Cyclamen are native to the Mediterranean region from Spain east to Iran, and also in northeast Africa south to Somalia. They are commonly called Sowbread, Persian violet, or primrose.

 

The Cyclamen plant is considered a tuber. The tubers are the storage organs that keep the plants alive during their summer dormancy. A flowering size plant has a tuber that averages about 2"-3".The entire plant, when in flower, reaches only about 8 inches high.

 

Cyclamen is a small but diverse genus of plants. The flowers are beautiful and are sweet scented and small (½ to ¾  inch) that are produced on long stems, held upright above the foliage. It is a tuberous perennial with heart shaped leaves common to cyclamen. They come in shades of pink, red or white. Cyclamen’s foliage is attractive, often having silver marbling on the top sides of the leaves.

 

In nature it goes dormant during the summer months, comes into growth as cooler, damper weather starts, flowers in autumn, winter or spring, and goes dormant again as the summer becomes warm. It's important to keep it cool and to water it correctly, making sure not to under or over water. To prevent disease problems, it is also a good idea to maintain good air movement around the plant. From late autumn to early spring, provide your plant with as much light as possible.

 

Cyclamen persicum does best, planted in a soil-based potting mix, with the top of the tuber just slightly above the soil line.

One must water it when leaves are present. Avoid getting water on the crown of the plant. As the flowers begin to fade, gradually allow the plant to dry out for 2-3 months. When new growth appears, resume watering and feeding. Place in a partially shaded spot outdoors for the summer. Bring it back indoors before the cold weather.

 

Cyclamen are commonly grown for their flowers, both outdoors and indoors in pots. Several species are hardy and can be grown outdoors in mild climates. Cyclamen species are poisonous; they have been used medicinally as a powerful purgative, but their toxicity makes this risky.

 

Did you know?

·        It is a genus of 20 species.

·        The genus name Cyclamen is derived from the Greek word kyklamenos which means "circle form."

·        Cyclamen have been a popular cultivated plant since Plato's time, the fourth century B.C.