Florist's Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a classic, jewel-toned houseplant beloved for its elegant swept-back petals and beautifully marbled, silver-patterned foliage. Blooming prolifically through the cooler months of autumn and winter, it brings a welcome burst of colour indoors when little else is at its best — a true seasonal favourite.

Habit & Appearance

A compact, mounding perennial grown from a flattened corm, Cyclamen persicum produces a dense rosette of heart-shaped, dark green leaves intricately marked with silver and grey patterning. Above the foliage, slender stems carry a succession of nodding flowers with reflexed, butterfly-like petals in shades ranging from pure white and soft blush through to rich cerise, salmon, and deep red — many with a contrasting eye at the centre. It is a naturally long-flowering plant, capable of producing blooms continuously for many weeks through the winter season.

Growing Conditions

Best grown in cool, bright conditions indoors — a well-lit windowsill away from direct harsh sunlight suits it perfectly. Cyclamen persicum thrives in temperatures between 10–18°C and dislikes the heat of central heating, so avoid placing it near radiators, fireplaces, or draughty spots. A cool hallway, porch, or unheated but frost-free room can extend its flowering season considerably. Outdoors, it can be enjoyed in a sheltered patio position during mild spells, but must be brought inside before any risk of frost.

Plant into a free-draining, humus-rich compost and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. The corm should sit slightly proud of the compost surface rather than being buried deeply. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which quickly lead to corm rot.

Care

Water carefully and consistently to keep the compost just moist, but never saturated. The best method is to water from below — stand the pot in a tray of water for around 30 minutes, then allow it to drain fully. This avoids wetting the corm and crown, which can cause rotting. Allow the surface of the compost to dry slightly between waterings. Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser while in active growth and flower.

Deadhead spent blooms and yellowing leaves promptly by gently twisting and pulling the entire stem away cleanly at the base — do not cut, as stumps can rot and spread to the corm. This encourages the plant to continue producing fresh flowers throughout the season.

After Flowering

Once flowering finishes in late spring, gradually reduce watering to allow the plant to enter summer dormancy. Store the corm in its pot in a cool, dry place over summer. In early autumn, repot into fresh compost, resume careful watering, and return the plant to a cool bright position to encourage a new cycle of growth and flowers.