Persian Violet Cyclamen 'Miracle Deep Salmon'

Water

The Cyclamen, or Persian Violet, requires careful watering to encourage proper growth. It’s important to water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; over-watering can lead to rot. Typically, this may translate to watering once a week, but this can vary depending on the environment's humidity and temperature levels. A moderate amount of water should be added, around 8-16 ounces, directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves and flowers to prevent disease. During the plant's dormant period in the summer, reduce watering until new growth appears in the fall.

Light

Cyclamen prefer bright, indirect light, away from direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. The ideal spot for Persian Violet is a north or east-facing window with filtered light. However, during the winter months when light levels are low, they can tolerate some direct sunlight. Avoid placing them in very dark or overly bright spots, as this can inhibit their growth or cause damage.

Temperature

Persian Violet thrives in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can survive in a temperature range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 70 degrees or below 50 degrees, as this can cause stress or damage to the plant. The cooler night temperatures help to prolong the blooming period.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for Cyclamen to remove faded flowers and yellowing leaves, which encourages new growth and blooms. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the stems of spent flowers at the base. Pruning should be done as needed throughout the flowering season. After blooming, the Persian Violet leaves will yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy, at which point you should also remove the dead foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cyclamen prefers well-drained soil with high organic matter. A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts works well. Maintain a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 for ideal growth.

Repotting

Cyclamen should be repotted every couple of years or when it outgrows its current pot. Best done when the plant is dormant, typically in summer.

Humidity & Misting

Cyclamen thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-70%. Avoid overly dry air which can cause bud drop and leaf problems.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light with cool temps.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Cyclamen 'Miracle Deep Salmon', commonly known as Persian cyclamen, begins its life cycle as a tuber, which upon suitable environmental conditions, sprouts roots and shoots. Initially, the shoots develop into heart-shaped leaves, and as the plant matures, it produces deep salmon-pink flowers that stand out above the foliage. After pollination, the flowers fade and seed pods start to form, eventually reaching the soil surface where they release seeds for propagation. The plant enters a dormancy phase, particularly during the hot summer months, whereby the leaves die back and the plant conserves energy within the tuber. With the onset of cooler and moister conditions in autumn or early winter, the cycle restarts with the tuber producing new foliage and flowers. The plant can repeat this cycle for several years, with the tuber increasing in size and producing more abundant blooms with each season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The Cyclamen 'Miracle Deep Salmon', commonly known simply as Cyclamen, is most typically propagated through seed starting in late winter or early spring. To propagate Cyclamen using this method, you will need to collect ripe seeds from a mature plant. Clean the seeds and soak them in water for 12 to 24 hours to help break their dormancy. After that, sow the seeds thinly in a tray filled with moistened, well-drained seed-starting mix, covering them with a very fine layer of soil. The tray should be placed in a warm, bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight, with temperatures around 68°F (20°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy and expect germination to take several weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.