El Cyclamen persicum, known as persian violet o Alpine Violet, is one of the most valued and cultivated winter flowering plants in Europe and the entire Old Continent. Its elegant flowers and cold resistance have made it a staple in gardens, terraces, and homes during the colder months. This species belongs to the family primulaceae and its origin is located in the mountainous areas of Persia, the Middle East and Greece, although today it is completely naturalized in many European countries. This plant stands out both for its ornamental value, as for your ease of care and adaptation to different environments.
Botanical and morphological characteristics of Cyclamen persicum
El Cyclamen persicum it's a plant perennial and herbaceous, although it is often grown as an annual in home gardening. It has a underground tuber of considerable size, from which sprout leaves y flowers. It can reach a height 30 to 40 cm in adult specimens, although there are also miniature varieties that do not exceed 10 cm.
The leaves They present a distinctive shape heart with scalloped edges and an attractive dark green color flecked with silver or marbled spots. They are thick, leathery, and have pronounced veins that enhance their attractiveness. The underside is reddish, and the leaves grow in a rosette, supported by long petioles that emerge directly from the tuber.
As for the flowers, are arranged solitary on long peduncles and have 5 colored petals in the shape of an inverted butterfly: the petals fold backwards, giving a very unique and elegant appearance. There are countless cultivars with different colors covering a wide range: white, pink, red, purple, salmon, violet and bicolor, with marbled versions or with edges of different shades. Some varieties even give off a light and pleasant aroma. The flowering period It is noteworthy: it starts at the beginning of autumn and extends until the end of spring, stopping during the summer as it enters vegetative rest.
The cyclamen flowers They are hermaphrodites. After pollination, they produce a capsule-shaped fruit that takes 4 to 5 months to fully mature, containing the seeds.
History, origin and curiosities of Cyclamen persicum
El Cyclamen persicum It is native to the eastern Mediterranean basin, especially cool, wooded mountainous areas. It is considered a relic plant from ancient glaciations, capable of withstanding extreme conditions and intense cold. Its presence in European gardens dates back several centuries and has been widely hybridized to obtain more beautiful and hardy cultivars.
- In many countries, the common name alludes to its historical use: in English “sowbread” for feeding pigs; in French “pain de pourceau”, in German “saubrot”, in Italian “pan porcino”.
- In Japan, cyclamen is known as the sacred flower of love and is used to express deep feelings.
- During the Renaissance, the flowers were believed to cure earaches because of the similarity of their leaves to human ears.
- The color “cyclamen,” a deep fuchsia pink, takes its name from the characteristic hue of some varieties and is highly prized in fashion and design.
In addition to its ornamental value, its tuber contains cyclamin, a toxic substance that was used sparingly in ancient cultures for its purgative properties in natural medicine, although its consumption is currently discouraged due to its toxicity and high risk to people and pets.
Main species and varieties of Cyclamen
Within the genre Cyclamen There are about 20 species, although the most cultivated and widespread is the Cyclamen persicumFrom it derive a multitude of ornamental hybrids: It was very popular during the Christmas season for its vibrant colors and winter blooms, ideal for decorating during these dates and creating festive atmospheres.
- Cyclamen persicum “standard”: medium-sized plants, the most common in floristry.
- Cyclamen “mini” or “midi”: Compact sizes ideal for small flower pots and table decorations.
- cyclamen hederifolium: a wild variety with autumn flowering.
- cyclamen coum: flowers in winter and rounded leaves.
- Cyclamen europaeum: intense aroma and spring flowering.
- In addition, there are cultivars selected for flower shape (wavy, curly, bicolor) and leaf color (more silvery, greener, veined, etc.).
General care of Cyclamen persicum
El Cyclamen persicum It is a resistant plant, but to enjoy its prolonged flowering and preserve the tuber In good condition year after year, it is essential to attend to its specific needs according to the growing location. To expand your knowledge about its cultivation, you can consult How to preserve cyclamen from one year to the next.
Interior or exterior?
- RESEARCH CENTER: This is the recommended option. It tolerates the cold, enhances the garden in autumn and winter, and adapts well to areas protected from intense frost. To learn more about its outdoor adaptation, visit caring for cyclamen outdoors.
- Interior: Recommended for approximately two months in well-ventilated, cool spaces. Prolonged exposure to dry, warm environments limits flowering and diminishes the plant's vitality.
Cyclamen persicum care indoors
- Luz: Place in bright places, but without direct sunlight. In shady environments it will not flower well.
- Optimum temperature: Between 12 and 15 °CAbove 16°C, flowering declines and the plant enters dormancy.
- VentilationEssential. Fresh air prevents fungal attack (Botrytis) and keeps leaves healthy.
- Irrigation: Directly into the pot, avoiding waterlogging. Ideally, place a saucer underneath and remove the excess water after a few minutes. It's best not to wet the leaves or flowers, as excessive moisture encourages fungus.
