How to Grow Cyclamen: Watering, Light and Flowering-Period Care Matter

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a perennial bulbous herbaceous plant in the genus Cyclamen of the family Primulaceae. Also known as rabbit-ear flower, rabbit flower, radish begonia and yipinguan, it originates from the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Its petals curl upward and backward, shaped like upright rabbit ears, and its leaves are mostly heart-shaped with silvery-white markings on the surface, so it remains quite ornamental even when not in bloom.

Cyclamen prefers a cool climate and dislikes high temperatures and stuffy heat. In the hot summer weather it enters a dormant state and resumes growth after the weather cools in autumn. Its flower colors are very rich, with common ones including bright red, pink, white, purple and bicolor varieties, and in plant form there are also large-flowered and mini small-flowered types. Its natural flowering period is mostly concentrated from late autumn to the following spring, and the flowering period is fairly long, covering New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, so it is often displayed as a New Year floral decoration.

For home care of cyclamen, the soil should be loose, breathable and well-draining; it can be prepared with leaf mold combined with perlite and other media. Watering is best done on a see-dry-see-wet basis, preferably by watering along the edge of the pot or using the immersion method to replenish water, avoiding pouring water onto the top of the corm and the center of the leaves, otherwise rot is easily caused. In daily care it can be placed in a position with bright scattered light, avoiding direct strong light; removing spent flowers and yellow leaves promptly after flowering helps it continue to form buds and bloom.

It should be noted that the corm and sap of cyclamen contain irritating substances, and accidental ingestion may cause discomfort, so when there are children or pets at home it should be placed somewhere not easy to touch. As long as temperature, moisture and light are arranged properly, cyclamen can bloom continuously for several months and is a potted flower suitable for viewing in winter and spring.