Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum
Winter-flowering tuber with swept-back butterfly-like blooms in white, pink, red, or purple above heart-shaped silver-marbled leaves. Blooms from autumn through spring when most houseplants are dormant. Goes dormant in summer.
Best rooms for cyclamen
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for cyclamen
Cool temperatures (10-15°C) are essential — keep away from radiators. Water from below when the compost surface dries, avoiding the tuber crown. Deadhead spent flowers by twisting and pulling the entire stem. When foliage yellows in late spring, reduce watering and rest the tuber dry over summer.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Seed (slow — takes 15+ months to flower)
- Tuber division (risky)
Toxicity
Tubers are particularly toxic. Causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart rhythm abnormalities if ingested by pets.
Common problems
- Collapsing in warm rooms above 20°C
- Botrytis (grey mould) in humid conditions
- Tuber rot from overhead watering
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