Cyclamen
Cyclamen spp (Primulaceae)
Also called Sowbread.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Terpenoid saponins.
Signs to watch for: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. Following large ingestions of tubers: heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death
Source: ASPCA entry "Cyclamen", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Cyclamen needs bright, indirect light and cool temperatures; an east window is often a good spot. Clemson notes that most homes are too dim, which gives weak plants with smaller, paler flowers.
Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Demanding. Water: Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry, avoiding the crown; bottom watering works well.
In northern winters a south-facing window may be better.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Areca palm bright indirect light
- Gloxinia bright indirect light
- Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) bright indirect light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Cyclamen"
- Light and care: University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture), "Cyclamen"
- Light and care: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Florist Cyclamen"
- Light and care: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, "All About Cyclamen"