All About Cyclamen – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

Cyclamen plant may not be as popular as roses but it is a diverse genus of plants. They are highly known for their beautiful and sweet-smelling blooms that look like a heart. You will be surprised that they are also easy to maintain. Take a look at some of the information that you need to know about Cyclamen plants.

Origin of Cyclamen

Cyclamen plant was believed to be originated from the Middle East. It is a popular growing plant in countries like Syria, Palestine, Israel, Greece, and even the Mediterranean Islands. It was in the year 1900s that this flower gained a fashionable remark in France. But ever since the year 1860, the very first variants of Cyclamen was introduced in England than in Germany.

The name of Cyclamen came from the Greek word “kuklos” which literally means circle because of the plant’s flattened tuber and habit are circular in shape. It is part of the Primrose family and blooms around the Mediterranean. In the present day, there are many varieties of Cyclamen that are being cultivated around the world and some have longer-lasting flowering and in different colors.

Meaning

Cyclamen symbolizes a lot of things in different cultures. In Mediterranean culture, for example, it symbolizes empathy and devotion that is why you can see Cyclamen planted in Islamic monasteries and churchyards. In Japan, on the other hand, Cyclamen is considered as the holy flower of love. In fact, Cyclamen flower is Cupid’s flowering love child that is why it is a popular choice to gift during Valentine’s Day.

Interesting Facts About Cyclamen

Cyclamens are perennial growing plants which means it can live for more than 2 years as compared to annual plants that are only planted during spring and summer months. They are a native plant to some parts of Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. They originally belonged to the Primulaceae family, but nowadays they are considered members of the Myrsinaceae family. When it comes to their development, they have five petals that point upwards in different shades of color like white, pink, purple, or red.

There are an estimated 20 various species of Cyclamen plants that are blooming around the world and each has different flowering seasons. If you are wondering where to find this flower, they are usually found either woody or rocky areas. They like to be exposed in a partially shaded area. It is a popular choice for house decorations because they are easy to maintain and are often grown in pots. They can grow as tall as 10 inches.

Popular Varieties of Cyclamen

There are actually a lot of varieties of Cyclamen plants that are growing around the world and some don’t bloom for a longer period of time so make sure you know what species of Cyclamen you are getting. Here are some of the popular varieties of Cyclamen.

1.Victoria

This variety has ruffled white flowers.

2. Sierra Series

If you are into larger Cyclamen, this is the perfect one for you. It has large flowers that can grow as big as 3 inches and it come in white, pink, scarlet, or purple color.

3. Scentsation

Just like the variety Victoria, this is also an open-pollinated type of Cyclamen that exudes a strong smell and it comes in pink and red petals.

Growing Your Own Cyclamens

Usually, Cyclamens are grown indoors in pots. During the summer, Cyclamens are hibernating but if you just know how to grow them properly, they will surely blooming again once fall starts. Should you decide to grow them outdoors, here are some of the tips that you need to remember.

1. Cyclamens are usually actively growing during winter, so give them bright and indirect light. If it’s summertime, put them in a dark and cool spot that has good air circulation.

2. When you start to see that the leaves sprouting, it actually means that the Cyclamen is actively growing. When you start to notice that the soil is drying for about 1 inch below the surface, then it’s time to water your Cyclamen. Make sure you don’t put water on the crown of the Cyclamen plant because it will easily rot.

3. Cyclamen plant hates it when the weather is too hot or the air is dry. They thrive best in a climate is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes higher than that, they will have a hard time growing and worst they will die. It is very crucial for the Cyclamen during winter where the humidity is expected to be high. So the best thing to do during winter is to keep your Cyclamen plant on a tray of water and put a layer of pebbles or even gravel for them to sit on it. Do not allow that the bottom of the Cyclamen pot be immersed in the water or else the roots will die.

4. When it comes to fertilizing your Cyclamen, you only need to dilute a liquid low-nitrogen fertilizer every other week. Do not fertilize them when they are hibernating during the winter.

5. Cyclamen needs to be re-potted every two years especially if you are growing them outdoors. You can re-pot them while they are hibernating. Just use fresh soil and a larger pot. Then place them in a partially shaded area during summer. Then start watering them around September.