How to store cyclamen during the dormant period. How to care for cyclamen during the dormant and flowering periods? Why doesn't cyclamen bloom?

If the leaves of a cyclamen turn yellow in the summer, it means it is going to rest. What to do? How to store it? Oddly enough, at the moment when most plants grow and develop intensively, cyclamen begins a dormant period that lasts 2-3 months. So, cyclamen is going to rest: what to do with the plant at rest, how long does the rest period last? What to do with cyclamen after dormancy?

As practice shows, cyclamen does not have a clear time frame for the dormant period. The plant can delight with flowering all spring and begin to shed its leaves closer to autumn. That is why cyclamen cannot be put to rest by force, that is, buds and leaves cannot be twisted out of the tuber. Nature itself will put everything in its place, and the gardener is required to take proper care of the flower.

Cyclamen goes to rest. Why? What to do?

The homeland of cyclamen is the Mediterranean and North Africa, where summers are very hot, and in winter there is relative coolness and the level of soil and air humidity increases. Developing in such conditions, cyclamen developed a survival strategy. When in natural environment relative coolness sets in and rains come (winter), it begins to develop intensively, accumulate in its tuber nutrients. With the arrival of hot summer days, in order to survive, cyclamen goes into retirement. It drops all its leaves. Life in the plant is maintained by the nutrients and moisture that it accumulated in the tuber over the winter. Precisely because, it would seem, when favorable conditions in temperate latitudes, like all plants, cyclamen should also delight with its green cap, but it falls asleep, remembering its harsh homeland.

It is impossible to force cyclamen to rest. You should also not twist out the still green leaves and buds. This is especially true for purchased flowers, which may lose their life cycle.

When does cyclamen retire? This is the period from April to September immediately after the plant finishes flowering. However, purchased cyclamen, which are grown in greenhouse conditions and under artificial lighting, can settle down whenever they want, since their life rhythm is disrupted. Sure Signs the fact that cyclamen “goes to bed” means limp, yellowed leaves. At the same time, the tuber of the flower should remain elastic and not become stained. If the cyclamen tuber is soft, spotted, and oozes bad smell- this indicates flower diseases. If cyclamen leaves turn intensely yellow and wither, this also indicates flower disease.

Read more about cyclamen diseases And why do cyclamen leaves turn yellow, wither and curl?. This will help you grow a healthy and beautiful plant.

In cyclamen, the state of dormancy begins when the average daily temperature is +20 degrees and above. The plant no longer sends out new leaves and stops flowering. Over time, its leaves begin to wither. They are removed when they are completely dry. Watering at this time is reduced, fertilizing and spraying are not needed. Cyclamen is transferred to a dark place.

The cyclamen has retired, its tuber has completely shed its leaves. In some cases, the plant leaves several leaves. Under no circumstances should they be removed artificially.

How to store cyclamen when it retires? Experienced gardeners recommend keeping cyclamen in a dark, cool place during the entire dormant period. The plant is not removed from the soil, but the pot is placed on its side. Temperature environment should not rise above +12 degrees. In this case, watering cannot be completely stopped. Otherwise, the tuber will dry out and the cyclamen will return to life after a period of dormancy, either at all or with difficulty. Watering is carried out once every 2 weeks with a small amount of water. However, you need to monitor the soil moisture in the pot. Wet soil during the dormant period will cause the tuber to rot.

The second option for storing cyclamen at rest: the plant is removed from the soil, the tuber is placed in plastic bag, after sprinkling the plant with water, and transfer it to the refrigerator. Cyclamen should be stored in the lower part, where vegetables are usually stored. This option suitable if in ordinary, room conditions there is no way to organize the plant’s storage temperature within +15...+20 degrees.

The optimal storage conditions for cyclamen when it goes to rest are a temperature of +15...+20 degrees, very rare watering, partial shade or a dark place.

If cyclamen is not maintained correctly during the dormant period, it often leads to either complete drying of the tuber ( heat maintenance and lack of watering), or rotting of the tuber (the soil is too wet and low temperature content).

End of the rest period. Cyclamen produces new leaves after dormancy. At this time, the plant is brought into the light, but not into direct sunlight, and watering is increased. Spraying is not necessary. It is also recommended to transplant cyclamen. To do this, take a pot commensurate with the root system of the flower (the roots should fit freely into the pot, but at the same time the distance between the roots of the flower and the walls of the pot should not be allowed to exceed 1-1.5 cm). Soil for replanting can be taken universal for flowering indoor plants(pH=5.0-6.0), or you can make a soil mixture yourself. To do this, take leaf soil, humus, peat, sand in a ratio of 3:1:1:1. Cyclamen should be planted in the ground so that 1/3 of its tuber rises above the ground.

