False Iberian cyclamen Cyclamen pseudibericum

Water

Hardy Cyclamen should be watered during its active growing season, generally from fall to spring, when the soil feels dry to the touch. Water the plant thoroughly until water drips from the drainage holes, approximately every 7 to 14 days, using around 16 ounces of water each time, depending on the size of the pot and the indoor environment. During its dormant period in the summer, reduce watering significantly and only water sparingly to prevent the soil from completely drying out.

Light

Hardy Cyclamen thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sunlight. The ideal placement is near a window with a sheer curtain or in a spot that receives plenty of ambient light without direct sun exposure.

Temperature

Hardy Cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 68°F. It can handle temporary dips down to about 40°F but should be protected from temperatures above 77°F, which can cause the plant to go dormant. Consistent temperatures within the cooler range encourage prolonged flowering and overall health.

Pruning

Pruning Hardy Cyclamen involves removing yellowing or dead leaves and faded flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. This is best done after flowering, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring. Pruning is needed only occasionally and should be gentle, without cutting into the tuber, to prevent damage to the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cyclamen requires a well-draining soil mix, ideally composed of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and peat moss, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cyclamen should be repotted every couple of years, usually after the blooming season has ended; it's best done when the plant enters dormancy.

Humidity & Misting

Cyclamen prefer moderate to high humidity levels, typically around 50-70%, to thrive and sustain their blooms and foliage health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor growth of Cyclamen.

• Outdoor

  Grow Cyclamen in dappled shade, sheltered from intense sun and wind.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Cyclamen pseudibericum, commonly known as Spring Cyclamen or Ivy-leaved Cyclamen, begins its life cycle as a seed, which typically germinates in the autumn. After germination, a tuber is formed, and from this tuber, heart-shaped leaves emerge, often with a beautiful silver-marbled pattern. The plant then enters a growth phase during the cooler months of the year, producing flowers that range from white to purplish-pink with a magenta blotch at the base, usually blooming from late winter into spring. After flowering, the plant sets seed through the process of pollination, often aided by insects. As the warmer summer approaches, the cyclamen goes into dormancy, with the foliage dying back, and rests as a tuber underground until the temperatures cool again, signaling the start of the next growing season. This cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy repeats annually, with the tuber growing larger and producing more leaves and flowers as the plant matures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Cyclamen pseudibericum, commonly known as the Hardy Cyclamen, is usually propagated through seed. The best time to sow Cyclamen pseudibericum seeds is in the fall, as this simulates natural conditions where seeds drop to the ground and undergo a period of cold stratification during the winter. To propagate by seed, one should sow them in a tray filled with a well-draining soil mix, lightly covering the seeds with soil. The tray should be kept moist and placed in a cool location around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15.5 degrees Celsius). Germination can be erratic, sometimes taking several months. Seedlings should only be transplanted after they have developed a few sets of true leaves, which typically occurs in their second year.