Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

houseplant

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Cyclamen persicum is a winter-blooming indoor plant known for its delicate, butterfly-like flowers that range from white to pink, red, and purple, held above attractive mottled foliage. This temperate plant prefers cool conditions and is often grown as a seasonal houseplant during autumn and winter months. The flowers and ornamental leaves make it a popular choice for holiday displays and winter color indoors.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Cyclamen is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Dropping Leaveschevron_right

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Root Rotchevron_right

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Brown Tipschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Prefers bright, indirect light. Keep away from direct hot sun but ensure sufficient light to promote flowering. A north or east-facing window is ideal.

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Water

Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; use the bottom-watering method by placing the pot on a tray of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture from below. Avoid wetting the crown or leaves to prevent rot and disease.

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Soil

Use well-draining, peat-based or loam-based potting soil with added perlite. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot and tuber decay.

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Fertiliser

Feed every 2–3 weeks during the flowering season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding as the plant enters dormancy in late spring.

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Temperature

Thrives in cool conditions between 50–65°F (10–18°C); growth slows and flowers drop in temperatures above 70°F (21°C). Protect from heat and ensure good air circulation.

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Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity (50–70%). Increase humidity by placing on a pebble tray with water, but do not mist the plant directly to avoid crown rot.

Toxicity

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Toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Mildly toxic to children; the tuber is the most toxic part. Keep out of reach of pets and young children.

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Cyclamen wilting and dying back in summer?

This is normal dormancy — Cyclamen is a cool-season bloomer that naturally goes dormant in the heat of summer. Reduce watering drastically once leaves yellow and die back, then resume care in autumn as new growth emerges.

Why do my Cyclamen leaves and flowers keep rotting at the base?

Overhead watering or misting is usually the cause — water should only be applied at the soil level or via the bottom-watering method, since moisture sitting on the crown or tuber quickly leads to rot in this plant.