If your cyclamen from the flower shop has not woken up after a period of dormancy, you can grow a new plant yourself. To do this, just plant cyclamen seeds. Read more.

Several features of caring for cyclamen during and after dormancy. A newly purchased plant may lose its rhythm of life. This is explained simply: in flower shops, the plant is fed with chemicals so that it begins to bloom by the time of sale and thus has an attractive appearance. For such a cyclamen, the dormant period can begin at any time. The main thing at this time is to provide him with normal care. Over time, the life rhythm of the flower will return to normal.

You cannot artificially put cyclamen to rest by twisting its leaves. The plant will not only lose vitality. Microcracks form on its tuber, which quickly become colonized by bacteria and diseases. Cyclamen may die.

After dormancy, it is advisable to transplant cyclamen into new soil. The plant is gradually accustomed to bright light.

1. Please explain the difference between cyclamens, Persian, European and Neapolitan.

Answer: Nepolitan cyclamen is a species, it can be grown in open ground. It blooms in autumn with pink flowers, and the flowers appear first, and after flowering the leaves grow. The tuber is flat with a corky surface, the leaves are oblong-heart-shaped, with a silvery pattern on top. The roots are located on the top of the tuber, so it should be buried in the soil.

Persian cyclamen is the most common in indoor culture. Blooms from autumn to spring. The tuber is spherical, tuberous on top, up to 15 cm in diameter, roots extend from the bottom of the tuber. The leaves are heart-shaped (up to 15 cm in diameter), with a silver-gray pattern on top. Flowers mostly pink color.

Answer: Nepolitan cyclamen can be grown in gardens. Blooms in autumn. The flowers are pink, the tuber is flat with a corky surface, the leaves are oblong-heart-shaped, with a silver pattern on top. In nature, Neapolitan cyclamen (Cyclamen ivy, or Neapolitan - C. hederifolium = C. neapolitanum Ten. = C. linearifolium Dc) bloom in September-October, and the flowers appear first, and after flowering the leaves grow. The roots are located on the top of the tuber, so it should be buried in the soil.
Persian cyclamen is the most common in indoor culture. Blooms from autumn to spring. The tuber is spherical, tuberous on top, up to 15 cm in diameter, roots extend from the bottom of the tuber. The leaves are heart-shaped (up to 15 cm in diameter), with a silver-gray pattern on top and green underneath. Flowers vary in color from pink to lavender and white with purple spots at the base. It has a dormant period and requires a cool temperature. Propagated by seeds.

European cyclamen is an evergreen plant that does not shed its leaves and does not have a dormant period. The leaves are much smaller than those of Persian cyclamen (diameter about 2-4 cm). The flowers are also smaller, mostly pink in color and with a pleasant aroma. Tubers are about 10 cm in diameter, spherical or irregular shape– elongated, elongated, flattened, with roots located over the entire surface. Unlike Persian cyclamen, it grows well throughout the year on windowsills at a temperature of 18-20 ° C and an air humidity of 30-35%. Propagated by seeds and daughter tubers.

2. Is it necessary to retire cyclamen?

Answer: Hibernation occurs in May-June. If by this time the flower does not fall asleep, then there is no need to forcefully put it down. You just need to protect them from hot rays by placing them in the shade. Young cyclamens may not go into a dormant period at all, continuing to bloom and bloom. The main thing is to provide them optimal conditions and don’t forget about feeding, so as not to deplete it. Over the years, they will “get into a routine.”

3. Is it true that during the dormant period cyclamen drops all its leaves?

Answer: Not always. It is better to preserve the old leaves, as well as the roots. It is necessary to distinguish: do the leaves die off on their own, or do they simply burn in the spring-summer sun? In the first case, this process is gradual, in the second, the leaves begin to dry out and turn yellow at the same time, even the youngest ones.

4. Is it necessary to put cyclamen in a dark place after flowering?

Answer: After flowering, the tuber gains strength and nutrients for future flowering and continues to grow. Therefore, after flowering, watering is not reduced, but fertilizing is reduced. Lighting conditions don't change either. You can remove the flower from the windowsill if the cyclamen has dropped all its leaves, but not in a dark place, but in a less lit place.

5. Is it necessary to water cyclamen during the dormant period?

Answer: The roots of cyclamen do not die off during dormancy, so at this time the tubers need moderate soil moisture, that is, in other words, do not let the soil dry out completely. In this way, the roots will be preserved and the flower will quickly grow. And, of course, water only into the pan.

6. When should cyclamen “wake up”?

Answer: In summer. Tiny buds should appear by August and bloom by November.

