Cyclamen repandum aka Spring Cyclamen

Taxonomy

Genus Cyclamen Family Primulaceae Order Ericales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Cyclamen repandum, also known as the spring sowbread, is a dwarf perennial plant that belongs to the family Primulaceae. Native to southern Europe and some Mediterranean islands, this species is part of the Cyclamen genus, specifically the subgenus Psilanthum. It is characterized by its wide, heart-shaped leaves, which are often coarsely toothed or lobed. In mid-spring, Cyclamen repandum produces fragrant rose-red flowers that are approximately 2cm in length. These flowers have long, slender petals and bloom late in the spring season. In the wild, they can be seen from March to May and are reddish pink with a darker reddish purple nose. The flowers emit a sweet scent. The corolla lobes of the flowers are reflexed and measure 15-25mm long and 5-10mm wide (var baborense has corolla lobes that are 20-30mm long and 7-11mm wide). They have pointed tips and generally twist 180 degrees, with no auricles at the base. The leaves of Cyclamen repandum appear in early spring and are fully grown by the time the plant blooms. They have a thin blade and are either heart-shaped or triangular in shape. The edges of the leaves are faintly lobed with slightly scalloped margins. The background color of the leaves is dark green, with a pale green or grey-green jagged zone or patches around a dark green central triangular area. The underside of the leaves is either pale green or purplish. The leaves can range in size from 2-15cm long and 1.5-15cm wide. Overall, Cyclamen repandum is a widespread species with distinctive features, including its wide heart-shaped leaves and late spring-blooming fragrant flowers.

Common names

Spring Cyclamen, Spring Sowbread, Common Cyclamen

How to care for Spring Cyclamen

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Spring Cyclamen, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Spring 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 Spring Cyclamen prefers bright indirect 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

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Spring Cyclamen does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Spring Cyclamen has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Cyclamen Genus

Cyclamen purpurascens Alpine Cyclamen

Cyclamen hederifolium Cyclamen

Cyclamen coum Eastern Sowbread

Cyclamen persicum Florist's Cyclamen

Cyclamen graecum Greek Cyclamen

Cyclamen Cyclamen