Persian violet, Sowbread
cyclamen coum
Also known as: ["Persian violet","Sowbread"]
Overview
A small, hardy perennial with heart-shaped leaves and upward-facing flowers, native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Genus: | Cyclamen |
| Botanical Name: | Cyclamen coum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or shaded garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy mix with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed during active growth; remove faded blooms promptly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; tolerates partial shade; adjust to avoid leaf burn in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun; place in east-facing windows or shaded outdoor spots.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate pot for even growth; adjust light in summer dormancy.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging; water from the bottom to prevent crown rot.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat; avoid compacted soil; ensure pots drain well.
Temperature
Cool temperatures 50–65°F (10–18°C) preferred; tolerates 65–70°F (18–21°C) in active growth; avoid heat above 70°F (21°C).
Keep away from heat sources; maintain cool temps for dormancy; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division of tubers; stem cuttings are less common and challenging.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide tubers carefully.
- Plant seeds shallowly.
- Use clean tools.
- Maintain consistent moisture.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall, when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F), high humidity, indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds: 1–2 years to flowering; division: immediate establishment; cuttings: 4–8 weeks for roots.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, sterile potting mix, small pots, humidity dome (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide only when overcrowded; keep seedlings consistently moist; provide bottom heat for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; remove yellow leaves close to the stem.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing spent flowers and yellow leaves to encourage reblooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for spent flowers; sanitize tools; cut cleanly; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure 1–2 inches of space around tuber.
Method
Use well-draining soil; position tuber slightly above soil level; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when overcrowded; tubers prefer to be slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Check root crowding; use fresh soil; position tuber correctly; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water from below; ensure drainage; avoid crown wetting; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly into the soil at the root zone, ensuring even moisture; avoid wetting the foliage or crown; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter dormancy; increase slightly in active growing season (fall to spring).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or wilting in heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold; crown rot in excessive moisture at low temps.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; risks crown rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; protect from drafts; provide consistent cool temps; reduce watering in dormancy.
Hot Stress
Stems may wilt; flowers fade quickly; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Move to a cooler spot; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; provide shade.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid crown; stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; feed monthly during active growth (fall to spring); cease in summer dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCyclamen coum is toxic to cats, with cyclamine causing significant gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The roots and tubers pose the highest risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Cyclamen coum by dogs can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and other toxic effects due to the presence of cyclamine. The roots and tubers are the most toxic parts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCyclamen coum contains cyclamine, a toxic compound that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's roots and tubers are particularly concentrated in this toxin.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Cyclamen coum?
A: Cyclamen coum prefers partial shade, well-drained soil, and cool temperatures. Water moderately during active growth and reduce watering during dormancy.
Q: Is Cyclamen coum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Cyclamen coum is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: When does Cyclamen coum bloom?
A: Cyclamen coum typically blooms in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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