Purple cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens)

Also known as: European cyclamen, Cyclamen

Purple cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens) is native to central and eastern Europe, where it grows under the leaf litter of woodlands or in high grasslands. It can be grown in the garden in humus-rich soil but often does better as a container plant indoors.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Purple cyclamen

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

8 cm to 15 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green Silver Gray Variegated

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Pink Purple

Images of Purple cyclamen

Quickly Identify Purple cyclamen

Cyclamen purpurascens can be identified by its dark green, heart-shaped leaves with silver marbling, and deep pink to purple, fragrant flowers with swept-back petals.

Scientific Classification of Purple cyclamen

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ericales

Family

Primrose

Genus

Alpine violet

Species

Purple cyclamen

Planting and Growing of Purple cyclamen

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Purple cyclamen?

For Cyclamen purpurascens, water gently so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Use approximately 150 ml per session, ensuring that excess water drains out to prevent root rot. Perform finger tests by sticking a finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Purple cyclamen? ›

What should I do if my Purple cyclamen is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Purple cyclamen? ›

How to save an overwatered Purple cyclamen? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Purple cyclamen?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2-4 hours daily

Partial sun to full shade supports Cyclamen purpurascens's vitality, maintaining lush foliage and encouraging regular flowering. Adequate light exposure enhances its aesthetic and physiological performance in various home settings.

What is the best lighting type for Cyclamen purpurascens? ›

How can I ensure ideal lighting for it? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Purple cyclamen?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

Cyclamen purpurascens thrives best in an environment with consistent temperatures ranging from 60 to 70°F. This range mimics their native habitat and promotes healthy growth and flowering. Maintaining these temperatures helps ensure the plant's metabolic processes function optimally, providing the right conditions for nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

What Soil is Best for Purple cyclamen?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cyclamen purpurascens thrives in well-drained soil, preventing root rot and promoting healthy root development. Ensuring good drainage can enhance the plant’s longevity and blooming period. A moderately fertile soil provides the necessary nutrients without the risk of overwhelming the plant, maintaining balanced growth and vibrant flowers. Adding organic matter improves soil fertility subtly. Though tolerant of drought, Cyclamen purpurascens prefers consistently moist soil, mimicking its natural woodland environment. This stability promotes lush foliage and abundant flowering.

How to Fertilize Purple cyclamen?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Cyclamen purpurascens, it is important to not over-fertilize. When applying liquid fertilizer, use a diluted solution, such as half-strength general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Use about 5-10 ml per liter of water, and ensure excess liquid drains away. For slow-release fertilizers, 5 grams sprinkled evenly around the plant base is sufficient.

How to Prune Purple cyclamen?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

While pruning, take care not to disturb the roots, as Cyclamen purpurascens have sensitive root systems. Prune with minimal interference to the soil and ensure the plant remains stable and intact. Never remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at one time. Over-pruning can stress the plant, reducing its ability to photosynthesize and potentially hindering its growth and blooming cycle. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Purple cyclamen plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early autumn

Start by filling the seed tray with a high-quality potting mix. Sow the seeds evenly on the surface and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the tray in a shaded area and water gently to maintain moisture, avoiding waterlogging.

Carefully dig up the Cyclamen tubers during the dormant period. Use a sharp knife to divide large, healthy tubers into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one growth point. Replant the divided tubers in well-draining soil.

Once seeds have germinated and seedlings have grown a few true leaves, transplant them to individual pots. Ensure each pot has a rich, well-drained soil mix. Place the pots in a bright, indirect light location and water moderately.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Purple cyclamen plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Cyclamen purpurascens should be repotted when the plant becomes root-bound or shows signs of reduced growth. Look for roots growing through drainage holes or noticeably slower leaf and flower production. These signs indicate it's time to give your cyclamen a new home.

Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, about 1-2 inches bigger in diameter. This helps to prevent overwatering and encourages the plant to focus on flower production. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, protecting the roots from rot.

Opt for a loamy, well-draining soil mix tailored for cyclamen. An ideal mix contains compost, light peat, and perlite, which ensures good aeration and moisture retention. This soil choice provides the perfect balance of nutrients while preventing waterlogging, promoting healthier growth.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.