Crane Flower Is an Alias for Cyclamen: Care Methods and Ornamental Value Explained

Crane Flower is another name for cyclamen, also called rabbit ear flower, first-class crown, and radish begonia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Cyclamen in the primrose family. It has a flattened round tuber, heart-shaped leaves often marked with silvery-white patterns, and flowers borne singly at the tips of slender stalks, with petals reflexed upward, resembling upright rabbit ears or a crane spreading its wings, which is how the name Crane Flower came about.

This flower prefers a cool and humid climate and fears high temperatures and scorching sun. It generally blooms from autumn and winter to spring, and goes dormant in midsummer. The flower colors are rich, including red, pink, white, purple, and many others. There are numerous horticultural varieties, which can be divided by flower type into single-petaled, double-petaled, large-flowered, and small-flowered types. The plant has a compact form and strong ornamental appeal.

When caring for it, place it in a bright, well-ventilated spot away from direct scorching sun, and grow it in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Water by the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet; never let water accumulate, and do not pour water into the leaf center or onto the tuber, or rot can easily occur. During the summer dormant period, reduce watering and keep the tuber in a cool, ventilated place. When the weather turns cool in autumn, resume water and fertilizer management, and it will sprout and grow again.

Crane Flower has a long blooming period, mostly opening in winter and spring. It is a common Lunar New Year potted flower and is very suitable for placing in the living room or study, symbolizing the arrival of honored guests and welcoming visitors. It should be noted that it is not an orchid and has no kinship with some orchid varieties with similar names, so it must be distinguished when purchasing and caring for it.