Cyclamen Cyclamen 'Laser Salmon with Eye'
ABOUT
The Cyclamen 'Laser Salmon with Eye' is a captivating plant best known for its vibrant salmon pink flowers that boast a striking eye at the center, which is typically a deeper shade or a contrasting hue. The flowers have an elegant, swept-back appearance, almost like a cyclone in shape, which gives the cyclamen its name. The petals are rounded but come to a point and are slightly twisted, adding a sense of movement and a distinctive allure to the blossoms. The plant also features attractive heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with a silvery marbled pattern, providing a lush backdrop for the showy flowers. The foliage often emerges from a central point, creating a tidy, mounding form that cradles the flowers as they rise above on slender stems. Overall, this variety of cyclamen is beloved for its ornamental appeal, offering a splash of color indoors or in sheltered outdoor settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Persian Violet, Alpine Violet, Sowbread
Common names
Cyclamen persicum 'Laser Salmon with Eye'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. The toxicity primarily comes from terpenoids such as cyclamine found in the tubers and roots of the plant. If any part of the plant is eaten by a person, symptoms can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death, though such extreme reactions are rare. It is advised to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Cyclamen is also toxic to pets, with dogs and cats being at risk if they consume any part of the plant. The most toxic component, cyclamine, is concentrated in the tubers and roots, but all parts of the plant can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of cyclamen poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. In severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and even death may occur. It is important to keep cyclamen plants out of reach of pets and to contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is known or suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Salmon
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appearance: Cyclamen 'Laser Salmon with Eye' has striking salmon-pink flowers with a distinctive eye, adding a colorful accent to indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant typically has a prolonged flowering season, providing a beautiful display for several weeks to months.
- Seasonal Interest: Cyclamen are popular for providing vibrant color during fall and winter, brightening up the less colorful seasons.
- Low Maintenance: Cyclamen require minimal care once established, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those new to plant care.
- Compact Size: Due to their small stature, cyclamen are suitable for container gardening, windowsills, and small garden spaces.
- Cold Tolerance: This plant is relatively cold hardy, allowing it to thrive in cooler temperatures and survive light frosts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cyclamen petals can be used as a natural colorant in art projects, providing a soft pink hue when crushed and mixed with water or other mediums.
- Dried cyclamen flowers are suitable for crafting potpourri or sachets, offering a decorative touch and a gentle fragrance to drawers and closets.
- The patterned foliage can serve as an inspiration for designers and artists in creating textiles or graphic patterns.
- Cyclamen plants can be given as a living gift as a symbol of sincere affection, as they bloom heart-shaped flowers.
- Incorporating cyclamen in floral arrangements can provide an exotic touch, especially when their unique flowers are suspended upside-down due to their growth style.
- The tubers of cyclamen can be used in a survival situation as a food source after proper preparation to remove toxicity.
- Cyclamen is sometimes used in storytelling or literature as a symbol for resignation or farewell, often representing a love that has ended.
- Creatively, the distinct shape of cyclamen flowers can be used as natural stamps for crafting projects, creating unique patterns on paper or fabric.
- When planted in outdoor gardens, cyclamen can serve as an indicator of the changing seasons, as they usually bloom when cooler weather sets in.
- Their vibrant flowers can make a unique photographic subject for hobbyist and professional photographers, especially when capturing the contrast between the bright blooms and the surrounding foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Cyclamen, often symbolize sincere love and affection due to their heart-shaped leaves and beautiful flowers that curve elegantly downwards, expressing a sense of deep emotion.
- Parting and Goodbye: In some cultures, cyclamen are associated with departure or parting, as they often go dormant for a period, representing a temporary farewell.
- Sincerity and Trust: The graceful appearance of the cyclamen is thought to represent the purity and trustworthiness of feelings, making it an emblem of sincerity in a relationship.
- Protection: Historically, it was believed that having cyclamen in the home would protect the inhabitants from evil and misfortune, according to some folklore traditions.
- Resilience and Survival: Cyclamen are hardy plants that can survive in less than ideal conditions, symbolizing an individual's ability to persist and thrive through tough times.
WaterCyclamen should be watered with care to avoid waterlogging, typically once a week, but the frequency may change depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. When you water the plant, use a watering can to gently water the soil around the plant, not the leaves or flowers, with approximately 8-16 ounces of water. During the active growth phase in the fall and winter, consistent watering is crucial but always check the soil moisture level first to prevent overwatering.
LightCyclamen prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. An ideal spot would be near a window that gets plenty of light but is shielded by a sheer curtain. East or north-facing windows are often a good choice, as they provide the right intensity of light for optimal growth.
TemperatureCyclamen thrive in cooler environments, so the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 75°F. Avoid placing your Cyclamen in areas with significant temperature fluctuations or near heating vents, as this can adversely affect the plant's health.
PruningPruning Cyclamen is mainly about removing yellowing or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. This should be done as needed throughout the growing season. The best time for substantial pruning is after the blooming period when the leaves start to yellow signaling the onset of dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCyclamen prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts peat, loam, and perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for Cyclamen should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingCyclamen should typically be repotted every one to two years or when the tuber has outgrown its container. It is best to repot after the plant's dormancy period in the late summer.
Humidity & MistingCyclamen thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%. Avoid placing the plant near heating vents or in overly dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Cyclamen in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Cyclamen in dappled shade, sheltered from intense sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCyclamen 'Laser Salmon with Eye' begins its life cycle as a tuber, which sprouts roots and a rosette of leaves in the fall. The leaves grow throughout the winter, and the plant prepares to flower. Blooming typically occurs in late winter to early spring, showcasing its distinctive salmon-colored flowers with a contrasting eye. After the blooming period, the flowers wither and seed formation may occur if pollination has been successful. The foliage starts to yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy in late spring to summer, conserving energy within the tuber. The plant remains dormant through the hot summer months until the cooler temperatures of fall signal the start of a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Cyclamen 'Laser Salmon with Eye' is typically propagated through seed sowing. For best results, the seeds should be sown in the late summer or early fall. The seeds need to be soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting to help break dormancy. Sow the seeds thinly in trays or pots using a well-draining seed compost mix, barely covering them with compost. The trays or pots should then be placed in a cool, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight. Cyclamen seeds require a temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C) to germinate, which can take 30 to 60 days. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and once seedlings develop their first true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.
