Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) – Care, Dormancy, and Reblooming

Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Buying Tip

Buy in fall with some unopened buds for longer enjoyment.

Cyclamen is a tuberous genus with 20+ species and many hybrids. C. persicum and its hybrids are the most popular indoors. Dwarf cultivars reach only 6 inches. In nature, they grow in rocky, shrubby areas above 1000m; tender, not frost-hardy.

Foliage

Compact growth with patterned, heart-shaped leaves—attractive even without flowers. Green with silver markings or silver marble effect. Blooms sit well above foliage on long stems.

Flowers

Colorful decorative blooms in light pink, deep pink, white, red, and bicolor (dark pink edges).

Flowering and Dormancy

Often sold as annuals to discard after flowering, but they are perennials that can rebloom. With care, flowers last months. Unlike most plants (spring–fall growth), cyclamen grows fall–spring.

After flowers die and leaves yellow, the plant goes dormant in summer. Remove dying foliage, place tuber in pot with top above soil, in a cool, dark spot. Stop watering and feeding (wet soil rots tuber). When new growth appears (Sept–Dec), water thoroughly and resume normal care.

Care Level: Easy as annual; tricky to carry through dormancy for rebloom—hence many discard them.

Quick Facts

• Origin: Middle East, Greek Islands
• Common Names: Cyclamen, florist cyclamen
• Botanical Name: Cyclamen persicum
• Max Height: 12 inches
• Pet Toxicity: Toxic to cats and dogs

Variety of Flower Colors

Cyclamen Care

• Temperature: Cool 50–65°F (10–18°C) ideal; cool room without central heating prolongs flowers.
• Light: Decent light when in flower, no direct sun.
• Watering: Water when soil just dry to touch; soak pot in tepid water, drain well. Avoid water in crown.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining, moisture-retentive potting soil.
• Fertilizer: Diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks while flowering/foliage present.
• Re-potting: After flowering season, when leaves deteriorate. Leave tuber top above soil.
• Humidity: Improve with pebble tray or other methods.
• Propagation: Seed (tricky, slow); easier to buy new plants.

Common Problems

• Yellow leaves: Normal after flowering. If crown looks fine, may be too warm, too much direct sun, dry air, or underwatered.
• Short flower life: Dry/warm heat, insufficient water, or plant bloomed long before purchase.
• Soft, drooping leaves & soft crown: Overwatering—crown rot. Repot and hope, but likely fatal.