Cyclamen persicum aka Florist's Cyclamen

Taxonomy

The Persian Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a popular flowering herbaceous perennial plant characterized by heart-shaped leaves and gentle flowers in pink, white, red, or purple colors. Native to the Mediterranean regions, it is commonly seen in florist shops. It can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and wide and is found growing in rocky hillsides, shrubland, and woodland up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in the South-Central Turkey, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, Algeria, Tunisia, and some of the Greek islands. To thrive, it needs regular watering and should be located less than 3 feet from a window to receive abundant sunlight. Be aware that the Persian Cyclamen is toxic to animals and humans.

Common names

Florist's Cyclamen, Cyclamen, Persian Cyclamen

How to care for Florist's Cyclamen

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Florist's Cyclamen will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

Florist's Cyclamen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Florist's Cyclamen loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Florist's Cyclamen requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Cyclamen is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Florist's Cyclamen is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Florist's Cyclamen does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Florist's Cyclamen should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Florist's Cyclamen as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Florist's Cyclamen’s native range is Europe and the Mediterranean.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Florist's Cyclamen with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia