At a glance
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Typical interval
- Very sparingly while resting (summer)
When the soil dries during active growth (winter) - Climate
- 15–20 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Cyclamen persicum
When and how much water
Water Cyclamen when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry while it is growing. After flowering it may enter summer dormancy. Keep it bright and cool, and water very sparingly or let the soil dry while it rests.
When new growth starts again, increase watering gradually. Let excess drain and never leave the pot standing in water. Use soil moisture and active growth, not a fixed calendar, to decide when to water.
Light and placement
Cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed Cyclamen every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Cyclamen is comfortable between 15 and 20 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full Cyclamen toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How should I water Cyclamen during dormancy?
Water your Cyclamen when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry while it is growing. After flowering it may rest in summer, so keep it bright and cool and water very sparingly. Increase watering gradually when new growth starts. There is no reliable fixed day schedule.
How much light does a Cyclamen need?
Cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Cyclamen safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains saponins (concentrated in tubers). Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep Cyclamen out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like money tree, rattlesnake plant, African violet, or Christmas cactus.
Why are my Cyclamen’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Cyclamen, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, mushy tuber, or crown rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see wilting leaves, drooping flowers, or limp foliage instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · soil · moisture · position · under-glass context
- Iowa State University Extension and OutreachLight · temperature · watering · fertilizer · dormancy · repotting
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of ExtensionLight · temperature · water · humidity · fertilizer · pests and symptoms
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlCyclamen spp. pet-safety record · not species-exact for Cyclamen persicum
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
