White flowering form of Cyclamen Cilicium Cyclamen cilicium f. album
ABOUT
Cyclamen cilicium f. album, often referred to simply as white cyclamen, showcases a stunning display of upright, delicate flowers which are a pristine white in color, giving it a pure and elegant appearance. Each blossom is comprised of five reflexed petals that gracefully curve upwards, resembling miniature windmills or butterfly wings. The heart-shaped foliage is a deep, rich green, often marbled with silver patterns, which adds a decorative touch even when the plant is not in bloom. The base of the stem, typically hidden beneath the foliage, intertwines forming a network of growth that supports the flowers and leaves alike. This white cyclamen exudes a subtle beauty that enhances any garden setting or indoor space with its refined flowers and attractive leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
White Cilician Cyclamen, White Cyclamen, White Persian Violet
Common names
Cyclamen cilicium f. album.
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen is a plant known for its potential toxicity to humans if ingested. Eating any part of the plant, especially the tubers, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to heart rhythm disturbances. Since the ornamental use of cyclamen is common, it is essential to handle it with care and ensure that it is kept away from children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Cyclamen is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the cyclamen plant, particularly the tubers, it may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. More serious cases can result in heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death. Pet owners should keep this plant out of reach and monitor their pets for any signs of accidental ingestion, seeking veterinary care immediately if poisoning is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cyclamen cilicium f. album, commonly known as Cyclamen, adds aesthetic appeal with its attractive white flowers and decorative foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens and as a houseplant.
- Seasonal Interest: Cyclamen typically blooms in the fall, adding color and interest to the garden during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Low Maintenance: Cyclamen are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance which makes them suitable for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Cyclamen attract pollinators such as bees, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem and for the pollination of other plants.
- Compact Growth: With its small and compact growth habit, Cyclamen is excellent for small gardens, borders or as a ground cover in shady areas.
- Container Gardening: Cyclamen can thrive in pots and containers, making them ideal for balconies, terraces, and indoor areas with limited space.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, some Cyclamen species can be quite tolerant of dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering compared to other plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cyclamen cilicium can be used in the horticulture industry for the development of new hybrid varieties with attractive white flowers.
- In floral arrangements, the ivory-white flowers can serve as a symbol of purity and innocence, often used in weddings and baptisms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deep Love: Cyclamen is often associated with deep and sincere love, as its enduring and flourishing nature can reflect the strength and longevity of emotions.
- Sincerity: The plant's upright growth and graceful flowers are seen to represent genuine feelings.
- Goodbye: In certain contexts, cyclamen can symbolize parting or a wish to say farewell, as it was traditionally given to signify the end of a relationship or affection.
- Shyness: The way cyclamen flowers tend to droop and turn downwards can be interpreted as a sign of diffidence and modesty.
- Resilience: Capable of growing in difficult conditions, cyclamen can also represent persistence and the ability to overcome adversity.
WaterFor a Cyclamen cilicium f. album, commonly known as Cyclamen, water it thoroughly whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch, typically every 7 to 10 days. Use room temperature water, avoiding cold water to prevent shock. It is important to water from the bottom or at the soil level to keep water off the leaves and flowers. Allow the plant to take up water for about 15 minutes, then drain any excess to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Cyclamens require about 8 to 16 ounces of water each time, depending on pot size and environmental conditions.
LightCyclamen prefers bright, indirect light without direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal, ensuring it receives enough light without the harshness of the midday sun. Avoid placing it in fully shaded areas, as insufficient light can hinder flowering and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureCyclamen enjoys a cool environment with temperatures ranging between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not expose the Cyclamen to temperatures below 40 degrees or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme temperatures can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range is crucial for prolonged blooming and overall plant health.
PruningCyclamen should have faded flowers and yellowing leaves removed to encourage blooming and prevent disease. Prune by gently twisting the stems of spent flowers and leaves away from the corm. The best time for pruning is after blooming, typically in late winter or early spring. Regular removal of dead material will help maintain the plant's aesthetic and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the White Cilician Cyclamen should be well-draining, loose, and porous with a high content of organic matter like peat or leaf mold. Additionally, the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with an optimal pH range of 6.5 to 7.2. A mixture of 1 part perlite, 1 part peat, and 1 part potting soil can work well for this plant, ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingWhite Cilician Cyclamen should be repotted every couple of years or when it outgrows its container. The best time for repotting is after flora have died back and the plant enters dormancy. Typically, repotting is done in late summer before the onset of the new growing season.
Humidity & MistingWhite Cilician Cyclamen thrives best with high humidity levels, around 50-60%. Sustaining these humidity levels will support healthy growth and flowering. It is particularly important to maintain humidity during the active growth and blooming period.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist but not wet.
Outdoor
Provide partial shade, shelter from wind, and mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleCyclamen cilicium f. album, commonly known as white-flowered cyclamen, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the soil, typically germinating in cool conditions after a period of dormancy. Following germination, seedlings develop into a rosette of heart-shaped leaves, and the plant establishes a tuber underground that serves as a storage organ. In the flowering stage, which occurs in autumn, the plant produces delicate, white flowers with reflexed petals and a pleasant fragrance. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers give way to seed pods that ripen and, upon reaching maturity, release the seeds into the surrounding environment. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the summer when the above-ground foliage dies back, and the tuber rests until the next favorable growing season. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant growing larger and producing more flowers as the tuber ages.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Cyclamen cilicium f. album, commonly known as Cyclamen, is typically propagated from seed, which is the most popular method for this plant variety. The best time for sowing seeds is in late summer or early autumn. Fresh seeds should be soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours to soften the seed coat before planting. They can then be sown in a mixture of equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and peat or a seed-starting compost, barely covering the seeds with soil. Cyclamen seeds require darkness and a consistent temperature of about 65°F (18°C) to germinate, which usually takes 30 to 60 days. After germination, the seedlings must be carefully grown in a cool environment and can take several years to flower.
