How to Best Care for Cyclamen Flowers
This article provides a detailed explanation of the best care practices for cyclamen flowers and related information about the cultivation and management of green plants, as follows:
Cyclamen is a perennial plant originating from places like Greece. The propagation methods include seeding, corm division, and tissue culture. Due to the susceptibility of cyclamen corms to bacterial infection and rot, seeding is the main propagation method. Cyclamen, also known as Solomon's seal, rabbit's ear flower, and rabbit flower, is suitable for pot cultivation. Below, we introduce the planting and management methods for cyclamen.
I. Seeding Planting Method
1. Prepare the planting medium
Cyclamen prefers loose, organic-rich soil. A mixture of leaf mold, loam, and river sand in a ratio of 5:3:2 can be used, and the soil should be disinfected before planting.
2. Select and treat the seeds
Choose plump, glossy brown seeds in September to October, and soak them in a constant-temperature environment for 3 to 4 hours to promote germination. The water temperature should be around 30°C. After germination, avoid direct sunlight, and once a true leaf has emerged, you can pot the seedlings.
3. Sowing process
Plant the seedlings in the prepared planting medium with a spacing of 5 cm between them, and water once after planting.
4. Post-planting care and transplanting
The seedlings should be placed in a location without direct sunlight to grow. After a period, they can be given moderate light and watering. Maintain a temperature of 15 to 18°C and enhance ventilation. After the seedlings have grown 12 true leaves, they can be transplanted again, with 1/3 to 2/3 of the corm exposed to the soil.
II. Growth Environment Management
1. Light
Cyclamen enjoys light, and it is important to maintain sufficient light during the flowering and growing seasons, especially in winter. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure.
2. Watering
Cyclamen prefers moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging. Watering should keep the soil slightly moist, and avoid overwatering. In particular, stop watering in summer and maintain relative humidity in the air. After summer, water thoroughly once to promote the revival of cyclamen.
3. Temperature
Cyclamen prefers warmth and can tolerate low temperatures but is sensitive to high temperatures. The optimal growing temperature for cyclamen is between 16 to 20°C. During flowering, keep the daytime temperature below 20 to 25°C. In summer, cyclamen enters a dormant period and should be placed in a shaded area with a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
4. Fertilizing
Fertilize every 10 to 15 days, and water after fertilizing. During the growing season, fertilize every 10 days with a dilute fertilizer, and apply 1 or 2 additional fertilizers before flowering. Stop fertilizing during flowering, and pay attention to supplementing calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the soil.
5. Leaf arrangement
To maintain good ventilation and light penetration between the leaves, it is necessary to arrange the leaves properly. This also makes the flower color more vibrant. The method is to pull the longer leaves to the outside and keep the shorter leaves inside, allowing part of the corm to be exposed to the sun.
6. Soil and potting
Cyclamen prefers fertile, loose soil rich in trace elements. When repotting, you can add a base fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium.
7. Disease and pest control
Common diseases and pests of cyclamen include wilt and gray mold. It is important to control them in a timely manner, especially ensuring clean water during watering and fertilizing. If a diseased plant is found, it should be treated promptly to prevent the spread to other plants. Fungicides such as methyl thiophanate suspension and carbendazim wettable powder can be sprayed to prevent diseases.
The above information provides you with tips on how to best care for cyclamen flowers and the cultivation methods and management of green plants. We hope this can be of help in your daily life!