Alpine Cyclamen Cyclamen alpinum
ABOUT
Cyclamen alpinum, commonly known as the alpine cyclamen, features a distinct and charming appearance characterized by heart-shaped to rounded leaves that are often dark green with a pattern of silvery markings. The leaves emerge from a central point, forming a rosette close to the ground. This plant is renowned for its beautiful, upswept flowers which come in shades of pink with a darker color at the base of the petals, adding to the visual interest. The flowers have an elegant, reflexed shape, with each petal bending gracefully backwards, resembling a group of tiny, airborne butterflies around the plant. The flowering stems are slender and can hold the blooms above the foliage, making them more prominent. The alpine cyclamen produces a unique look in a garden or as a potted plant when not in flower, and it often attracts attention for its ornamental foliage as well as its delightful blooms.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Alpine Cyclamen, Turkish Cyclamen.
Common names
Cyclamen trochopteranthum
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen, particularly Cyclamen alpinum, contains saponins, which can be toxic if ingested. Toxicity can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures. It is important to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested and symptoms develop.
To pets
Cyclamen toxicity in pets, especially dogs and cats, can result in gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. The most toxic part is the tuber, or root. Severe cases may see heart rhythm abnormalities or seizures. Immediate veterinary care is advisable if a pet ingests any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cyclamen alpinum, commonly known as Alpine cyclamen, has attractive foliage and striking flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Drought Resistant: Being a hardy plant, it can survive in relatively dry conditions with minimal water requirements once established.
- Seasonal Interest: Alpine cyclamen has a distinctive blooming period in late summer to autumn, providing seasonal interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for planting in shaded or semi-shaded areas where other flowering plants might struggle to thrive.
- Compact Growth: Due to its compact growth habit, it is excellent for small gardens, rockeries, borders, and containers where space is limited.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees, which are essential for pollination and maintaining biodiversity.
- Easy Propagation: Cyclamen alpinum can be easily propagated from seeds or division, making it simple for gardeners to increase their stock or share with others.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with high deer populations.
- Longevity: As a perennial plant, it can live for several years, providing long-term interest and value in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cyclamen alpinum bulbs can be used as a starch substitute. The tubers, when processed correctly, yield a starch-like substance suitable for consumption.
- The flowers of Cyclamen alpinum are sometimes crystallized for decorative dessert garnishes. These crystallized petals can add an exotic touch to culinary presentations.
- Due to their attractive foliage and flowers, Cyclamen alpinum can be used in botanical art and illustration. They are commonly depicted in watercolor paintings and scientific drawings.
- As a natural dye source, Cyclamen alpinum can provide pigments for textiles. The petals, with their various hues, can be used to dye fabrics in shades of pink and purple.
- Cyclamen alpinum may serve as an educational tool in horticulture. They can be used to teach plant reproduction, especially the process of corm formation and growth.
- These plants can be used in aromatherapy as a source of essential oils. Some cyclamen species have a light, floral scent that can be distilled into an essential oil, albeit not commonly.
- In small-scale landscaping, Cyclamen alpinum can be used to create "fairy gardens" or miniature garden landscapes due to their compact size and attractive appearance.
- The leaves of Cyclamen alpinum sometimes serve as inspiration for patterns in design and craft projects, like textile prints or jewelry designs.
- Cyclamen alpinum seed pods can be utilized in dried flower arrangements, as they have interesting shapes and add an exotic look to the collection.
- Cyclamen alpinum can be grown for competition in flower shows, where enthusiasts aim to cultivate the most perfect and beautiful specimens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deep Love: Cyclamen is often associated with deep and enduring love, possibly due to its heart-shaped leaves, making it a popular gift for romantic partners.
- Parting or Goodbye: Sometimes given as a farewell gift, cyclamen can symbolize a parting or good wishes for someone embarking on a new phase or journey in their life.
- Sincerity: The delicate nature of the cyclamen blooms is linked to the idea of sincere and genuine emotions, hence why it is given to convey honest feelings.
- Timidity or Shyness: Cyclamen's blooms bowing down as though in a shy posture have led to its symbolizing feelings of shyness or timidity.
- Motherly Love: In some cultures, cyclamen is symbolic of a mother's undying love, with the plant sometimes given as a gift on Mother's Day.
WaterAlpine cyclamen should be watered moderately, ensuring the potting mix is moist but not soggy. During active growth, which typically occurs in fall and winter, water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, approximately once a week with about 8-16 ounces of water depending on the pot size. Cut back on watering once the leaves start to yellow and the plant enters dormancy in the summer; during this period, you might only need to water sparingly every couple of weeks just to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightAlpine cyclamen prefer bright, indirect light to thrive. A north or east-facing window is ideal, where they can enjoy plenty of light without the harsh direct sun that can scorch their leaves. Keep them out of prolonged direct sunlight, especially during the hot afternoon hours.
TemperatureAlpine cyclamen flourish in cooler temperatures and are comfortable in a range between 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temporary dips down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be subjected to temperatures below this as it can cause harm. The ideal temperature for encouraging blooming is on the cooler end of their comfort range.
PruningPrune alpine cyclamen after the blooms fade and leaves turn yellow, signaling the beginning of their dormant period. Remove dead or dying foliage to promote healthy growth for the next season. Pruning is typically needed once annually, and the best time to do it is in late summer before the new growth cycle begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCyclamen alpinum, also known as alpine cyclamen, prefers a soil mix that is well-draining, yet moisture-retentive with good aeration, such as a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand. A pH range of slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.2, is ideal for this plant.
RepottingAlpine cyclamen should be repotted every other year or when the tuber fills the pot, which is roughly every 1-2 years; this helps refresh the soil and provide space for growth.
Humidity & MistingAlpine cyclamen thrives best in moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-70%. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so it should not be kept too moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Cyclamen alpinum in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade; well-draining soil; shelter from extreme weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCyclamen alpinum, commonly known as the Turkish cyclamen, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination gives rise to a small tuber. The tuber enters a growth phase, developing roots and sending out heart-shaped leaves during cooler months, often in the fall. In its reproductive stage, Cyclamen alpinum blooms, producing pink to violet flowers with a distinctive upward curve, which is generally during late summer or early fall. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects, the fertilized flowers develop into seed pods that ripen and eventually dehisce, releasing seeds into the surrounding environment. In preparation for the hot Mediterranean summers or periods of dormancy, the above-ground portion of the plant dies back, and the plant survives underground as a tuber. Finally, the cycle repeats itself when cooler temperatures and moisture availability signal the tuber to resume growth, thus starting a new lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Cyclamen alpinum, commonly known as alpine cyclamen, is typically propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow cyclamen seeds is in the late summer or early fall, following their natural seeding time. To propagate alpine cyclamen by seeds, they must be soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in a tray filled with a well-draining seed mix, lightly covered with soil, and then placed in a cool, shaded area. Seedlings usually appear in several weeks to a few months, depending on conditions. It's crucial to maintain a consistent level of moisture without making the soil waterlogged, and once they have developed a couple of true leaves, seedlings can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.
