Cyclamen care guideCyclamen persicum
Winter-flowering; popular gift plant. Ranked #48 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Cyclamen when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Cyclamen is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Cyclamen problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Mushy tuber · Crown rot · Collapsing flower stems. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Wilting leaves · Drooping flowers · Limp foliage · Crispy leaf edges. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains saponins (concentrated in tubers), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Cyclamen out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Boston fern, Kentia palm, or Money tree.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Boston fern, Kentia palm, Money tree. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
First described from the wild in 1737; every modern florist cultivar descends from those original plants collected in the mountains of Crete.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Cyclamen based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Cyclamen?
Water your Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Cyclamen need?
Cyclamen is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres 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), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Cyclamen out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Boston fern, Kentia palm, or Money tree.
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 the leaves are wilting leaves, drooping flowers, or limp foliage instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.