Persian cyclamen
A tuberous cool-season perennial with silver-patterned heart-shaped leaves and swept-back flowers, ideal as a bright windowsill tabletop plant.
Bright LightCompact ScaleTabletop PlantToxic to Pets
Ornamental, Fragrant, Medicinalalso known as: cyclamen, Florist's cyclamen
Assessment
Is This For Me?
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Light ExposureinfoIndoor light recommendation based on the plant's native habitat. "Bright indirect" means near a window but shielded from direct rays.
Bright Indirect To Some Direct — Morning sun is beneficial. Avoid midday scorch.
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Watering HabitinfoHow forgiving this plant is when you miss a watering or accidentally overwater. High tolerance means more room for error.
High — Water when soil surface is dry.
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Maintenance DifficultyinfoOverall ease of care rating. Beginner-friendly plants communicate their needs clearly through visible signs.
Medium — Needs basic observation skills.
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Spatial RequirementinfoExpected mature size in a typical indoor environment. Actual size depends on light, pot size, and growing conditions.
Compact — Best for Bedroom, Living Room.
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Seasonal BehaviourinfoHow this plant's growth changes with the seasons. Use this to adjust your care routine throughout the year.
Cool Season Grower — Grows best in cooler months. May struggle in peak summer heat. Drops all leaves in its off-season — this is normal, not a danger sign.
thermostat
Temperature NeedsinfoThis range represents the plant's survival tolerance. Optimal growing temperatures are typically 5-10°C higher than the minimum.
18°C – 24°C — Warm-Loving — Keep warm — sensitive to cold drafts and temperature drops.
Appearance & Space
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Leaf Size
infoBetween 5 and 20 cm — the most common range for houseplants. Think peace lily or Chinese evergreen.Medium
texture
Leaf Surface
infoA gentle, soft sheen rather than a mirror finish. Subtle glow under indoor lighting.Semi Gloss
texture
Leaf Texture
infoPlump and water-filled — press gently and it feels spongy. Designed to store moisture.Succulent
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Leaf Shape
infoA clear notch at the base gives a heart outline. Romantic and instantly recognisable.Heart Shaped
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Leaf Type
infoOne continuous leaf blade, even if it has holes or shallow lobes (like Monstera).Simple
crop_portrait
Visual Form
infoA low, compact dome shape — small enough for desks and shelves.Mounding
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Foliage Density
infoPartially filled — some gaps but overall good coverage. A natural, balanced look.Moderate
palette
Variegation
infoColours swirl together in soft, cloud-like patches with no hard edges between them.Marbled
Size Gauge
Height
Compact / Desk (0.3m)
Spread
Narrow (0.3m)
Display Position
Tabletop, Windowsill
Perfect for
Living Room, Bedroom, Sunroom, Indoor
Color Palette
Deep Green
Silver Gray
Core Care Logic
01
How Often to Water
Let the soil dry out almost completely before watering again. When in doubt, wait two more days.
02
Finding the Right Light
Close to a window with a few hours of gentle morning sun. A sheer curtain helps soften harsh afternoon rays.
03
Choosing the Right Soil
Go for a chunky, open mix — think orchid bark, perlite, and a bit of horticultural charcoal. Avoid dense, peat-heavy soils.
04
Temperature & Humidity
Prefers it on the warm side, 18–24°C. Keep away from cold windowsills in winter. No humidity concerns — normal indoor air is perfectly fine.
05
What to Expect
This is a steady, moderate grower — repot every couple of years and mostly takes care of itself. Just remove the occasional yellow leaf.
What Makes It Special
Winter-blooming tuberous perennial with distinctive dormancy pattern - flowers fall to spring, dormant summer
auto_awesomeHeart-shaped leaves with silver/gray marbling patterns
auto_awesomeDelightfully fragrant flowers in white, pink, or deep carmine
Botanical Archive
Primulaceae · Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum Mill.
Algeria, Cyprus, East Aegean Is.
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Botanical Archive
Primulaceae · Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum Mill.
Algeria, Cyprus, East Aegean Is.
Storage and Survival Organ
Tuber
How this plant survives unfavorable seasons
Seasonal Growth Cycle
Seasonal Cool Active
When to expect new growth and feed actively
Clonal Spread
Basal Offsets
How this plant naturally expands in a pot
Root Sensitivity
Medium
How carefully you should handle roots during repotting
Attachment Strategy
Terrestrial
How this plant anchors itself in its native environment
Root System
Shallow Fibrous
The structure and behavior of the root system
Light Ecology
Dappled Partial
The light environment this plant evolved to thrive in
Growth Habit
Herbaceous Dieback
How persistent and structural the plant tissue is