The cyclamen it is a plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family known since ancient times. The most famous variety is the Persian cyclamennative to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The name “cyclamen” comes from the Ancient Greek “kyklos,” meaning “circle,” in reference to the circular shape of its tuber. This symbolism has remained over time, associating the cyclamen with the concept of eternity and continuity.
We can grow cyclamen in pots or in the garden.
Cyclamen are grown as ornamental plants due to the pleasant color of their flowers. The most common variety of cyclamen in gardening is Cyclamen persicum, native to Asia Minor.
It is easy to recognize cyclamens due to their intense green heart-shaped leaves and pinkish flowers. Cyclamen flowers are usually white, pink, red or purple. You can choose them based on your decorative preferences.
Read also: 10 PLANTS THAT FLOWERY IN WINTER
How to grow cyclamen in pots or in the garden
You can grow cyclamens both in pots and in the garden depending on the space you have at your disposal. There cultivation in pots it is convenient because it allows you to have beautiful cyclamen sheltered at home even in winter when the climate is cold, but if you live in a mild area, growing cyclamen should not give you problems outdoors and in the garden. You can create a flowerbed in the garden specifically for cyclamen or choose pots to grow them indoors or outdoors.
How and when to sow cyclamens
Sow the cyclamens between July, August and September in a wooden box with humus-rich soil. Then you can transfer your seedlings into pots or the garden. When the seedlings have at least two leaves you can thin them out and transplant them delicately to best distribute them in the chosen place. For sowing you can choose a pot or box to fill with soil and sand which you can then transfer to the garden or into a larger pot.
Germination times and conditions
Germination of cyclamen seeds preferably takes place in the dark in a place that is as cool as possible and protected from drafts. You can prepare a box with soil in which to sow the cyclamens and leave it sheltered during the winter 15-20 days of germination and in the following weeks until the seedlings have strengthened.
Climate and exposure for cyclamens
Cyclamen is a mainly winter flowering plant that does not like exposure to the sun and prefers shade. Therefore, as regards cultivation in the garden, we recommend planting cyclamens in the shade of the trees. Cyclamens grow very well under pine trees. For cyclamens grown in pots, remember to place them in the shaded part of your balcony. The ideal climate for cyclamens is cold with temperatures between 6 and 18°C. They tolerate temperatures close to zero better than heat. For this reason you may have seen cyclamen growing spontaneously in the meadows and mountain woods.
What type of soil to use
For cyclamens choose a acidic soil rich in humus. Soil for acidophilic plants can be found in nurseries. To improve the acidity of the soil you can use natural remedies such as fertilizing with coffee grounds. Furthermore, since cyclamens prefer soil rich in humus, you can enrich it with homemade compost.
How often to water the cyclamen
Cyclamen are mostly watered during flowering every two or three days. This indication applies both to cyclamens grown in pots and to cyclamens grown in the garden. When the plants are at rest, watering can be reduced. Cyclamen soil must never be too humid otherwise the roots would rot. Always remember to empty the saucers.
When does cyclamen bloom?
The flowering of cyclamen occurs during the coldest period of the year, from September to March and the plants go to rest in the hot summer months. Cyclamen can rebloom for many seasons in a row and when planted in the garden, in the shade, they do not need much care.
How to prolong flowering
For longer and more luxuriant flowering, it is useful to keep cyclamens in cool and well-ventilated environments, avoiding sudden changes in temperature. Removing faded flowers and damaged leaves promotes the growth of new buds, allowing the plant to concentrate its energy on the flowers in formation.
When to prune them
Cyclamen flowers dry out at the end of flowering. You can delicately remove the dry parts of your cyclamens before leaving the plants to rest in the summer. You will see that they will recover best when autumn and winter approach. Or you can store the tubers in the dark to replant the following season (between August and September).
Diseases and parasites
The most common parasites for cyclamens are fungi that can affect the leaves and roots. In the case of the appearance of white spots on the leaves of cyclamen we speak of ‘badly white‘. You can purchase a specific product in nurseries and gardening shops or use natural remedies, always following the advice of an expert, who for example could suggest you use horsetail decoction or macerate, also useful for fighting aphids.
Wild cyclamens and spontaneous varieties
In addition to ornamental cyclamen, there are wild varieties that grow spontaneously in mountain woods and meadows, where they adapt perfectly to the natural environment and enrich the undergrowth with their discreet charm. Among these, the Cyclamen hederifolium and the Cyclamen purpurascens they are among the most widespread in Italy and stand out for their resistance and adaptability. Both are perennials that do not require special care, making them ideal for those who want to grow plants that reproduce the atmosphere of natural landscapes.
Cyclamen hederifolium, also known as Neapolitan cyclamen, is easily recognizable by its decorative leaves with silvery veins and its delicate flowers that bloom between late summer and early autumn. This species is very common in deciduous forests, where it grows luxuriant even in semi-shaded conditions and on calcareous soils. Cyclamen purpurascens, on the other hand, flowers in summer and spreads a delicate and pleasant scent, an unusual aspect for a cyclamen. Its leaves feature a rounder shape and often have reddish hues on the back, making them attractive even during the months when the plant is not in bloom.
These spontaneous varieties are often found along mountain paths and near water sources, as they prefer moist, well-drained soil. In addition to bringing a touch of colour, wild cyclamens play an important ecological role, offering nourishment to pollinating insects and contributing to the biodiversity of their natural habitat. Their presence in the woods is often indicative of a healthy environment that is little disturbed by human activity.
What is the meaning of cyclamen
The cyclamen is much more than a simple ornamental plant: for centuries, it has been a symbol of good omen, protection and rebirth. Giving a cyclamen as a gift is considered a gesture of affection and good wishes for the person receiving it, especially in difficult times. Due to its ability to flourish year after year, even in the coldest seasons, the cyclamen represents resilience and inner strength, suggesting the idea of overcoming adversity and maintaining hope even in dark times.
In popular culture, cyclamen is often associated with protection against negative energies. It is thought that having a cyclamen in your home can chase away unwanted influences and create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. For this reason, it is also given as a gift on occasions of new beginnings, such as moves or inaugurations, to wish a new prosperous and peaceful life.
Cyclamen also has a strong symbolic value linked to fertility and family. In the past, it was customary to give a cyclamen as a gift on the occasion of the birth of a child, as it was believed to protect newborns from future difficulties and bless their journey. Even today, this flower is considered a good omen for families and is often chosen as a gift to accompany wishes for growth, health and prosperity.
Furthermore, the cyclamen symbolizes the discreet beauty and shyness. Its flowers, although brightly colored, tend to bend downwards, almost to hide their beauty, recalling humility and delicacy. This meant that, in the Victorian era, it was considered the flower of people with an introverted and reserved character, who shine with internal rather than external qualities.
Finally, the cyclamens that bloom during the winter carry a special meaning: they represent the hope which is reborn in the coldest and most difficult moments, a reminder that even in adversity there is the possibility of flourishing again.
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