Persian Cyclamen
Primulaceae HERB INDOOR Placement

Persian Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

Identified By Unknown Guest

Cyclamen persicum is a popular flowering perennial known for its distinctive swept-back petals and beautifully patterned, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in cooler indoor environments and blooms during the winter and spring months.

Also known as: Florist's Cyclamen Sowbread

Safety Warnings

Toxic to Pets: Contains triterpenoid saponins which are toxic to cats and dogs, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially heart rhythm abnormalities if ingested.
Toxic to Humans: Ingestion of tubers or leaves can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pregnancy Risk: Toxic compounds in the plant can cause systemic poisoning and should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 15 - 30 cm
Width 15 - 30 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Care Level Moderate
Lifespan Perennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature 10°C - 18°C
Sunlight Hours 4 - 6 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH 6 - 7
Watering Interval 5 - 10 days
Humidity 50.00% - 70.00%
USDA Zone 9 - 11

Mediterranean Climate

Climate: Mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

Soils: Loam Peat Chalk
Annual Rainfall: 400 - 800 mm

Native Regions

Middle East
Eastern Mediterranean

Care Guide

Watering

Water from the bottom or around the edge of the pot to avoid getting the center tuber wet, which can cause rotting. Let the top soil dry slightly between waterings.

Sunlight

Provide bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct hot sunlight which can scorch the leaves and fade the blooms.

Soil and Fertilizer

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the active growing and flowering season.

Pruning

Regularly remove spent flowers and yellowed leaves by gently pulling them cleanly away from the base of the tuber to encourage continuous blooming and prevent rot.

Propagation Methods

Seed

Sow seeds in late summer in darkness at a temperature of around 15-18°C. Germination typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Common Diseases & Pests

Gray Mold

Fungal
Symptoms:

Gray, fuzzy fungal growth on leaves, stems, and flowers, often caused by high humidity and poor air circulation.

Treatment:

Remove affected parts immediately, improve air circulation, and apply a suitable bio-fungicide if necessary.

Prevention:

Avoid overhead watering, keep foliage dry, and ensure good spacing and ventilation around the plant.

Root Rot

Fungal
Symptoms:

Yellowing leaves, wilted stems, and mushy, dark roots or tuber base.

Treatment:

Cut away rotted roots, repot in fresh, sterile, well-draining soil, and reduce watering frequency.

Prevention:

Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and never let the plant sit in standing water.

OTHER PLANTS

Sycamore Maple

Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as the sycamore maple, is a large deciduous tree native to central Europe and southwestern Asia. It is widely planted in parks and gardens for its dense foliage and imposing size.

European Elder

European Elder

Sambucus nigra is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to most of Europe and North America. It is a large deciduous shrub or small tree bearing clusters of white flowers followed by small black or blue-black berries.

Majestic Palm

Majestic Palm

The Majestic Palm is a popular indoor and outdoor palm featuring graceful, arching fronds and a smooth trunk. Native to Madagascar, it thrives in high humidity and moist, well-draining soil.

Kentia Palm

Kentia Palm

The Kentia Palm is a popular, elegant indoor and outdoor palm known for its graceful, drooping dark green fronds. It is exceptionally hardy, adaptable to low light levels, and makes a stunning architectural statement.

Flaming Katy

Flaming Katy

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a popular, easy-to-care-for succulent houseplant known for its dark green, scalloped leaves and clusters of long-lasting colorful flowers.

Swedish Ivy

Swedish Ivy

Swedish Ivy is a popular indoor trailing houseplant known for its glossy, scalloped green leaves and vigorous growth habit. Despite its common name, it is native to Southeast Africa rather than Sweden.

Persian Cyclamen

Persian Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum is a popular flowering perennial known for its distinctive swept-back petals and beautifully patterned, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in cooler indoor environments and blooms during the winter and spring months.

Chinese Money Plant

Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as the Chinese money plant, is a popular indoor houseplant known for its distinct flat, round, peltate green leaves on long petioles. It is easy to care for and propagates readily.

Garden Pink

Garden Pink

Dianthus is a popular genus of flowering plants known for their vibrant, often fringed petals and charming spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves. They are hardy garden favorites that thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil.

Hoary Stock

Hoary Stock

Matthiola incana, commonly known as hoary stock or simply stock, is a popular garden flower known for its vibrant, intensely fragrant blossoms that bloom in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.

Weigela

Weigela

Weigela is a genus of deciduous shrubs belonging to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. They are known for their trumpet-shaped pink, red, or white flowers that bloom profusely in spring and early summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are woody plants characterized by shrubby growth and clusters of vibrant flowers. They thrive in acidic soils and partial shade.

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is a tropical perennial plant native to eastern Africa, known for its shiny, dark green leaves and exceptional tolerance to neglect and low-light conditions.

Wandering Jew

Wandering Jew

Tradescantia zebrina is a species of plant in the commelina family native to Mexico. It is widely grown as a houseplant and popular for its trailing stems and attractive striped leaves.

Cockscomb

Cockscomb

Celosia cristata, commonly known as cockscomb, is a fascinating annual plant famous for its brightly colored, velvety flower heads that resemble a rooster's comb or a brain. They thrive in warm weather and add a striking splash of color to gardens and floral arrangements.

Barbados Gooseberry

Barbados Gooseberry

Pereskia aculeata, commonly known as the Barbados gooseberry or lemon vine, is a unique leafy cactus species that grows as a scrambling vine or shrub. Unlike most cacti, it possesses true leaves and produces edible fruits.

Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum is a species of woody plant native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia. Many different cultivars of this maple have been selected and are grown worldwide for their large variety of attractive shapes, colors, and sizes.

Victorian Box

Victorian Box

Pittosporum undulatum is a small to medium-sized tree native to eastern Australia, widely cultivated for its glossy evergreen foliage and sweetly scented white flowers.

Kaffir Lime

Kaffir Lime

Kaffir Lime is a tropical fruit tree native to tropical Asia, widely known for its distinct double-lobed leaves and intensely aromatic zest and leaves used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema 'Pink Siam' is a stunning tropical foliage plant known for its vibrant pink and green leaves. It is exceptionally popular as an indoor houseplant due to its beauty and ease of care.

Echeveria

Echeveria

Echeveria is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, native to semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America. They are popular ornamental container plants known for their rosette-forming succulent leaves.

Wild Violet

Wild Violet

Viola sororia, commonly known as the common blue violet, is a short-stemmed herbaceous perennial plant native to eastern North America. It is well known for its heart-shaped leaves and attractive purple, blue, or white flowers.

Swiss Cheese Vine

Swiss Cheese Vine

Monstera adansonii is a popular tropical vine known for its characteristic leaf holes, known as fenestrations. It makes a stunning indoor houseplant, often trained to climb on a pole or trellis.

Pygmy Date Palm

Pygmy Date Palm

Phoenix roebelenii, the pygmy date palm, is a species of palm native to southeastern Asia. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions, and as an indoor plant in cooler climates.