Cyclamen Plant Care

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Cyclamen genus. Cyclamen is native to rocky hillsides, shrubland, and woodland up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level, from south-central Turkey to the Levant. Cyclamen is also known as Florist's Cyclamen, Persian Cyclamen, Common Cyclamen.

Cyclamen displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Cyclamen produces unique swept-back petals in shades of pink, red, white or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cyclamen every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cyclamen thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cyclamen in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cyclamen persicum tolerates temperatures of 50–65°F. Cyclamen prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with good organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Cyclamen to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cyclamen every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with good organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cyclamen is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cyclamen can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cyclamen while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cyclamen is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cyclamen can be propagated through seeds, division of tubers.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cyclamen is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, cyclamen mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cyclamen grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cyclamen is native to rocky hillsides, shrubland, and woodland up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level, from south-central Turkey to the Levant. In cooler regions, grow Cyclamen as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.