Balearic Cyclamen
cyclamen balearicum
Also known as: ["Balearic Violet","Mediterranean Cyclamen"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous perennial native to the Balearic Islands, known for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate pink or white flowers.
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 balearicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a cool, humid environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent tuber rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically during active growth or when leaves die back after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove damaged or spent foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade; adjust for stronger light in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; place in filtered light indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; adjust light based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water at the base, avoid wetting foliage; ensure soil dries between waterings; reduce water during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure soil is well-draining; maintain slightly acidic pH; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C); tolerates mild warmth but thrives in cooler conditions.
Keep away from drafts; maintain cool conditions during dormancy; protect from extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of tubers can also be done when repotting.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly in a seed tray.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Division involves separating tubers and replanting immediately.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light for seeds; division should be kept moist and warm.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite for seeds; division requires minimal disturbance to tubers.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; division requires no hormone.
Timeline
Seeds may take 3–6 months to germinate; division will establish within a few weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, well-draining mix, water spray bottle, sharp knife (for division).
Quick Tips
Keep seeds consistently moist; handle tubers carefully during division; provide warmth for faster germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors; avoid cutting into the tuber.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or yellowing leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; use clean tools; avoid cutting tuber.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it’s not too deep.
Method
Use a well-draining soil mix; position the tuber slightly above the soil surface; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the tuber becomes crowded; best when the plant is dormant or just starting growth.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; position tuber correctly; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at base; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone is moist but not waterlogged; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry; avoid overhead watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall/winter when dormant.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate peat moss to retain moisture without waterlogging.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains cold and wet; leaves may turn yellow or brown.
Solution: Move to a warmer location above 40°F (4°C); ensure soil is well-drained; avoid overwatering.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow or stop; tubers can rot if soil stays too warm and wet.
Solution: Provide shade or move to a cooler spot; increase humidity; water carefully to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCyclamen balearicum is toxic to cats due to its glycoside content, which can induce severe gastrointestinal upset and systemic toxicity. Cats are particularly sensitive to such compounds, necessitating caution.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe glycosides in Cyclamen balearicum are toxic to dogs, causing gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic toxicity. The plant's compounds can lead to significant discomfort and health risks in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCyclamen balearicum contains glycosides, particularly cyclamine, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is due to its ability to disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to adverse physiological responses.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cyclamen balearicum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Cyclamen balearicum require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.
Q: How often should Cyclamen balearicum be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrsinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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