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Indoor plant care

Persian Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

• LightPersian Cyclamen grows best in bright, indirect light…
• WaterWater Persian Cyclamen when the topsoil feels dry. Check…
• ToxicityToxic to pets
• Mature sizeIt eventually reaches 6 to 19 inches /…

Persian Cyclamen is a tuberous perennial valued for fragrant flowers from fall through late spring. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves often carry silver or gray marbling. The flowers and patterned foliage make it useful for cool indoor displays. It suits growers who can provide bright filtered light, careful watering, and cooler conditions than most tropical houseplants prefer.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Persian Cyclamen grows best in bright, indirect light between 150 and 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

• Place it around 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west, or east-facing window.
• Keep it out of an open sky view. Filter unavoidable direct sun with a sheer curtain.
• Excess light can scorch the leaves and flowers. Too little light reduces growth and blooming.
• A PAR meter or PAR meter app can check photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).

Watering

Water Persian Cyclamen when the topsoil feels dry. Check the mix before each watering rather than relying on a fixed schedule, since cool conditions slow moisture loss.

• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
• Water thoroughly and let the excess escape through the drainage holes. Wait until dripping stops before returning the pot to a saucer or decorative planter.
• A container with drainage holes is essential. Constantly wet soil can rot the tuber and roots, while severe dryness can wilt flowers and crisp the leaves.
• Water considerably less in winter when the plant is not actively growing. Continue checking the root zone so it does not remain saturated.

Soil

Choose an organic all-purpose potting mix with reliable drainage. Persian Cyclamen needs some moisture around its roots but should never remain waterlogged near the tuber.

• DIY mix: combine 3 parts coir with 1 part pumice.
• Add worm castings as a top dressing rather than making the mix overly rich.

Feeding

Feed with an organic all-purpose fertiliser every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Apply it at the label strength to damp soil. Avoid excessive fertiliser, which may encourage weak growth or damage roots. Pause feeding when growth is inactive.

Temperature & humidity

Persian Cyclamen prefers cool conditions from 60 to 68 °F / 15 to 20 °C. Keep it away from warm vents and sudden heat. Maintain humidity between 50 and 60%, while allowing enough airflow around the leaves and flowers.

What to expect

Persian Cyclamen may need 2 to 5 years to mature. It eventually reaches 6 to 19 inches / 15 to 48 cm in height. Its mature spread is also 6 to 19 inches / 15 to 48 cm. Size varies by cultivar.

Varieties & cultivars

• C. persicum ‘Victoria’: Ruffled white flowers have deep pink edges. The compact habit works well in indoor pots.
• C. persicum ‘Miracle’: This robust cultivar has vivid red flowers and a long bloom period, making it popular for winter displays.
• C. persicum ‘Sierra’: A vigorous, strongly fragrant form with large flowers in white, pink, and red.
• C. persicum ‘Laser’: Deep magenta flowers rise above dark green leaves with silver markings. It stays compact and blooms freely.
• C. persicum ‘Metis’: A miniature cultivar with small, delicate flowers in several colors, suited to small pots and indoor displays.