To understand where I will thrive in your home, you must first understand where I come from. I am a Cyclamen, native to the Mediterranean basin and parts of Europe and Asia. My natural habitat is not one of extreme, direct sun or deep, dark forest floors. Instead, I flourish in woodlands and rocky alpine areas, where I receive bright but dappled sunlight. The light filters through the leaves of taller trees, protecting me from the harsh midday sun. The climate is cool and the air is fresh. This is the environment you must try to replicate for me to show you my best blooms and healthy foliage.
The single most important factor for my well-being is light. I need abundant bright, indirect light to fuel my growth and prolific flowering. A spot near an east-facing window is my absolute favorite place in your home. Here, I will bask in the gentle morning sun, which is strong enough to energize me but not so intense that it will scorch my delicate leaves and flowers. A north-facing window can also be a good location, provided it is bright enough. Please, never place me in the direct path of the hot, afternoon sun from a south or west window, as it will cause my leaves to yellow, curl, and wither. If these are your only options, place me several feet back from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
After light, temperature is my next greatest concern. I am a cool-climate plant. I perform best in daytime temperatures between 60°F and 68°F (15°C - 20°C) and, crucially, I prefer even cooler temperatures at night, ideally between 50°F and 60°F (10°C - 15°C). This significant temperature drop mimics my natural alpine conditions and is vital for prolonging my flowering period. Therefore, the best rooms for me are often cooler ones: a bright hallway, a seldom-used guest room, or a slightly drafty windowsill away from heat sources. Please keep me far away from radiators, fireplaces, heat vents, and even televisions, as consistent dry heat will cause me to become stressed, droop, and drop my buds prematurely.
While I don't require tropical humidity, very dry air—common in heated homes during winter—can cause the tips of my leaves to brown. A little ambient humidity is beneficial. However, what I need more is good air circulation. Stagnant, stuffy air encourages fungal diseases like botrytis (grey mould), which I am susceptible to. My ideal spot is in a room with occasional gentle air movement, but not in the direct path of a blowing heating vent or a drafty doorway, as sudden cold drafts are also damaging. A room where a door is opened occasionally or that has a ceiling fan on low is perfect.
To summarize the dangers, you must avoid placing me in certain areas. Never put me on a south or west windowsill without protection from the sun. Keep me out of hot, stuffy rooms like a sunroom in summer or a kitchen with a constantly running oven. Do not place me on top of an electronic appliance that gives off heat. Also, avoid dark corners, bookshelves far from windows, and the center of a room. Without sufficient light, my stems will become leggy as they strain for a light source, my leaves will be small, and I will refuse to flower. My vibrant display will quickly fade, and I will enter a premature dormancy.
