Cyclamen Flower Stalk Wilts and Bends Down
The graceful and upright flower stalk of cyclamen is the main point of appreciation, but during the maintenance process, it often appears that the stems become soft and droop. This not only affects the ornamental value but is also a distress signal from the plant. Through systematic analysis, we can find solutions from dimensions such as environmental regulation, water management, and light adaptation.
Four Main Causes of Cyclamen Flower Stalk Wilting
Double Troubles of Water Imbalance
Overwatering can lead to root suffocation and rot, which is manifested by yellowing of new leaves accompanied by stem collapse. At this time, watering should be stopped immediately, and bamboo skewers should be used to poke holes in the potting soil to accelerate drainage. When there is a long-term water shortage, the leaves will show dehydration lines with wrinkles, and the stems will start to wilt from the top, requiring the immersion method to water the plant, with the water level not exceeding 1/3 of the pot, and lasting for 30 minutes to allow the soil to absorb water thoroughly.
Stress Response to Sudden Environmental Changes
The stalk collapse of newly purchased cyclamen after potting is essentially a physiological disorder caused by sudden changes in temperature and humidity. It is recommended to keep the original soil when transplanting and maintain the plant in a diffused light environment for 7-10 days. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor and maintain a temperature of 18-22°C during the day and 15-18°C at night, with the air humidity kept between 60%-70%.
Precise Control of Light Intensity
Although cyclamen is a light-loving plant, exposure to strong sunlight for more than 3 hours can cause photoinhibition. When grayish-white sunburn spots appear on the leaves, a sunshade net should be set up immediately to filter 50% of the light. In winter, it can tolerate full sunlight, while in spring and autumn, direct sunlight before 10 am is best, and a gauze curtain needs to be pulled up for protection at noon.
Targeted Rescue Operation Procedure
After detecting stem collapse, first check the moisture of the potting soil: if the top 2 cm is dry, water is needed, if moist, check the roots. Remove the plant and clean the rotting roots, then soak in carbendazim before changing to new soil. During the adaptation period, a transparent plastic bag can be used to create a small greenhouse, with ventilation for 2 hours every day. Light adjustment should be combined with rotating the pot to ensure even light exposure from all directions.
By establishing a watering log to record the dry-wet cycle of the soil, and optimizing the maintenance plan with temperature and humidity data, the healthy cyclamen stem should appear semi-transparent and green, with an elastic response when lightly tapped. Regular application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can strengthen the cell wall of the stems, and using a dilute gibberellin solution to spot-treat the base of collapsed stems can promote tissue repair.