Cyclamen Cyclamen coum subsp. coum f. coum Pewter Group
ABOUT
The plant, commonly known as Cyclamen, is a charming and vibrant addition to any garden space. It showcases a striking foliage with heart-shaped leaves that are often marbled with a silver or pewter sheen, giving it a unique and ornamental appearance. The leaves emerge from a central tuber that lies just beneath the soil surface. The flowers of the Cyclamen are equally delightful, with their swept-back petals that resemble tiny, elegant butterflies perched amongst the foliage. These flowers can come in various shades ranging from soft pinks to deeper magenta hues, and occasionally you may find blooms in pure white. The combination of intricately patterned leaves and the bright, jewel-like flowers creates a captivating display that is both delicate and distinct.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
Eastern Cyclamen, Winter Cyclamen.
Common names
Cyclamen coum subsp. coum f. coum Pewter Group
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen is known to contain toxic substances, such as terpenoid saponins, which can be harmful if ingested. The most common symptoms of cyclamen poisoning in humans can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death, although such extreme reactions are rare. It's crucial to keep the plant out of reach of children and to handle it with care, avoiding consumption of any part of the plant.
To pets
Cyclamen is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Similar to humans, the ingestion of any part of the cyclamen plant, particularly the tubers, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, the pet may experience heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, or even death. Pet owners should ensure that the cyclamen plant is kept away from pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.16 feet (5 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Cyclamen coum, commonly known as Eastern Sowbread, is valued for its beautiful silver-marbled foliage and vibrant pink to magenta flowers, which can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant blooms in late winter to early spring, providing color and interest during a time when few other plants are flowering.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Eastern Sowbread is relatively drought tolerant, requiring minimal watering and making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Compact Growth: With its small size and compact growth habit, it is ideal for small gardens, rockeries, and containers, where it won't outcompete neighboring plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Eastern Sowbread attract pollinating insects, helping to support local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Naturalizing: This plant can naturalize over time, spreading to form a dense carpet of foliage and flowers, which can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Shade Tolerance: It can tolerate shade well, making it suitable for planting under trees, shrubs, or in other shaded areas of the garden where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Eastern Sowbread is generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the need for protective measures in gardens frequented by wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cyclamen coum 'Pewter Group' can be used in the education sector to teach about bulbous plant structures and their seasonal growth cycles.
- This plant variety can be a subject of scientific study on variegated foliage, as its leaves are ornately patterned and could provide insights into leaf patterning genetics.
- In art and photography, the distinct patterning and coloring of Cyclamen coum 'Pewter Group' can be used for botanical illustration practice or as a focal point in macro photography.
- In landscaping, they can be effective for underplanting deciduous trees, taking advantage of the seasonal light they receive before the trees leaf out in spring.
- The Cyclamen's leaves and flowers can be used in floral arrangements to provide a touch of natural elegance to eco-friendly decor.
- Insects, particularly bees and butterflies, are attracted to the flowers, making them useful for gardeners trying to encourage pollinator visits to their gardens.
- Cyclamen coum plants can be used as a living mulch in gardens, providing ground cover that suppresses weeds while also adding aesthetic value with their foliage and blooms.
- During winter, when blooms in the garden are scarce, Cyclamen coum 'Pewter Group' can provide unexpected color and life to a dormant landscape.
- Ecological gardening programs can utilize Cyclamen coum for their value in maintaining biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.
- This plant can act as a symbol in cultural events or festivals that celebrate spring, as its flowering often coincides with the onset of this season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deep Love: Cyclamen is often associated with deep and lasting love, making it a beautiful gift for a significant other.
- Goodbye: In some cultures, giving cyclamen means a parting gesture or saying goodbye, possibly because the plant dies back to its tuber after flowering, symbolizing a period of dormancy or separation.
- Sincerity: The cyclamen can represent sincere feelings or emotions due to its heartfelt bloom during the colder months, when few other plants flower.
- Resilience: Since cyclamen thrives in cooler temperatures and can bloom even in snow, it symbolizes strength and the ability to endure difficult situations.
- Motherly Love: The nurturing way the cyclamen grows and cares for its own flowers and seedlings may be symbolic of the protective and nurturing nature of motherly love.
WaterEastern cyclamen needs consistent moisture during growth and bloom periods, typically from fall to spring. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which can be about once a week, but this frequency might need to increase if the indoor air is very dry or during its active growth phases. Use room-temperature water and pour gently around the base of the plant, avoiding water on the leaves or flowers to prevent fungal issues. It's crucial not to waterlog the soil as the tubers can rot; thus, ensure the pot has proper drainage. A rule of thumb is to provide about 8-16 ounces of water per week, adjusting according to the plant size and environmental conditions.
LightEastern cyclamen thrives best in bright, indirect light. It should be placed near a window that receives filtered sunlight, as direct sun can scorch the leaves and flowers. An east or north-facing window is ideal to provide the soft light this plant prefers. Avoiding intense afternoon light, especially in warmer climates, will help maintain the vibrant colors and health of the plant.
TemperatureEastern cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures and will thrive in an environment where the temperature ranges between 50°F and 68°F. The plant can survive a minimum temperature of about 40°F, but it's essential to avoid frost as it can damage the plant. The ideal temperature conditions for the eastern cyclamen allow it to flourish and extend the blooming period. It's susceptible to heat damage, so avoid placing it in areas that can exceed 70°F during its active growing season.
PruningPruning the eastern cyclamen is necessary to remove yellow or dead leaves and spent flowers, which encourages new growth and improves overall plant health. The best time to prune is after the blooms have faded and the leaves begin to yellow, which typically occurs in late spring. Pruning often involves gently pulling away the dying foliage at the base without disturbing the tuber. This maintenance should be done as needed throughout the growing season but is minimized during dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEastern cyclamen requires well-draining soil mixed with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold. A recommended soil mix would be one part perlite, one part fine bark, and two parts peat or coir-based compost to hold moisture while still allowing good drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.2 for optimal growth.
RepottingEastern cyclamen typically need to be repotted every couple of years. The best time to repot is after they've finished flowering and have gone dormant, usually in late summer to early fall. Ensure the fresh potting mix matches the criteria needed for their growth, and take care not to damage the tubers during repotting.
Humidity & MistingEastern cyclamen thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. They benefit from a humid environment, but it's important to avoid wetting the foliage and flowers as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCyclamen coum, commonly known as eastern sowbread, begins its life as a tuber, which germinates to produce a rosette of heart-shaped leaves. The leaves persist through the winter, and between late winter to early spring, it flowers, producing delicate blooms ranging from white to deep pink with a distinctive magenta blotch at the base. After pollination, often by bees or other insects, the flowers develop seed capsules that curl towards the ground, releasing seeds for propagation. During the summer, the above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant enters a dormant period to survive through the dry and warm season. The tuber rests underground until cooler and moister conditions in autumn trigger the growth of new leaves, thus beginning a new cycle. Seeds that have been dispersed may take several months to a few years to grow into mature, flowering-size tubers, depending on environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Eastern sowbread, or Cyclamen coum subsp. coum f. coum Pewter Group, is commonly propagated by seed sowing. This is typically done after the seed is ripe, which usually means in late spring to early summer. Once collected, seeds should be sown immediately as their viability reduces with time. The process involves sowing the seeds in a tray with well-drained yet moist soil. It is important to keep the soil at a consistent moisture level without it becoming waterlogged. The seeds need a period of cool temperatures, around 41°F (5°C), to germinate, which can take several weeks to even months. As the seedlings grow, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are ready to be planted out in their final positions.
