What is a cyclamen?
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), commonly called the florist’s cyclamen or Persian cyclamen, is a tuberous perennial in the primrose family native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is grown for its dramatically reflexed flowers — petals swept back like a shuttlecock — that bloom prolifically in autumn and winter in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. A well-grown plant can carry dozens of blooms at once, making it one of the showiest cool-season houseplants available. It grows from a flat tuber that sits just at or slightly above the soil surface.
How much light does a cyclamen need?
Cyclamen prefers bright, indirect light — a north- or east-facing windowsill in winter is ideal. Direct summer sun scorches the patterned leaves, while deep shade shortens the flowering period. Because cyclamen blooms in autumn and winter, the natural softer light of those seasons suits it well. Keep it away from south-facing glass in summer, and if you move it outdoors during dormancy, find a shaded spot.
How do you water a cyclamen without killing it?
The safest method is bottom watering. Set the pot in a saucer of room-temperature water for about 20 minutes, let the compost absorb what it needs, then drain the saucer completely. Never let water sit on the tuber or the crown — the stem base rots quickly. Between waterings, let the top of the compost dry out. In active growth (autumn through spring) this usually means watering every 5–7 days; in dormancy, stop almost entirely.
What temperature does a cyclamen need indoors?
Cyclamen is a cool-season plant and blooms best between 50–65°F (10–18°C). A warm living room above 68°F accelerates flower drop and shortens blooming time significantly. The ideal spot is a cool, bright windowsill — away from radiators, fireplaces, and heat vents. A drop to 40–45°F at night is tolerated and even encouraged. This makes cyclamen an excellent plant for unheated but frost-free rooms, conservatories, or porches in mild climates.
Why did my cyclamen go dormant and is it dead?
If leaves yellow and the plant collapses in late spring or early summer, it is almost certainly entering its natural summer dormancy — it is not dead. Cyclamen tubers evolved in climates with hot, dry summers and survive by going dormant. Reduce watering gradually, let the foliage die back completely, then store the pot on its side in a cool shaded spot (a garage or shed is fine) from around June to August. Resume watering in late August and new growth will emerge.
Is cyclamen toxic to pets?
Yes — the ASPCA lists cyclamen as toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins throughout, with the highest concentration in the tuber. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea; large amounts of tuber material have been linked to cardiac arrhythmia and seizures. Keep plants on high shelves or in rooms that pets cannot access.