- HumidityThe plant appreciates a humid environment. It can be placed on a saucer of pebbles and water (not allowing the water to touch the bottom of the pot).
- Fertilizer: Each 15-20 days with liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. The fertilizer should be low in nitrogen and high in potassium to promote flowering.
- Cleaning: Remove withered leaves and flowers by cutting them flush to prevent rot.
Cyclamen persicum care outdoors
- Location: Zone of semi-shadow, cool and protected from the direct midday sun.
- Substratum: Soft, fertile soil with excellent drainage. Enrich with universal substrate mixed with sand or perlite.
- Plantation: Do not bury the tuber too deeply; the neck should be level with the substrate to prevent rot.
- Density: Maintain a certain planting distance, especially in flowerbeds, as it does not tolerate overcrowding.
- IrrigationModerate. Allow the top layer of the substrate to dry before watering again. Never let the soil dry out completely.
- ProtectionAlthough it can withstand cold, it is advisable to protect it if severe frost is predicted, which can damage flowers and leaves, although the tuber normally survives.
- Fertilizer: During the flowering period, use fertilizer for flowering plants every 2 or 3 weeks.
- Maintenance: Remove dry leaves and flowers to prevent the proliferation of fungi.
- Pruning: No formal pruning required, just regular clearing of dead or damaged material.
Irrigation and humidity: How to achieve healthy development
El Cyclamen persicum It is very sensitive to both excess and lack of irrigation:
- Moderate wateringAllow the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. A constantly soggy substrate will rot the tuber.
- Immersion irrigationRecommended method: Submerge the pot in a container of water for 5-10 minutes, allowing the plant to absorb just the right amount. Then, drain and remove any excess water.
- Do not wet leaves and flowersIf watering from above, do so at the edge of the pot. Water on leaves or flowers causes staining and encourages fungus.
- Signs of thirst: The flowers and leaves visibly decline, but if watered in time, they regain their turgidity.
Fertilizing and fertilizing for vibrant flowering
El allowance makes the difference in the quality and duration of the flowering:
- Since the first outbreak from the leaves until the end of flowering.
- Travel Pass liquids For flowering plants, rich in potassium and low in nitrogen, diluted in the irrigation water every 15 or 20 days. For more advice, see winter flowering plants.
- In the garden, you can opt for powdered fertilizers, spread superficially and lightly incorporated into the substrate.
Planting and transplanting Cyclamen persicum
- The tubers are planted in autumnThey are not bulbs, although they are often marketed as such.
- Place the tuber so that it barely protrudes from the substrate, with the flat part (crown) facing upwards.
- In the case of transplanting, do so after flowering, in spring, to avoid damaging active roots.
Vegetative rest and conservation in summer
During the summer, the Cyclamen persicum It enters dormancy. The aerial part (leaves and flowers) dries up and disappears, but the tuber remains alive underground. What should be done during this period?
- Cool, dark place: Leaving the tuber in its pot, place it in a cool, airy place away from strong light.
- Very little irrigation: Only moisten the substrate moderately if it dries out completely, to prevent the tuber from drying out.
- Do not pay: At this stage it is not necessary to fertilize.
- With the arrival of autumn and the drop in temperature, resume watering and place it in a bright location: the cyclamen will sprout vigorously.
Common problems and diseases
El Cyclamen persicum is prone to certain fungi and pests, especially in conditions of high humidity, heat and poor ventilation:
- Botrytis (gray rot): Causes gray spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It's essential to reduce watering and improve ventilation. Treat with specific antifungal products if the problem worsens.
- powdery mildew: Fungus that forms a whitish layer on the aerial parts. Apply sulfur according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fusarium: It causes the leaves to turn yellow and the tuber to soften. The only prevention is to avoid high temperatures and excess humidity.
- Aphids: They can be controlled with natural insecticides such as pyrethro or by carefully spraying water on the leaves.
- Yellow or rolled leaf: It usually indicates stress due to lack of water, excessive heat or poor substrate.
Extra recommendations and ornamental utility
In addition to being grown in pots and gardens, Cyclamen persicum It is common as cut flower for floral arrangements, as its flowers can last several days in water. It's also an excellent choice for baskets and arrangements alongside other winter-blooming species (primroses, pansies, heathers). For a complete cycle, consult Winter-hardy plants and essential care.
- In cities like Madrid, it's common to see cyclamen carpets in public flowerbeds during the colder months.
- Its multiple size, color, and shape options allow it to adapt to different gardening styles, from flower beds to borders, as well as decorating terraces and windows.
El Cyclamen persicum It combines beauty and practicality: a plant that brings color and life when few other species are in bloom. Enjoy its presence in your home or garden and follow these tips so it will last you many winters.
