Cyclamen: cultivation, care and meaning of color

In a context predominantly populated by female specimens such as camellia, peony, rose, forsythia, palm, just to name a few, cyclamen is one of the few male flowers in circulation. This characteristic, but not only that, makes it a fascinating exception within the plant kingdom. It seems easy to grow, yet it requires special attention. Its name comes from the Greek “kuklos”, which means “circular”, perhaps in reference to the shape of its characteristic bulb.

In ancient times, it was believed that cyclamen could protect against evil spells and in particular, according to Greek mythology, cyclamen was associated with the goddess Persephone, queen of the Underworld. It is said that when Persephone was kidnapped by Hades, the god of the Underworld, while she was picking flowers, a cyclamen was the last flower she caught before being taken to the underworld. This myth explains why cyclamen is often associated with death and rebirth.

Today, it is a symbol of fertility and is very often chosen as a gift to give when there is a baby on the way. Cyclamen is a fascinating and versatile plant, widely appreciated for its winter flowering and ability to add color and vibrancy to outdoor and indoor spaces. Here’s how to grow cyclamen, take care of it and what are the meanings of its color. Finally, among the curiosities related to the cyclamen there is also the fact that it is not called the same in all parts. For example, in some regions of Italy it is called “Christmas flower” due to its winter flowering. In France, however, it is known as “venus slipper” due to the shape of its flower.

Cyclamen cultivation in pots and in the garden

There planting of cyclamen usually happens between spring and early summer. You can also do it in fallbut it will take longer for the germination. Cyclamen seeds are very small and can be mixed with fine sand for even distribution, this process also helps avoid overgrowth of neighboring plants.

To make cyclamen grow well, the advice is to use a well-drained, light soil, especially a mixture of houseplant soil, peat moss and perlite can be a good choice for planting. But how to sow? Spread the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them lightly with your fingers. Listen to me, do not completely cover the seedsas they need light to germinate.

Once the sowing is done, keep the moist but not overly wet soil During the germination stage, for example, you can cover the pot with a clear plastic sheet or use a saucer filled with water to maintain humidity. Cyclamen seeds can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to germinate. Maintain a constant temperature around 15-20°C and wait patiently for the sprouts to develop.

Cyclamen are not typically grown in thevegetable gardenas they are flowering plants that thrive best in shadier and more humid environments, such as flowerbeds or pots outdoors. However, if you would like to add cyclamen to your garden, here are some tips: Choose an area of ​​the garden that receives indirect sunlight or partial shade and avoid direct exposure to intense sun, which could damage the cyclamen.

Cyclamen require well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to enrich it with nutrients and improve the structure. You can also consider adding peat moss to help retain moisture. In general for caring for cyclamen remove dead flowers as they appear to stimulate continued flowering and keep the surrounding area clear of weeds and fallen leaves which could choke the cyclamen. Keep in mind that cyclamen may not be suitable for all types of gardens and may require specific care to suit the garden environment.

What happens to cyclamen in summer?

During the summer months, the cyclamen enters a state of vegetative “hibernation”. necessary to prepare for the next flowering season. During this period, it is advisable to place the plant in a cool place sheltered from direct sunlight, for example in a shaded area of ​​the garden or inside the house. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as it could cause the leaves to dry out and damage the plant and it is important keep the soil slightly moisthowever avoiding stagnant water which could lead to rotting of the roots.

The ideal exposure for the cyclamen

what is thebetter exposure for growing a cyclamen? Cyclamen needs shaded or partially shaded locations. Indirect light and cool environments are much better, so choose a place that offers sun protection, such as under trees or shrubs and make sure that the plant receives sufficient lighting, but avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Finding the ideal exposure will contribute to the overall well-being of the cyclamen.

Wild cyclamen: what it is and how to take care of it

The wild cyclamenAlso known as forest cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium), is a species commonly found in nature. This variety is prized for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers that bloom in the fall. Wild cyclamen is adaptable and can thrive in shady gardens or in natural areas such as woods and meadowsits wild nature gives a touch of natural beauty and spontaneity to the spaces in which it grows.

The winter flowering of the cyclamen

The cyclamen is mainly known for its peculiarity winter flowering, which generally occurs from December to March, depending on the variety. During this period, the plant flowers above the foliage; flowers can feature a variety of colors, including white, pink, red and purple. Winter flowering gives cyclamen a unique and charming appearance, making it a popular choice for decorating gardens and balconies during the cold months of the year.

Yellow leaves – a signal of incorrect cyclamen care?

How to know if the cyclamen cure is not working? The yellow leaves are often a sign of incorrect cyclamen care: if you notice the leaves of the plant turning yellow, it could be indicative of aexcessive watering or of one lack of nutrients in the soil.

In this case it is good to make sure that you give the plant an adequate amount of water, thus avoiding stagnation which can damage the roots. In addition, it is important to use well-drained soil and enrich it with the appropriate fertilizer to ensure a sufficient supply of nutrients.

The meaning of the color of cyclamen flowers

Some symbolic meanings are attributed to the colors of cyclamen flowers. Here is a brief overview of the meanings associated with the different colors:

• The white cyclamen: purity, innocence and grace.
• The pink cyclamen: love, sweetness and affection.
• The red cyclamen: passion, energy and passionate love.
• The cpurple hyclamen: spirituality, nobility and creativity.

In addition to the traditional colors, there are also varieties of cyclamen with flowers of mixed shades or rarer shades. Cyclamen is a charming and versatile plant that brings joy and color to winter spaces. However, cultivating cyclamen requires attention and proper care, but it must be admitted that if the desired results are obtained, they are nothing short of rewarding. Recapitulating the rules for growing cyclamen they are few: correct exposure and careful care will allow you to enjoy the beauty of this plant during the cold season and beyond.