplant and gift plant.
Unlike most plants, cyclamen are dormant in summer and active in cool weather, flowering from autumn through spring. Hardy species such as C. hederifolium and C. coum are grown outdoors in mild climates for naturalizing under trees.
How to identify it
The reflexed flowers and marbled leaves are key.
- Flowers: solitary, held above the leaves on slender stems; five petals sharply swept upward and back, in white, pink, red or purple
- Leaves: heart- or kidney-shaped, often beautifully patterned with silver or pewter marbling
- Tuber: flattened, rounded underground storage organ from which leaves and flowers arise
- Size: typically 6-9 inches tall as a houseplant
Care & growing
Cyclamen want cool temperatures and dislike soggy crowns.
- Light: bright, indirect light; avoid hot direct sun
- Water: keep evenly moist during growth, watering from below to keep the tuber crown dry; reduce sharply as leaves yellow
- Soil: light, well-drained, peaty mix; the top of the tuber should sit slightly above soil
- Temperature: thrives at 50-65 F; heat triggers dormancy
- Feeding: dilute low-nitrogen feed every few weeks while in growth
- Dormancy: let it dry off in summer, then resume watering in early fall
- Propagation: from seed; tubers do not divide well
Habitat & origin
Cyclamen persicum is native to rocky hillsides, scrub and woodland of the eastern Mediterranean, including Greece, Turkey, the Levant and parts of North Africa.
Other species range across the Mediterranean basin and into the Caucasus. Hardy types are naturalized in woodland gardens, while the florist's cyclamen is grown worldwide as a seasonal indoor plant.
Uses & benefits
Cyclamen is grown purely as an ornamental, valued for color during the dull months.
- Indoor: a classic winter-flowering houseplant and holiday gift plant
- Garden: hardy species naturalize under deciduous trees, providing autumn and late-winter color
- Caution: the tubers contain toxic saponins (the old name 'sowbread' refers to pigs eating them); all parts are poisonous to pets and people if eaten
Frequently asked questions
Why are my cyclamen leaves turning yellow?
Often it's simply entering summer dormancy, which is normal. Yellowing can also signal too much heat or overwatering. Keep it cool and water from below.
How do I water cyclamen without rotting it?
Water from the bottom by setting the pot in a tray, or pour around the rim, keeping the crown of the tuber dry. Let excess drain away.
Is my cyclamen dead after it loses all its leaves?
Usually not. It's going dormant. Keep the tuber barely moist and cool through summer, then resume watering in fall to restart growth.
Are cyclamen safe around pets?
No. The tubers especially contain toxic saponins that are harmful to cats and dogs. Keep them out of reach.
Cyclamen guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Cyclamen.