7. When the temperature rises above 12 degrees, the leaves turn yellow and the small buds dry out. How to accustom cyclamen to higher temperatures?

Answer: Cyclamen just needs to get used to the new conditions. In winter, it’s not so much the temperature itself that frightens him, but the dryness. hot air. The Dutch have a particularly hard time with changing conditions. Now regular “wet wipes”, an air humidifier or a saucer of water placed nearby, and regular watering can help. In the summer, cyclamen will begin a new growing season, and by then, as a rule, it will successfully adapt. At this time, it must be protected from direct sun rays and take care of timely watering and fertilizing.

8. They gave me cyclamen - it’s big and beautiful. When is it better to replant it and is it necessary to do it at all?

Answer: Cyclamens are transplanted after a period of dormancy, at the first signs of awakening. The soil should be loose, ideally based on high-moor peat. I add a little perlite to loosen it. 1/3 of the tuber should remain above the ground.

9. I have cyclamen grown from seeds ( landing - February) was transplanted in the summer. At first he released small buds, in November they dried up, but he went to throw away the leaves, which he still continues to do... The conditions of detention have not changed. With what it can be connected?

Answer: This is due to lack of watering. It is necessary to water more often and preferably from below into the pan, so the flower will not take up excess water.

10. I also have a small cyclamen grown from seeds. Sowed in August. It now has 4 leaves. Does it need to be replanted? It’s clearly not crowded in the pot; it’s growing slowly. And are there any “special” recommendations for caring for such babies?

Answer: If it is not crowded and everything is in order with the soil, there is no need to replant. They are so tender when they are little! Make sure that the tuber is not buried.

11. My 4 chickweeds sprouted 3 months ago, but they still have one leaf on a long stalk (about 5cm), and no more leaves appear. Is there something wrong?

Answer: The growth of cyclamen is strongly influenced by the acidity of the environment. Her optimal value ranges from 6.0 to 7.0; A pH below 5.5 greatly slows down the growth of seedlings. If the seedlings grow poorly, you need to add chalk or dolomite flour to the pots.

12. How do you know that the cyclamen has become crowded in the pot and it’s time to replant it, and what size pot should you choose?

Answer: Cyclamens do not need large pots. You need to look at how much the tuber has grown. On average, for young plants a pot 1-2 cm wider than the previous one is suitable. The height and width of the pot should be approximately the same, or the width should be slightly larger. In any case, replanting with partial renewal of the soil should be done every year at the first signs of awakening.

13. Do you always water from a tray? Or can you carefully water the soil from above...?

Answer: I think watering into a tray is optimal. You'll never flood like that. Thus, the flower will be freely saturated with water from the pan.

14. How does cyclamen begin to grow? My cyclamen, grown from seeds and blooming for three years in a row without rest, has now finally gone to sleep. So, although the tuber is small, the “stump” on it is already tall (this is where the old leaves gradually fell off). All the leaves gradually fell off recently, and the cyclamen fell asleep. I examined it carefully and found many potential growth points on the tuber, but I didn’t notice the main one. On this stump everything is dry on top, no living leaf embryos are visible... Is this how it should be? Will they then become active??? Or maybe this stump should already be cut off?

Answer: Don’t touch the stumps. Perhaps leaves will appear on it again, otherwise it will dry out on its own. There is no main point on an adult tuber. Several are always formed.

15. About a month and a half ago I sowed cyclamen plants, 7 seeds, 2 sprouted. What should I do next, how to water, when to replant. In general, please describe the further complete cultivation technology.

Answer: The main thing now is that the growth point does not rot. This is why the seeds should not be buried when sowing: so that the growing point of the seedlings with the top of the tuber is immediately above the ground, then it will definitely not rot. Water, like all cyclamens, in a tray (by the way, drainage is not needed), maintaining moderate soil moisture. The later you replant, the better. Small cyclamen are very delicate, so they should be disturbed only if necessary - when they are crowded. In the first year of cultivation, they usually grow to a 10-12 cm pot. You don't need a big pot. Well, in general, the most difficult period is before the appearance of 2-3 true leaves. Then it’s easier. Very often it turns out like this: a cotyledon leaf comes out, which bends after a month or two. It's not scary. After some time, a new leaf will appear.

16. I have some kind of strange cyclamen growing: at first it bloomed, without leaves, with tiny lilac flowers. It began to bloom in early summer and finished blooming in August. Then it began to grow leaves. What kind of variety is this?

Answer: This is Cyclamen Neapolitan. Species cyclamen. In Europe it is planted in gardens, where it becomes naturalized, i.e. lives on its own and reproduces.

