Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

Florist's Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum is a tuberous geophyte from the Mediterranean and Near East, where it grows through cool, moist winters and rests as a dormant tuber through dry summer heat. Water when the top inch of mix is dry, ideally from below to keep the crown and tuber dry, since the stored tuber rots easily if it sits wet. Give it bright indirect light and cool conditions, and expect it to die back and rest in summer rather than failing.

Cyclamen hederifolium

Sowbread

Cyclamen hederifolium is a tuberous geophyte from the woodlands and rocky slopes of the Mediterranean and Balkans, where it grows in cool, leafy soil and stores water in its tuber. Water only when the top inch of mix has dried, keeping the tuber's crown dry to avoid rot, and expect it to die back and rest dormant through the warm months. It favours cool conditions and bright, indirect light rather than direct sun.

Cyclamen coum

Eastern Sowbread

Cyclamen coum is a tuberous geophyte from the woodlands and mountains of the eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus, where it grows in cool, bright shade and stores water in its tuber. Water only when the top inch of mix is dry, keeping water off the crown and tuber to avoid rot, and expect it to rest and die back as the weather warms. It prefers cool, bright indirect light rather than direct sun or hot rooms.