Cyclamen persicum
Cyclamen persicum
Florist's cyclamen
●
Taxonomy
Family Primulaceae · Genus Cyclamen
Description
Cyclamen persicum, the florist’s cyclamen, is a cool-loving, winter-blooming perennial prized for its elegant upswept petals and marbled heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in bright, cool spots indoors or in mild outdoor winters, rewarding you with long-lasting color when most plants are resting.
Common Names
Florist's cyclamenPersian cyclamenAlpine violetCyclamen
Context
nativeRegion
Eastern Mediterranean (Levant and Aegean region).
usdaZones
9–11 (outdoors); houseplant elsewhere
companionPlants
Primula (primroses), Viola (pansies), Helleborus (hellebores), Heuchera, Ferns, Hedera (ivy)
culturalUses
Popular winter gift and ornamental bedding plant in mild climates; valued for seasonal indoor color and featured in Mediterranean folklore (not for consumption).
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light indoors; bright shade outdoors. Avoid hot midday sun—cool, bright conditions extend bloom.
WateringKeep evenly moist during active growth; water from below or at the rim to keep the crown dry. Let the top 1–2 cm (½–1 in) dry between waterings. Keep almost dry in summer dormancy.
SoilVery well-draining, airy mix: peat/coir + perlite/pumice + fine bark. Slightly acidic. Plant tuber shallowly with top 1/3 exposed.
FertilizerFeed lightly every 2–4 weeks with a balanced, dilute fertilizer during growth and bloom. Do not fertilize in dormancy.
HumidityModerate humidity (40–60%). Avoid misting foliage/flowers; use a pebble tray for dryness-prone rooms.
TemperatureCool: 10–18°C (50–65°F) ideal. Above ~21°C (70°F) reduces bloom. Protect potted plants from frost; brief dips near 4°C (40°F) are tolerated if dry.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTuberous, winter-growing herbaceous perennial.
Mature Size15–30 cm tall, 15–25 cm wide (6–12 in tall, 6–10 in wide).
Growth RateModerate.
BloomingProfuse blooms late fall through spring in white, pink, red, or purple; often lightly fragrant; attractive marbled foliage.
DormancySummer dormant after flowering; foliage dies back. Keep cool and nearly dry until growth resumes in early autumn.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Tuber division (advanced; high rot risk)
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonLate summer to early fall for sowing; divide only at start of dormancy or just before growth in late summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead by gently twisting and pulling spent flower stems from the base; remove yellowing leaves to improve airflow.
RepottingRepot annually or every 1–2 years in late summer before new growth. Use a shallow pot; keep the top of the tuber above the soil line.
Pests & DiseasesCyclamen mite, aphids, thrips, spider mites, fungus gnats; botrytis (gray mold), powdery mildew, and crown/root rot from overwatering or poor airflow.
ToxicityToxic to pets and humans if ingested (saponins, highest in tubers). Can cause vomiting, diarrhea; large doses may be serious.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.