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Plant Profiles / Cyclamen
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum · Florist's cyclamen
Elegant swept-back flowers in pink, red and white above marbled leaves. A winter favourite indoors and on shaded balconies.
Bright indirectLight
From belowWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
No hot sun.
Water
From below
DryWet
Water from below when the top dries.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
10–20°C (50–68°F)
CoolWarm
Likes cool.
Growth
Moderate
SlowFast
20–30 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Fortnightly in bloom
RarelyOften
Diluted fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Tubers toxic.
About this plant
Cyclamen grow from tubers and come from the eastern Mediterranean. They flower in cool weather and go dormant in summer.
Best spots
Cool bright windowsills, shaded balconies and entryways.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Cyclamen persicum |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Origin | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Tuberous perennial |
| Mature size | 20–30 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Swept-back |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Dormant
FloweringDormant
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Yellow leaves | Too warm or dormancy. |
| Collapse | Water in crown. |
| Short bloom | Too warm. |
| Mites | Humidity. |
| Grey mould | Remove spent flowers. |
Common questions
Why dying in summer?
Normal dormancy.
Water how?
From below.
Indoor?
Cool room.
Toxic?
Yes.
