European cyclamen: what kind of plant is it - its description and photo, differences from Persian, as well as home care, reproduction and planting, medicinal properties

European cyclamen or, as it is also called, purple is a very common plant in Europe. It can be found both in the wild and as garden plantings. Cyclamen is considered a plant for the north-western latitudes, however, in countries that differ in harsh climates, such a plant can not grow in open ground.

This perennial does not have its established period of rest, and remains covered with abundant foliage year-round. As for flowering, this period begins at the moment of summer heat, and lasts until the month of October. Cyclamen has a delicate pleasant aroma, which is why it is very popular among gardeners.

What is this plant?

European cyclamen in Europe is better known as "purple". But neither one nor the other name can fully reflect the essence of this plant. Under the name “European” cyclamen on sale you can see immediately three different in appearance flowers that grow in Europe. These include cyclamen purple, ivy, notched.

ATTENTION: Someone thinks that the names purple and European are synonyms. But in 1972, at a conference held by the international Code of Botanical Nomenclature, the name "European" was challenged. But this does not prevent gardeners from still using it in everyday life.

Description of appearance

It is an evergreen perennial. It is classified as tuberous and grassy. The tuber of such a plant is round and flat. The diameter reaches 10 cm. They are flattened on top and bottom - a distinctive feature of the plant. The root system of the tuber can evenly cover its entire surface.

As for old plants, the root shape begins to distort with age. It can produce thick shoots that become subsidiary plants.

The leaves are leathery, long, extending from the root. The color of such a plant varies depending on the climatic characteristics of the territory where it grows. Color can vary from green to silver, the pattern is somewhat broken along, around the edge of the sheet. The underside of the leaf has a purple-green hue. Petiole of the plant has the same color. The sheet plate itself is heart-shaped, and its tips are pointed, have a serrated edge.

Flowers that appear on cyclamen from June to October have five petals and are located singly. Come out of the root of the plant. There are long peduncles. The flower petals themselves are oval, somewhat twisted into a spiral. The average length of the petals is about 2 cm. The flowers have a delicate aroma, which allows the use of cyclamen as an aromatic additive to various perfumes. The color of the flowers may be pale pink or light purple. The color of the plant depends on the climatic conditions of the growing zone.

Scientists distinguish several types of flowers that can appear on a plant. Delicate pink, purple flowers, white with a red edge at the edges, plain white or pink flowers with silver streaks.

Differences from Persian

European cyclamen and Persian cyclamen are the most popular species of this plant. Very often they are compared with each other. These two species, despite similar names, are distinguished by their biology and approach to flower care. When making a purchase, it is important to know how to care for a particular plant, because if you apply the wrong care to one species, you risk losing the plant.

Coloring the bottom of the leaf. Cyclamen purpurea is anthocyanin, somewhat purple, Persian has a green tint.
Tuber shaped. Persian has a spherical, and European has a flattened tuber.
The flowering time of these plants is different. Purple cyclamen blooms all summer through autumn, Persian from winter to spring.
Persian cyclamen most often contains white flowers, and his opponent is dominated by a gently pink hue.

Healing properties

In addition to its beauty, cyclamen has a pronounced pharmacological effect:

The juice of this plant eliminates all the inflammatory processes that occur in the body.
Cyclamen is an excellent antiseptic, and at the same time, it has a detrimental effect on various pathogens.
Juice has the ability to destroy viral infections in the body. Infusions with the addition of cyclamen juice should be taken for colds, developing migraines and inflammation of the maxillary sinuses.
Cyclamen in contact with the mucous membranes is detrimental to the microflora, so it should not be used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Cyclamen juice perfectly shows itself in the form of grinds, which are used to eliminate pain that occurs with rheumatism, gout and other diseases.

How to plant?

In order for cyclamen to grow, bloom, delight its owners with a beautiful appearance and a delicious smell, it is necessary to pay due attention to the recommendations for planting and caring for this plant.

Lighting and location

Cyclamen should be located in a place that is well protected from direct sunlight.. You can not deprive such a plant of bright diffused light. If you want to place cyclamen at the window, then the western and eastern sides will suit it. Despite the fact that this plant does not drop leaves for the winter, it does not require additional light sources.

Temperature

Also, special attention should be paid to temperature. Plants prefer moderate temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees. In winter, the temperature drops to 12 in a timely manner. Cyclamen does not need special hydration. But despite this, special demands are made on the air. Do not expose the plant to tobacco smoke, burning in the kitchen, keeping in stuffy rooms.

Soil requirements

Planting soil should be nutritious, neutral and slightly acidic.. Well, if you have a composition that contains equal parts of peat, sand, sheet land. If you do not have the opportunity to prepare the perfect soil in the above proportions, you can purchase ready-made soil that is suitable for the growth and development of bulbous plants. We recommend adding a little baking powder. Do not forget about a good dense layer of expanded clay or pebble drainage. It is necessary to prevent fluid stagnation.

Home Care

It is not enough to plant a plant according to all the specified rules. It is very important to properly care for it so that the flowering period delights you with its beauty.

Top dressing

Be sure to use top dressing. Especially, during the period of active growth, which lasts from the beginning of spring to mid-autumn. The plant needs to be fed once every two weeks, and fertilizers must contain complex minerals with a low nitrogen content. You can purchase ready-made fertilizers as well as prepare them yourself.

Transfer

If cyclamen needs a transplant, then it must also be carried out according to the rules. Instances need replanting about once every three to four years, however, if the size of the pot allows, this procedure should be done as rarely as possible, since the plants do not tolerate such a procedure. It is advisable to use the transshipment method by carefully moving the tuber itself with the drainage into a pot that has a slightly larger diameter.

Watch the video on the correct cyclamen transplant:

Watering

Watering such a plant should be extremely careful, mainly along the edge of the pot, trying not to get water on the tuber and leaves. Be sure to use water at room temperature, preferably soft and previously settled. In summer, it is worth watering the flower somewhat more abundantly than in winter. In any case, an additional dose of water is not needed until the topsoil becomes dry.

TIP: You can’t categorically fill the plant, because the tuber rots very quickly and causes the whole plant to become ill. In winter, cyclamen consumes water very economically, so it is not recommended to water the plant more than 2 times a week.

Diseases and Pests

Cyclamen side does not bypass the disease. The most common disease is gray rot.. It manifests itself a month after the plant was affected. First, a soft gray coating appears on the tubers, and only then on the leaves. Affected areas begin to rot. The cause of this disease is excessive watering, high humidity or lack of proper circulation. Leaves are most likely to rot, and only then in tubers.

You can also often encounter pests that precipitate cyclamen. These can be various ticks, thrips and aphids. If such parasites are found, the plant should be treated with purchased chemicals. Such treatment will cause minor damage to the plant, but will relieve it of certain death and parasites.

Breeding methods

Cyclamen propagates by both seed and tuber division. If you have chosen the first option, you will have to be patient, because this procedure is quite long, because seedlings may appear even a year after you have sown the seeds.

Also, European cyclamen, unlike Persian, can be propagated by leaves.

Conclusion

Cyclamen is not only a beautiful medicinal plant, but also a wonderful gift. Surely every fan of fresh flowers on the windowsill settled such a resident. Carefully care for this plant, because only with proper care will it reveal to you all its beauty and useful properties.