Cyclamen Persicum
Delicate, Upswept Petals

Cyclamen persicum makes a beautiful accent to display indoors during its mid-winter blooming season. Brightly colored flowers bloom from upright stems growing from the center of the plant.

The backswept petals come in soft shades of pink and lilac, as well as vibrant red, darker maroon, or bright white. New flowers replace older old ones for two months or longer. Cyclamen flowers are surrounded by marbled green heart-shaped leaves.

Although Cyclamen begin to fade in the spring, they can be brought back to bloom again. Allow the foliage to dry until it withers (usually in late spring). Clip off the old foliage. Place the dormant plant in a cool, dark location for three months. Only provide enough water to keep the roots from drying out completely.

In late summer, you can return the plant to a bright location. As soon as new growth appears, repot the plant in fresh soil. Resume regular watering and feeding routine. Flowers will reappear in two to three months.

Cyclamen Persicum
Tips for Houseplant Care

Light

Bright light – one to two hours of direct sunlight during winter.

Temperature

Cool Temperatures year-round (60 - 70°F / 16 / 21°C). Cyclamen can tolerate cold temperatures to 40°F / 4°C.

Fertilizer

Fertilize every two weeks with a high-phosphorous plant food mixed at ½ the normal strength.

Water

Keep plant lightly moist at all times. You can water Cyclamen using two methods:

By placing the pot in a shallow container filled with tepid water for fifteen to thirty minutes.

Water soil from the top – avoid getting water in the plant’s crown.

Soil

A high-quality potting soil is sufficient.

Repotting

Repot in fresh potting soil soon after you purchase or receive the plant. Repot again after the Cyclamen’s resting period – before new growth starts in late summer.

Longevity

Six months to several years – depending on care and plant health. Dispose of plants that show spindly growth or signs of pest problems.

Propagation

While Cyclamen persicum can be propagated from seeds, it is easier to purchase new plants. Seeds are slow to grow.

Selections

Varieties vary in size and bloom color.

Display Tips

Display in a sunny location such as a window or sunroom.

Growing Cyclamen in the Garden

Cyclamen should be planted in a semi-shady area of the garden or landscape in August or September. The corms should be planted 2 inches deep and spaced six inches apart in soil that is slightly alkaline.

Be aware that different varieties of hardy Cyclamen may root from either the bottom or top of the corm. When you plant the corm, make sure that the appropriate side is facing up.

Cyclamen Persicum – Solutions to Common Problems

Leaves and flower stems collapse.

Cause - Dry Soil.

Solution - Cyclamens are prone to fainting spells when their roots dry out. Water as soon as possible – plant should recover quickly. Pinch off any stems or flowers that fail to recover. If you are not able to water plants for a few days, move them out of the sun until you return. This will help them to retain water.

Oldest leaves shrivel and turn yellow.

Cause - Aging caused by warm temperatures.

Solution -  Move plant to a cool location at night. Remove old leaves as they fail. Feed and water plant regularly.

Mold appears near on the soil’s surface.

Cause - Gray mold or stem rot.

Solution - Cyclamens are at risk for fungal diseases that affect the crown of the plant due to the cool, moist conditions they require to thrive. Do your best to keep the crown dry by water the plant from the bottom, or drip water just inside the edges of the container. Removing old flower stems and leaves will improve air circulation.

Badly affected plants should be discarded.

Leaves are limp and pale. A webby material appears on the undersides of the leaves.

Cause - Spider mites or Cyclamen mites.

Solution - Isolate the plant as soon as you discover the infestation. You can try to save the infested plant by removing the affected leaves or treating the plant with a neem-based insecticide; however, chances are the plant will not recover and will need to be discarded.