Spring Cyclamen
cyclamen repandum
Also known as: ["Spur-flowered Cyclamen","Wild Cyclamen"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with heart-shaped leaves and upward-facing, fragrant flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Genus: | Cyclamen |
| Botanical Name: | Cyclamen repandum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or container in a cool, moist environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and loam.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when leaves yellow.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade; adjust exposure based on season to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from intense midday sun; place in filtered light outdoors or near east-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade
Avoid direct sun; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light in summer/winter.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage or crown to prevent rot; reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic, 5.5–6.5.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain slightly moist but not wet soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, 50–65°F (10–18°C) during active growth, cooler (40–50°F or 4–10°C) during dormancy. Avoid heat above 70°F (21°C).
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; maintain stable temps during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to avoid burn; fertilize only during active growth; stop in dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
By seed or division of tubers. Seeds are slow to germinate; division is faster but less common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- For seeds: Sow shallowly, keep moist, and provide warmth. For division: Separate tubers, replant at the correct depth.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing after dormancy.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), high humidity, and indirect light for seeds; similar conditions for division.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or cactus mix for seeds; division requires minimal soil around the tuber.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for seeds but rarely used.
Timeline
Seeds: 1–3 months to germinate, 2–3 years to flowering. Division: Immediate establishment, flowering in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, sharp knife, clean pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; divide only when overcrowded; maintain humidity for seeds.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; remove yellow leaves at the stem.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage reblooming and prevent disease.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; cut yellow leaves; clean tools; avoid cutting healthy foliage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Use a well-draining mix; position the tuber slightly above soil level; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the tuber outgrows its container. Repotting is necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose a new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle tuber carefully; ensure proper drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water at base; ensure drainage; reduce in winter; avoid crown wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly into the soil at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without saturating. Use room temperature water, preferably in the morning. Ensure excess water drains away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate peat or compost for acidity and fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or wilting leaves in heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold; premature dormancy in warm conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but are tolerated; prolonged frost can damage foliage and flowers.
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in freezing weather; maintain consistent cool temperatures during dormancy.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat causes leaf scorch, bud drop, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; move to a cooler location; reduce watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid dormant period; rinse soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer. Cease fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCyclamen repandum is toxic to cats, with cyclamine causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The plant can induce significant irritation to the digestive tract and may lead to systemic toxicity in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cyclamen repandum can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to the presence of cyclamine. The plant's effects may include irritation of the digestive system and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCyclamen repandum contains cyclamine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The plant's physiological impact includes irritation of the digestive tract and potential systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Cyclamen repandum?
A: Plant in partial shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil. Water moderately during growth periods and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Is Cyclamen repandum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Cyclamen repandum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
