The Lebanon cyclamen, Cyclamen libanoticum, is a captivating plant that brings delicate beauty to any garden or indoor collection. Its unique charm and specific care requirements make it a rewarding subject for plant enthusiasts. This guide helps foster a thriving Lebanon cyclamen.
Understanding Lebanon Cyclamen
The Lebanon cyclamen is native to a small mountainous region northeast of Beirut, Lebanon, specifically the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve. It thrives at elevations from 750 to 1,400 meters, typically in moist, heavily shaded areas of deciduous and evergreen oak woodlands, often on limestone-rich land with deep leaf litter or moss.
Its foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves, often gray-green with a darker, variegated, arrowhead pattern or silver lacing. Leaves, 4-14 cm long and 4-12 cm wide, emerge in late autumn or early winter. From late February to early April, the plant produces fragrant, clear pink flowers with a spicy or peppery scent. Large blooms feature five reflexed petals that open white and gradually turn pale pink, often marked with an irregular crimson-magenta blotch at their base. The tuber, a compressed sphere up to 5 cm in diameter, is the plant’s underground storage structure; roots emerge from one side of the base.
Cultivating Lebanon Cyclamen
Light Requirements
Lebanon cyclamen thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near an east or north-facing window for ample filtered light, avoiding direct sun. During summer or high temperatures, move the plant to a shadier, well-ventilated spot to prevent sunburn. Sufficient light is needed during active growth, but direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves.
Soil and Potting
The ideal growing medium for Lebanon cyclamen is a loose, well-draining soil mix that prevents waterlogging. A suitable blend includes leaf mold and garden soil (2:1 ratio) with calcium superphosphate, or peat and perlite (2:1 ratio). The plant prefers slightly acidic, organically rich soil; sphagnum peat helps achieve this. When potting, select a container allowing about an inch of space around the tuber, ensuring the top half remains slightly exposed above the soil line.
Watering Techniques
Watering Lebanon cyclamen requires careful attention to avoid overwatering and underwatering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, keeping it consistently moist but not saturated during active growth. Bottom watering is recommended: place the pot in a shallow dish of water for absorption from drainage holes. This prevents water from accumulating on the tuber or leaves, which can lead to rot and fungal issues. During active growing seasons, water demand increases.
Temperature and Dormancy
Lebanon cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures, ideally 18-20°C (65-68°F) day and 10°C (50°F) night. High temperatures, above 28°C (82°F), can cause premature dormancy. Temperatures below 5°C (41°F) can damage the plant, leading to leaf drop and potential root rot.
The plant naturally enters summer dormancy when temperatures rise, causing foliage to yellow and wither. During this time, significantly reduce watering to prevent tuber rot, providing just enough moisture to prevent complete drying. Place the dormant plant in a cool, dark, well-ventilated location, possibly outdoors away from rain. As cooler, damper weather returns in late summer or early fall, new growth will emerge, signaling the end of dormancy and the resumption of regular watering.
Fertilization
Lebanon cyclamen benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season. Apply a phosphate fertilizer weekly, and a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. Avoid fertilization during the blooming period, as this can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. No fertilization is needed during dormancy.
Propagation Methods
Lebanon cyclamen can be propagated through seeds or by dividing mature corms. For seeds, soak in warm water for 24 hours before planting to aid germination. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, cover lightly with 5-8 mm of soil, and keep in darkness at 10-16°C (50-60°F) for optimal germination. Germination can take weeks to months; transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop 3-4 leaves.
Tuber division is another method, best performed when the plant is dormant in late summer or early fall. Carefully dig up the tuber, clean excess soil, and divide with a sharp, sterilized knife. Each section needs at least one growth point. After cutting, allow sections to dry for a day or two to form a callus before potting them in well-draining soil, watering sparingly until new growth appears.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Growers of Lebanon cyclamen may encounter common issues. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or a too-warm environment. If leaves turn yellow, check soil moisture and move to a cooler location. Drooping or wilting leaves suggest underwatering, indicating immediate hydration is needed.
A lack of blooms can result from insufficient light or high temperatures. Moving the cyclamen to a cooler spot with more indirect light often encourages flowering. Pests like cyclamen mites and aphids can affect the plant, causing distorted growth or sticky residue. Fungal issues, such as root rot or grey mold, frequently occur due to overwatering, especially if water collects at the pot’s base or on the tuber. Proper drainage and bottom-watering techniques help prevent these problems.