Lebanese Cyclamen Cyclamen libanoticum

Water

Cyclamen (most commonly referred to as Persian cyclamen) requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is fall through spring. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically about once a week, depending on the environmental conditions. Use lukewarm water, and irrigate from below to avoid wetting the foliage and crown, which can lead to fungal diseases. Carefully pour approximately 8-16 ounces of water per watering session, ensuring to never leave the plant sitting in water as this can cause root rot. During its summer dormancy, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough to keep the tuber from completely drying out.

Light

Cyclamen prefers bright, indirect light and should be placed in a location where it can receive such light, such as an east-facing window or a spot that is shaded during the hottest part of the day. Direct sunlight, especially during summer, can scorch the leaves, whereas too little light can result in weak growth and fewer blooms. A north-facing window can also be adequate if the light is sufficiently bright. Do not place the cyclamen in deep shade or overly dark areas, as this can hinder its flowering potential.

Temperature

Cyclamen enjoys cool temperatures and thrives best in a range of 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damage to the plant, and it's equally important to protect it from hot temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessive heat may cause the plant to go into early dormancy. The ideal temperature conditions for cyclamen are consistent, cool temperatures without drastic fluctuations, typically making it well-suited to the indoors or a cool greenhouse.

Pruning

Pruning cyclamen is mostly about removing yellow or wilted leaves and spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. It's best done promptly when such aging plant parts are noticed. Pruning can occur at any time of the year as needed. After flowering is complete, and the leaves begin to yellow naturally, reduce watering to encourage the plant to go dormant and prune back the foliage once it has died back completely.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lebanese Cyclamen thrives in well-draining, humus-rich mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. A good recipe would be equal parts of peat, loam, and perlite.

Repotting

Lebanese Cyclamen should be repotted every 1-2 years in the fall, during its dormant period, to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.

Humidity & Misting

Lebanese Cyclamen prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 40-70%, for optimal growth without the leaves getting too wet.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lebanese Cyclamen in bright, indirect light, ensure high humidity, and moderate temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lebanese Cyclamen in dappled shade, sheltered from strong winds, and mulch soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Cyclamen libanoticum, also known as Lebanese cyclamen, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in late spring or early summer. After germination, the seedlings develop into a tuber, which is a storage organ that enables the plant to survive adverse conditions. Each growing season, the tuber sends up a rosette of heart-shaped leaves followed by the distinctive flowers, which can range from white to pale pink with a magenta blotch at the base, usually blooming from late winter to early spring. Once pollinated, usually by insects, the flowers develop into seed pods that spiral down towards the ground as they mature. Once ripe, the seed pods release their contents, completing the cycle by potentially giving rise to new plants if the conditions are suitable. Throughout its life, the cyclamen enters a dormancy period during the hot and dry summer months, allowing it to conserve energy and resources until favorable growth conditions return.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Cyclamen libanoticum, also commonly known as Lebanon cyclamen, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method involves sowing the seeds in a tray filled with a well-drained soil mix. To encourage germination, the seeds are usually soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting. After soaking, they are sown on the surface of the soil mix and lightly covered with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. The tray should be kept at a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) and out of direct sunlight, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take several weeks, and once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.