How to care for cyclamen flowers
The editor explains the introduction of the corm flower cyclamen, how to care for cyclamen flowers, please see the detailed introduction below.
Cyclamen is a common potted plant, but many flower enthusiasts do not know how to care for cyclamen flowers. Here are some experiences and precautions from flower enthusiast Blue Sky for reference:
Firstly, cyclamen must be ensured to have sufficient nutrients during the flowering season, and top-dressing should be given with each watering.
In the early stage of bud formation and during the flowering season, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied frequently to promote bud development and full bloom.
From personal experience, it is necessary to follow the principle of "apply thin fertilizer frequently." Commonly used bone meal, monopotassium phosphate, and wood ash are made into dilute liquid fertilizers and alternately watered.
Specific operation method: Purchase bone meal (80g/bag) and monopotassium phosphate (30g/bag) from the flower market, usually using about one-fourth or one-fifth of the amount, respectively diluted into 1.25L drink bottles to make liquid fertilizers. (I have used wood ash before, which was found by a colleague from the countryside. Since it has slightly poorer water solubility, a higher concentration seems fine. It has been out of stock recently)
Combine liquid fertilizer with each watering for convenient operation. Applying fertilizer with watering is mainly to prevent excessive fertilizer from damaging the plant, so watering dilutes the fertilizer.
Secondly, loosen the leaves irregularly to ensure ventilation.
During the vigorous flowering season of cyclamen, while the plant continues to produce small flower buds, small leaves also sprout, causing root congestion and poor ventilation. Combined with poor indoor ventilation in winter and spring, it is easy for the bottom to rot. It is recommended to remove bad old leaves and numerous small leaves appropriately, preferably by hand to avoid rust from using scissors that could cause stem rot.
Also, it is not recommended to expose the plant to strong sunlight; placing it in a place with diffused light is fine. Because excessive light can shorten the growing period, promote early flowering, and may cause shorter stems and flowers under the leaves.
Thirdly, immersing the pot in water is the most suitable method for watering cyclamen.
If you want the flowers to be vigorous, the leaves strong, and the stems sturdy and upright, in addition to ensuring nutrition, moisture is very critical. The best method is to immerse the pot in water, allowing the flowers, stems, and leaves to absorb enough water, and each watering must ensure they are fully hydrated. Otherwise, the water just drains through, only supplementing the roots. Generally, drooping leaves, flowers lacking vitality, and even stems bending down are mostly signs of insufficient water.
Fourthly, bulbous plants prefer a cool environment. Many friends have heating in their homes, with temperatures reaching over 20 degrees, which is not beneficial for the plant. Because high temperatures can cause it to enter dormancy prematurely. Personally, I think around 15 degrees is more suitable. In fact, they should be fine at about 5 degrees above zero.
Fifthly, after about half a year of flowering, many nutrients are lost. After flowering, fertilization should be promptly replenished. Since phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are mainly used during the flowering period to ensure large and colorful flowers, the post-flowering fertilization should focus on comprehensive organic fertilizers. I am used to using homemade kitchen waste compost, mainly composed of vegetable leaves, stems, spoiled milk, fruit peels, rice washing water, shiitake mushroom soaking water, and soybean dregs, which are rich in nutrients. It needs to be composted for more than three months in summer and over half a year in winter. There may be an odor, so I suggest adding some orange peel. Dig a trench around the pot and bury a little, then water to dilute.
(As a reminder: The post-flowering care of bulbous plants is the same. For example, hyacinths, snowdrops, tulips, and calla lilies.
Hyacinths: After flowering, it is recommended to trim the withered flowers and retain the stems. Continue to fertilize and water until the leaves are completely dry, then stop watering. You can leave the pot in place in a shady and well-ventilated area without watering.
Snowdrops: Continue to care for the plant until the leaves are completely withered, then stop fertilizing and watering. I leave the pot in place until autumn and then dig it up to replant. Some friends also remove the bulbs and place them in a shady and well-ventilated place immediately.
Sixth, caring for cyclamen during summer dormancy. Stop watering after all the leaves have completely dried. Place in a shady and well-ventilated area, and occasionally spray a little water during the hot summer to keep the surface of the growing medium moist. Some plants may also have leaves that remain green. It was originally recommended to remove all leaves. After a friend introduced the concept of "leafy dormancy," last year, a pot with one leaf had a very good reblooming this year, whether it is related to leafy summer dormancy is unclear.
There is also a point to note: If the climate in the north is cool and suitable, some cyclamen may not go dormant in summer and continue to bloom, which is normal.
Seventh, about pollination. Outdoor flowers are pollinated by bees, butterflies, etc. For indoor plants, use a brush or cotton swab to dab the pollen in the center of the cyclamen flowers. Some may also self-pollinate, and I'm not sure why.
Some friends grow cyclamen from seeds, which requires enough patience and care, usually taking more than a year to see flowers, and sometimes even two years.
The above sharing on how to care for cyclamen flowers (based on the experience of flower enthusiasts) provides a comprehensive method explanation, hoping it can act as a catalyst to solve your problems with green plants.