Cyclamen 'Halios Violet' Cyclamen persicum 'Halios Violet'

Water

Cyclamen requires attentive watering practices to thrive. It's best to let the top inch of soil slightly dry out between watering. In general, water Cyclamen every 7 to 10 days with enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly, typically about 8-16 ounces, depending on pot size. However, you should adjust the frequency based on humidity, temperature, and light levels, as these factors can alter a plant's water needs. Avoid watering directly onto the leaves or flowers; water the soil instead to prevent rot and fungal diseases.

Light

Cyclamen prefer bright, indirect light when grown indoors. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light will cause them to grow leggy. A north or east-facing window is an ideal spot for Cyclamen, providing the gentle light they need without the harsh midday sun. Ensure the plant is not subjected to drafts or heat sources that might stress it.

Temperature

Cyclamen thrive in cooler temperatures and should be kept in an environment between 50°F and 68°F for optimal growth. They can survive temporarily in temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 72°F, but these are not ideal conditions. For best results, maintain a steady temperature within the preferred range, avoiding sudden drops or spikes that could stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Cyclamen mainly involves the removal of yellowing or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage healthy growth and more blooms. This should be done as needed throughout the growing season. The best time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade, gently twisting off the spent blooms and leaves without damaging the tuber. Regular removal of dying foliage helps prevent disease and allows the plant to direct energy to new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Persian cyclamen, including 'Halios Violet', thrives in well-draining, loose soil with a peat-based potting mix, or a combination of equal parts peat, loam, and sand. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Persian cyclamens like 'Halios Violet' generally require repotting every one to two years, best done when the plant is dormant, typically in late summer after the foliage has died down.

Humidity & Misting

Persian cyclamen prefers high humidity but not wet leaves. Aim for about 50% relative humidity. Provide humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, but avoid misting to prevent crown rot.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Persian cyclamen in bright, indirect light, cool temps, and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, shelter from intense sun and rain.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Florist's Cyclamen ('Halios Violet' variety) begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-drained medium under dappled light. The seeds develop into small tubers, from which sprout heart-shaped leaves and eventually, the characteristic violet flowers. After blooming, pollination must occur for seed production, often facilitated by insects. Once the flowers wither, the plant goes into a period of dormancy, especially in hot summers or cold winters, where the foliage dies back and the tuber rests. As temperatures become favorable again, the tuber breaks dormancy, sprouting new foliage, and the cycle recommences. Proper care during the growth, dormancy, and reblooming stages ensures the plant’s longevity and vitality.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• Propogation: The Cyclamen, specifically the Cyclamen persicum 'Halios Violet', is commonly propagated through seed sowing. The best time for this is usually late winter to early spring. To propagate, Cyclamen seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, followed by sowing in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be placed on the surface of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil or perlite, and then kept consistently moist at a temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 18.3 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can take several weeks to germinate and once they sprout, they should be grown in cooler conditions with bright, indirect light until they are large enough to handle, at which point they can be transplanted into individual pots. This slow and meticulous process requires patience, as it can take up to a year or more for the plants to flower.