Cyclamen persicum image • Photo: Author Hanay• CC BY-SA 3.0
Cyclamen persicum is a perennial herbaceous plant growing from a corky tuber, reaching up to 32 cm (13 in) tall. It features heart-shaped fleshy leaves with lighter markings on green upper surfaces and reddish or pale green undersides. Distinctive upswept flowers bloom on individual stems, ranging from white to pale pink with magenta bases, sweetly scented in wild varieties. The plant forms subterranean capsules that self-bury through stem coiling during fruit maturation.
Plant Care Overview
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Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Cyclamen persicum
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Water when top inch of soil is dry; reduce significantly during summer dormancy
Humidity Needs
medium humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
15-20°C (59-68°F) during active growth; cooler during dormancy
Native Climate
Native to North Africa, West Asia, Southeast Europe (Turkey to Greece)
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Cyclamen persicum plants
Seeds or tuber division
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
North Africa, West Asia, Southeast Europe (Turkey to Greece)
moderate
Up to 32 cm (13 in) tall
Perennial
Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. Large ingestion of tubers can cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and death.
Toxic parts: All parts, tubers are most toxic. Contains terpenoid saponins.
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Winter to spring or autumn depending on variety
Flower Description
Five upswept petals in white/pale pink with magenta base, 3-5 cm long, fragrant in wild forms
Fun Fact
Bedouin fishermen historically used crushed tubers mixed with lime to stun and collect fish
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Cyclamen persicum
Yellowing leaves, mushy tuber base
Fine webbing on leaves, stippled discoloration
Gray mold on flowers/leaves
Varieties
Different varieties of Cyclamen persicum
Traditional winter-spring blooming form with pale pink flowers
Autumn-flowering variety adapted to cooler fall conditions
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Cyclamen persicum
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