Cyclamen purpurascens aka Alpine Cyclamen

Taxonomy

Genus Cyclamen Family Primulaceae Order Ericales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Cyclamen purpurascens, also known as the Alpine, European, or purple cyclamen, is a tuberous perennial plant in the genus Cyclamen of the Primulaceae family. Native to central Europe, northern Italy, and Slovenia, this evergreen species thrives in deciduous or mixed woodland environments, particularly among beech trees and over limestone, at elevations ranging from 250 to 1,300 meters above sea level. With its variegated leaves, usually patterned with silver, and deep pink flowers, which emit a pleasant fragrance, Cyclamen purpurascens adds beauty to its surroundings. The plant typically grows up to 10 centimeters tall and blooms from summer to autumn, holding onto its leaves throughout the winter. It reproduces through seeds and new leaves, which emerge the following summer. The flowers, which precede or accompany the leaves, boast five upswept petals and range in color from pale rose-pink to purple or rose-carmine. With a width of approximately 2 centimeters, these vibrant flowers measure anywhere from 17 to 25 millimeters in length. Cyclamen purpurascens can also be found in mountainous regions of Romania and western Russia, where it has been introduced.

Common names

Alpine Cyclamen, European Cyclamen, Hardy Cyclamen

How to care for Alpine Cyclamen

Difficulty

Caring for Alpine Cyclamen can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.

Water

Alpine Cyclamen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Alpine Cyclamen loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Alpine Cyclamen prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Alpine Cyclamen. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Alpine Cyclamen should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Alpine Cyclamen’s native range is Europe and the Mediterranean.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Cyclamen Genus

Cyclamen Cyclamen

Cyclamen hederifolium Cyclamen

Cyclamen repandum Spring Cyclamen

Cyclamen purpurascens Alpine Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum Florist's Cyclamen

Cyclamen coum Eastern Sowbread