Cyclamen - a plant that blooms in winter

Posted under Blooming plants by ruola

Water: moderate, in a pot plate

Light: indirect, moderate

Temperature: +17⁰С

Blooming: yes, - march

 The origin of the name Cyclamen is a Greek word ‘Kyklos’ – i.e. round, cycle. Cyclamen are widespread in Mediterranean in central Europe. It used to be a beloved plant at Antient Rome where it was put into the ground together with Narcissus and Violets. Maybe Cyclamen will find its place in your house too.

Ancient doctors used Cyclamen to treat rheumatism, sinus trouble and a bite from a poisonous snake. Unfortunately history keeps silent about recipes for treatment of those illnesses.

There are sevel sorts of cyclamen but the most famous are Cyclamen europaeum L. and C. persicum Mill with their varieties. I’ve chosed Cyclamen persicum Mill because for me it is important to have blooming plants in winter. This Cyclamen differs from Cyclamen europatum L by bigger leaves. When Cyclamen blooms its flowers bend down and with little of imagination it can remind you of butterflys hovering above the plant.

You can also notice that Cyclamen persicum Mill has its bulb half above the soil surface. Make sure no water gets on the bulb otherwise the plant can die. The best way to water it is to pour water into the pot plate.

Cylamen doesn’t like high temperatures (the optimal t. is +17⁰С) and too much sun.

When blooming period is over Cyclamen needs rest: its leaves get yellow and drop. Usually in this case you give it little water - just enough not to let the soil get very dry. Also it’s recommended to put the plant in a dark and cool place. When new leaves start coming out the plant is put again into the sun and watered as necessary. It would be good to replant cyclamen at that time to provide enough minarals and other plant food.

Following these simple rules you can have this plant blooming during a long period giving you a feeling of happiness at winter evenings.