How Often to Water a Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum · Difficulty: Moderate
Care Snapshot
| Light | Bright, indirect light; cool spot away from direct sun |
|---|---|
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Humidity | Average home humidity is fine (30-50%) |
| Temperature | 10-18°C (50-65°F); does poorly in warm rooms |
| Pet Safety | ☠️ Toxic to cats & dogs (tubers are especially toxic - can cause severe vomiting and heart problems if a large amount is eaten) |
Want a personalized schedule based on your pot size and light? Try the free watering calculator.
Signs of Overwatering
Water sitting on top of the corm (the bulb-like base) causes it to rot - always water from below or around the edge of the pot, never over the crown.
Signs of Underwatering
The heart-shaped leaves and delicate, butterfly-like flowers wilt dramatically within a day of the soil drying out.
Adjusting for the Seasons
This plant runs on an inverted schedule from most houseplants: it flowers through the cool winter months, then usually goes dormant and stops needing regular water when it warms up in late spring and summer.
Pro Tip
Water from the bottom by setting the pot in a saucer of water for 15-20 minutes, then draining - this avoids rot at the crown, which is the single most common way indoor cyclamen die.
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