How to care for cyclamen flowers
Today, let's introduce some related content about the corm flower cyclamen, how to care for cyclamen flowers. Next, the editor will provide you with detailed answers.
Many flower enthusiasts reflect that cyclamen is not easy to care for, not knowing how to raise cyclamen flowers. Not to mention raising them from seedlings, even strong mature flowers bought are difficult to rebloom. As the saying goes, "Difficult things are not easy, and easy things are not difficult." There are some special rules for caring for cyclamen, which I summarize as five key points: less water, bottom watering, light fertilizer, diffused light, and ventilation. As long as you master these points one by one, it's not difficult to raise robust cyclamen.
Key point one: Less water. Cyclamen is a corm plant with strong water storage capabilities, so watering must be controlled. Many flower enthusiasts will ask specific questions like "How often to water?" Based on my experience, for plants sensitive to water like cyclamen, it is difficult to fix the interval between waterings, and it should depend on the weather and the plant's growth condition. I usually use two methods to determine whether to water: one is "judging by the pot's weight," and if the pot is significantly lighter, it needs watering. This method is the most accurate but requires some experience; the other is "touching the surface soil," as cyclamen leaves are large and often completely cover the pot, you need to frequently reach under the leaves to touch, and never be lazy. Since leaf mold and peat have good water retention, once the surface soil dries, it's time to water. The key to successfully surviving the summer also lies in water control. When the plant consecutively has yellow leaves, fewer flowers, and flower buds that cannot open, it is a signal that it is about to enter dormancy. At this point, you should gradually reduce the watering frequency until it stops.
Key point two: Bottom watering. Cyclamen is sensitive to inorganic salts, and long-term surface watering can easily cause salt precipitation, harming the plant, which is a point often overlooked by flower enthusiasts. Therefore, daily watering should mainly use the bottom watering method, supplemented by surface watering. For those with a tight work schedule, at least ensure that the two methods alternate. The duration of bottom watering needs to be gradually explored, and it's considered adequately soaked when the pot feels heavy and there's a lot of water draining from the bottom. When watering, pour slowly along the edge of the pot, avoiding direct pouring on the corm to prevent rotting from积水.
Key point three: Light fertilizer. Compared to flowers like矮牵牛 (iphigenia), which are fond of fertilizer, cyclamen's fertilizer requirements are only moderate, with light fertilization after planting and when buds appear (methods are in previous articles). It's important to note that since cyclamen has a long flowering period, which can last 5-6 months with proper care, it cannot follow the general rule of "no fertilizer during flowering." Many flower enthusiasts reflect that their cyclamen's flower stems gradually become shorter, unable to emerge from the leaf cluster, and the flower color fades, which is due to insufficient fertilizer during flowering. Cyclamen is not too picky about fertilizer types; I generally use whatever I have at home, whether it's compound fertilizer, soybean cake fertilizer, or inorganic fertilizer, all of which work well.
Key point four: Diffused light. Cyclamen enjoys bright diffused light and must avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. In the summer and autumn seasons when temperatures are high, it is especially important to avoid direct sunlight, as the consequences can be quite severe, often leaving the cyclamen "seriously injured." During the winter flowering period, it can be placed in the sun for 1-2 hours a day, but only if there is sufficient water, otherwise the leaves and flower buds may wilt and collapse, and if not rescued in time, the leaves and flower stems will have to be cut off. Of course, insufficient lighting is also not desirable. Some flower enthusiasts keep cyclamen indoors for a long time for easier appreciation, which results in pale flowers, leafy growth, and loose flower stems, basically losing its ornamental value. Generally speaking, every 10 days or so in winter, cyclamen should be placed in a well-lit area to recover for 2-3 days.
Key point five: Ventilation. The longer you care for flowers, the more you realize the importance of ventilation. Cyclamen has dense leaves and many flowers during full bloom, which requires much more ventilation than temperature. It can be said that under the condition of sufficient diffused light, the best place for it is where there is the best ventilation. Cyclamen is an elegant and pure plant, always repaying our patience with beautiful scenery. The longer you cultivate them, the more refined and delicate you become, just like the little poem I wrote for them many years ago: Do you remember your past life / gracefully swaying / with a celestial demeanor / deep in memory / there's always a hint of red and white / faint and indistinct / lost in thoughts / a jade plate holding clear melody / ripples stirring up red waves / your thought / captivating / your dance / twirling and turning / every gaze backward is the distance between past and present / lost in contemplation / it's better to get drunk and sleep in the fragrance of flowers / or to sleep and chase memories in dreams.
Tips 1: Pollination of cyclamen. Choose a few flowers that have just opened for 1-2 days and use a cotton swab or brush to alternately apply to the flower core. Five to six days later, if the flower stem curves and remains firm, it indicates successful pollination. The fruit will split before the plant enters summer dormancy, at which time the seeds are mature and can be collected and stored after a short drying period.
Tips 2: How to make flower stems集中 and beautiful. Commercial cyclamen have very concentrated flower stems, like a cluster of elegant flames, while home-grown ones often look scattered. Here's a little trick: When there are many flowers open, use your hand to gently push each flower stem towards the center of the leaf cluster, allowing the leaves and stems to interlock, which will create an elegant bloom.
The above content on how to care for cyclamen flowers, have green plant enthusiasts understood it?