Cyclamen (genus)

Japanese name: 原種シクラメン
Scientific name: Cyclamen

[Overview]
Perennials.
They have tubers.
The leaves are simple and basal, heart-shaped, or sometimes ovate or kidney-shaped.
The leaf surface generally has markings, and the leaf margins are generally toothed.
A single flower is borne facing downward at the tip of a long flower stalk; the corolla is 5-lobed and curves back upward.
After fertilization, the flower stalk coils into a spiral or bends downward.
The fruit is a capsule, and the seeds are sticky.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
They prefer a site with sun, good drainage and good water retention.
In a poorly lit place, flowering is poor and the flower color is dull.
They dislike direct summer sun and hot, humid conditions, so it is best to plant them under deciduous trees or the like.
If planted while lingering summer heat remains, the leaves may turn yellow and wither.
They tolerate frost, but in cold regions or areas with heavy frost, grow them in pots and bring them indoors in winter.
For plants in the garden, rainfall is sufficient.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, but pour gently around the edge of the pot, since wetting the leaves and flowers damages them.
Many are weak in summer heat, and the leaves generally wither in early summer and the plants go dormant.
During dormancy, keep them in a shady, well-ventilated place without watering and let them pass the summer until the leaves emerge.
If they do not go dormant in a cool region, and for species that do not go dormant, let them pass the summer in a cool place in partial shade while watering.
When flowers and leaves wither, remove them promptly from the base.
Pests and diseases include gray mold, soft rot, wilt, cyclamen mites, aphids and thrips.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)