How to Plant Cyclamen
The editor brings you knowledge about how to plant cyclamen and the sowing methods and timing for cyclamen seeds, regarding flowers. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
Cyclamen is a perennial plant from places like Greece, with propagation methods including seeding, dividing corms, and tissue culture. Due to the susceptibility of cyclamen corms to bacterial infection and rot, the seeding method is the primary means of propagation. Cyclamen, also known as the Solomon's seal, rabbit's ear flower, flowering kale, and rabbit flower, is suitable for pot cultivation. Below, I will introduce the planting and management methods for cyclamen.
One, Seeding Planting Method
1. Prepare the planting substrate
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 seeds
Select plump seeds with a shiny brown surface in September to October. Soak the seeds in a constant-temperature environment for 3 to 4 hours to promote germination, with the water temperature around 30°C. After germination, avoid direct sunlight, and once one true leaf has grown, you can plant it in a pot.
3. Seeding process
Plant the seedlings in the prepared planting substrate, with a spacing of 5 centimeters between seedlings. Water them after planting.
4. Post-planting care and transplantation
Keep the seedlings in a place without direct sunlight to grow. After a period, you can provide some light and water appropriately, maintaining a temperature between 15 to 18°C and enhancing ventilation. When the seedlings have grown 12 true leaves, they can be transplanted again, with 1/3 to 2/3 of the corms exposed to the soil.
Two, Growth Environment Management
1. Light
Cyclamen enjoys sunlight. During the flowering and growing seasons, ensure adequate light, especially in winter. Regularly rotate the pot to promote even light distribution.
2. Water
Cyclamen likes moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water to keep the soil slightly moist, and avoid overwatering. Especially in summer, stop watering and maintain a relatively high humidity in the air. After summer, water thoroughly once to help cyclamen recover.
3. Temperature
Cyclamen prefers warmth, can tolerate low temperatures, but is afraid of high temperatures. The optimal growth temperature for cyclamen is between 16 to 20°C. During flowering, keep the daytime temperature within 20 to 25°C. In summer, cyclamen will enter a dormant period and should be placed in a shaded area with a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
4. Fertilization
Fertilize every 10 to 15 days, and water after fertilizing. Do not let the fertilizer or water splash on the plant. During the growing season, fertilize with a dilute fertilizer every 10 days. Apply more fertilizers 1 or 2 times before flowering, and stop fertilizing during flowering. Pay attention to supplementing calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the soil.
5. Leaf arrangement
To maintain good ventilation and light penetration among the plant leaves, it's necessary to arrange the leaves appropriately, which can also make the flowers more colorful. The method is to pull the longer leaves to the outside and keep the shorter leaves on the inside, allowing the corms to be partially 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 disease and gray mold. Prevent and treat them promptly. Pay attention to the cleanliness of water during watering and fertilizing. If a diseased plant is found, handle it promptly to prevent the spread to other plants. You can spray fungicides like methyl thiabendazole suspension or carbendazim wettable powder to prevent diseases in a timely manner.
This article shares the full content of how to plant cyclamen and the sowing methods and timing for cyclamen seeds, hoping to help you and also hoping that everyone will come to see more green plant and flower experience and common sense!