Persian Cyclamen, Florist's Cyclamen
cyclamen persicum
Also known as: ["Sowbread","Algerian Cyclamen"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and upward-facing flowers that bloom in winter and spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Genus: | Cyclamen |
| Botanical Name: | Cyclamen persicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a cool, bright location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–18°C, cool temperatures preferred"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loose potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and sand; avoid heavy garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; remove faded flowers immediately after blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in summer to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to avoid scorching; place in a shaded spot outdoors during summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light, partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water from the bottom to avoid wetting foliage; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, slightly alkaline potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; use a mix designed for tuberous plants.
Temperature
Cool temperatures between 50–65°F (10–18°C) during active growth; tolerate cooler nights down to 40°F (4°C).
Avoid placing near heat sources; maintain cool conditions during dormancy; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring and fall)
Reduce fertilizer in winter; apply after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
By seed or division of tubers; stem cuttings are less common and difficult.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate tubers carefully, ensure each has roots.
- Plant seeds shallowly in warm soil.
- Maintain high humidity for cuttings.
Best Time: After flowering, when the plant is entering its active growth phase (late spring to early summer).
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (65–75°F or 18–24°C) with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; seedlings require sterile seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; rooting hormone may aid stem cuttings but is rarely used.
Timeline
Seeds take 3–6 months to germinate; division can produce new plants in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil mix, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster germination; avoid disturbing young roots.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim yellow leaves close to the stem without damaging the tuber.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage reblooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Check for dead or yellowing foliage, remove spent flowers, sanitize tools, avoid cutting into the tuber.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, before the next blooming cycle begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the tuber carefully, trim any dead roots, replant at the same depth with fresh potting mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the tuber outgrows its container; necessary to refresh soil and prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage, gently remove plant, inspect roots, trim if needed, replant at proper depth, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water from the bottom, ensure drainage, avoid crown wetting, reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly into the soil at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture without saturating the crown; allow excess water to drain away completely; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce watering in winter dormancy to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like peat moss for moisture retention.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, bud drop, or stunted growth in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or leaf discoloration.
Solution: Protect from drafts and cold windows; maintain consistent cool temperatures; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and premature flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; move to a cooler location if necessary.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid summer feeding, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth (fall to spring); avoid fertilizing in summer dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCyclamen persicum is toxic to cats, with cyclamine causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The tubers are the most toxic part.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Cyclamen persicum by dogs can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to cyclamine content. The tubers pose the highest risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCyclamen persicum contains cyclamine, a glycoside that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The tubers are particularly concentrated in toxic compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Cyclamen persicum be watered?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Cyclamen persicum turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or natural dormancy after flowering.
Q: Can Cyclamen persicum be grown outdoors?
A: It can be grown outdoors in mild climates with partial shade, but it is primarily cultivated as an indoor plant in colder regions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light, partial |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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