Balearic cyclamen Cyclamen balearicum

Water

Balearic cyclamen should be watered carefully to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. The best method is to water the plant from the bottom, allowing the pots to soak up water through drainage holes. This should be done whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, which might be about once a week, but frequency can depend on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. During active growth, water with about 8-16 ounces every week, adjusting as necessary for the plant's health and seasonal changes.

Light

Balearic cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. The best spot for this plant is near a window that receives filtered light or a little morning sun followed by shade for the rest of the day. East-facing windowsills are ideal locations for providing the light conditions that Balearic cyclamen needs to flourish.

Temperature

Balearic cyclamen prefers cooler temperature conditions, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, as high heat can cause the plant to go dormant. The plant is not frost-hardy, so it should be kept away from cold drafts and windows during the winter months.

Pruning

Balearic cyclamen should be pruned to remove yellow or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage healthy growth and appearance. This typically occurs after the blooming period when the plant enters dormancy. Gently twist off the yellowing leaves and fading flowers. Pruning is done on an as-needed basis throughout the year, with the most attention required post-flowering when the plant begins to go dormant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Balearic cyclamen thrives in a well-draining soil mix that's rich in organic matter. A blend of 1 part peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part loamy soil works well. This mixture ensures good drainage and aeration, crucial for cyclamen health. The ideal soil pH for Balearic cyclamen is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Balearic cyclamen should be repotted every couple of years or when it outgrows its current pot. It is best to repot after the dormancy period when new growth begins, usually in late summer. Carefully remove the tuber without damaging the roots and place it in fresh suitable soil mix.

Humidity & Misting

Balearic cyclamen prefers a moderately humid environment to thrive. Aim for a humidity level around 50-70%. Avoid overly dry conditions, which can cause the leaves to wilt and brown. A pebble tray with water or a room humidifier can help maintain the ideal humidity range.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Balearic cyclamen in bright, indirect light away from heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Grow Balearic cyclamen in dappled shade, protect from harsh conditions.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cyclamen balearicum, also known as Balearic cyclamen, starts its life cycle when seeds germinate in the autumn, after a summer's dormancy. Seedlings develop into a tuber, which is the storage organ of the plant. During the winter and spring, it produces heart-shaped leaves and pinkish to purplish flowers with upward-twisting petals. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into round pods that sink to the ground as they mature. Throughout the summer, the foliage dies back and the plant enters a dormancy period, conserving energy within the tuber. In the subsequent autumn, the cycle repeats as the tuber sends up new leaves and flowers, thus perpetuating the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Cyclamen balearicum, commonly known as Balearic cyclamen, is typically propagated through seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in late summer or early fall, after the seed pods have matured and burst open. To propagate Balearic cyclamen by seed, one would collect the mature seeds and sow them on the surface of a well-draining potting mix. The seeds require darkness to germinate, so they should be covered with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. The potting mix should be kept moist but not wet, and at a cool temperature around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 degrees Celsius) to mimic their native Mediterranean environment. Germination can be slow and may take several weeks to months. Once sprouted, seedlings should be grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to be potted up individually.