Cyclamen are charming flowering plants that make a gorgeous addition to any home or garden With their vibrant colors and unique shapes, it’s no wonder cyclamen pictures are so popular online. In this article, we’ll look at some beautiful pictures of cyclamen plants and discuss how to grow these delightful flowers yourself.
An Overview of Cyclamen
Cyclamen are tuberous perennials, which means they grow from a tuber, which looks like a bulb. About 20 species of cyclamen exist, but here are some of the most well-known:
-
Cyclamen persicum – The florist’s cyclamen often sold as a houseplant. It has large showy blooms in shades of white pink red, or purple.
-
Cyclamen hederifolium – Also called ivy-leaved cyclamen. It has delicate pink flowers and ivy-shaped leaves.
-
Cyclamen coum – Known as Eastern cyclamen. It has petite pink or purple blooms and blooms in winter.
Most cyclamen bloom during the cooler months, going dormant in summer. The blooms rise above a mound of attractive foliage in heart, ivy, or round shapes. Cyclamen look beautiful in rock gardens, woodland settings, containers, and as houseplants.
Beautiful Cyclamen Flower Pictures
Here are some stunning pictures of cyclamen flowers:
The vibrant pinks and reds of these cyclamen blooms are simply striking. Cyclamen flowers come in a diverse range of hues from pure white to deep purple, but these rich pinks and reds are especially eye-catching.
This close-up picture shows how the delicate, swept-back shape of cyclamen flowers stands out. The soft pink color is very subtle and feminine.
The bicolor purple and white pattern on these blooms is quite striking. This type of color variegation occurs naturally in some cyclamen species and cultivated varieties.
Pictures of Cyclamen Foliage and Plants
Cyclamen are valued for more than just their flowers, of course. They are also loved for their lovely and varied leaves:
The leaves of many cyclamen are beautiful, like this one, which is silver, green, or variegated. The foliage provides great contrast to the brightly colored blooms.
This is a classic look for cyclamen – a single plant thriving in a pot with flowers and foliage on full display. Cyclamen make fantastic potted plants for indoor enjoyment.
Hardy cyclamen species thrive in outdoor garden settings, especially woodland gardens where they grow naturally beneath trees. The flowers and foliage combine to create a magical effect.
Growing Cyclamen Yourself
If these photos have inspired you to grow cyclamen yourself, here are a few key tips:
-
For indoor potted cyclamen, provide bright indirect light and cooler temperatures between 50-70°F.
-
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out some between waterings. Overwatering can cause bulb rot.
-
Cease watering when plants go dormant. For houseplants, avoid splashing the leaves or crown to prevent rot.
-
Provide amended, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Plants can tolerate a variety of soil conditions as long as there is good drainage.
-
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom, and remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
-
Clean up any leaf debris once plants go dormant. Store dormant bulbs in a cool, dark place. Lightly water or mist if needed to prevent bulbs from becoming too dry.
-
Resume watering in late summer or early fall and begin fertilizing when new growth appears. Move plants into bright indirect light. Outdoor hardy varieties need no special care.
-
Potted cyclamen can be treated as annuals or regrown the following season. Repot every two years during summer when plants are dormant. Use fresh potting soil and a slightly larger pot than the previous one. Place the bulb so the top is sticking slightly out of the soil.
With proper care, cyclamen are sure to reward you with their captivating flowers and foliage. Keep these stunning cyclamen pictures in mind as motivation for growing your own!
Are cyclamen deer resistant?
Cyclamen is considered deer-resistant, though may be susceptible to deer browsing if other food sources are scarce.
Photo by: Anna Kepa / Shutterstock
Indoor plants can be purchased in fall or winter. Plant tubers outdoors in late summer or early fall.
Place indoor potted plants in a window that receives bright indirect light. Plant outdoor bulbs in a site with well-draining soil that receives part to full shade.
Hardy cyclamen looks best when bulbs are grouped together. Loosen soil in planting area and amend with compost or decomposed leaf clippings. Place bulbs so the top is just below the soil surface and space 6 inches apart.
Planting cyclamen in pots:
Make sure pots have adequate drainage holes. Use a high quality all-purpose potting soil. Bulbs can be planted individually in smaller pots or grouped together in a larger container.
Cyclamen Varieties & How to Properly Care for Them | The Greenery Garden & Home
FAQ
How long do potted cyclamen last?
You can grow cyclamen indoors without much trouble as long as you keep them cool (away from radiators and direct sunlight). They will look good for about eight weeks. Too much heat in a sunny window will encourage early dormancy, while growing in light, but cool conditions may see them continue to flower into April.
Do cyclamen like sun or shade?
Caring for Your Outdoor Cyclamen
Outdoor cyclamen like shade to partially shady spots in the garden.
Do cyclamen come back every year?
Yes, cyclamen are perennials, which means they will grow back every year if you take good care of them, especially if you get hardy varieties.
Where is the best place to put a cyclamen?
Cyclamen are best planted in drifts for maximum impact. They thrive around the base of mature shrubs and trees, but they also are happy along north facing walls, in stone troughs and in the rock garden.