17. Cyclamen buds dry out and leaves turn yellow. Why?

Answer: This can happen for two reasons: 1. It is hot (cyclamen prefers a temperature of no higher than +15 degrees); 2. Insufficient watering.

18. When is the best time to sow cyclamens? What kind of soil should it be - oily or not very oily? How long should I wait for germination?

Answer: Indoor cyclamens can be sown at any time of the year.
It is best to use a mixture of peat and sand (1:1) as a substrate. Seed germination is also greatly affected by the acidity of the environment. Its optimal value is from 6.0 to 7.0; A pH below 5.5 greatly slows down the growth of seedlings.
On average, cyclamens germinate in 30-40 days, but some seeds can germinate up to 5 months. First, a small nodule forms, and then the first leaf appears above the ground; its petiole is first bent in the shape of a question mark.

It’s like multi-colored butterflies fluttering over a thick cap of bright green leaves: a little higher, a little lower, and one butterfly even sat down to rest on a leaf. This is cyclamen - unusual plant, which is loved by flower growers all over the world for its amazing beauty. Cyclamen is so beautiful that many famous poets and writers sang in their works delicate flower: Sologub, Olesha, Voznesensky, Voloshin, Pasternak, Ehrenburg.

...Love is cruel and harsh.

And the pain of betrayal is inevitable.

I will only trust flowers again,

Falling into the arms of cyclamen...

People call cyclamen (lat. Cýclamen) alpine violet, as well as dry wood and pork bread (the name comes from the fact that cyclamen roots are very fond of wild boars). In fact, the correct name of the plant implies an emphasis on the first syllable - cyclamen, and the generally accepted pronunciation came to us from the French language.

Cyclamen is a perennial corm plant of the primrose family (lat. Primulaceae), with beautiful patterned heart-shaped leaves and single flowers on long stalks. The flowers, up to 8 cm in diameter, have five petals and can be white, pink, purple, lilac and even violet.

Cyclamen surprises not only with its beauty, but also with its pleasant, delicate smell. The aroma of alpine violet is used in many perfume compositions: Weekend for Women Burberry, Cumbia Colors Woman Benetton, Delight Oriflame, Armani Code Sheer Giorgio Armani and so on.

The genus of cyclamen has more than twenty species of plants, differing in appearance: standard (25-35 cm), medium-sized (15-25) and low-growing (up to 15 cm), which can bloom with both simple and double flowers.

Wild cyclamens can be found all over the world in places with warm and humid climates: the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, Northeast Africa, the Middle East. The natural habitat of a flower can often be recognized by the name of the species: African, Cypriot, Persian, Colchis, Grecum, and so on.

Selection and hybridization of the plant began in the 19th century, and since then the flower has gained new fans every day around the world. However, despite the wide variety of cyclamens in nature, the conditions indoor growing Only a few of them are adapted.

Types of cyclamen suitable for home cultivation

IN indoor floriculture Most often you can find Persian and European cyclamen.

Persian cyclamen is the species most adapted to indoor conditions, having many varieties and hybrids. Depending on the variety, the height of the plant can vary from 15 to 30 centimeters. The leaves are usually large, velvety, heart-shaped, pubescent. The flowers are five-petaled and can be painted pink, lilac, coral and other colors.

European cyclamen is another type of alpine violet often grown as a domestic crop. By appearance similar to Persian cyclamen: rounded, heart-shaped leaves, dark green above and purple below; white, red or pink flowers. Differences in plant size: the leaves and flowers of the Persian cyclamen are larger, while the European ones are correspondingly smaller. The leaves are up to 4 cm in diameter, the flowers are about 2 cm long.

[!] Thanks to the efforts of breeders, European cyclamen, unlike other species, practically does not need a rest period, which greatly simplifies its care.

Flower growers are trying to grow other types of cyclamen at home - Kos, ivy-leaved, Cretan, but difficult conditions prevent the wide distribution of these species in indoor culture.

Caring for cyclamen at home

Some may find caring for cyclamen too difficult, but others will easily find the key to this. unusual flower. In any case, there are a number of cyclamen care features that need to be taken into account.

Growing in the wild, the alpine violet has several life cycles: rapid growth in the fall, flowering in winter and spring, and a dormant period in summer. As you can see, its regime differs from the regime of other plants, which, on the contrary, sleep in winter and grow and bloom in summer. This difference, on the one hand, makes cyclamen attractive due to its winter flowering, and on the other, makes it a little more difficult to care for. However, the effort expended is more than compensated delicate flowers cyclamen, blooming in the winter cold.

[!] Be careful when working with cyclamen - the plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritation. When replanting a flower, use gloves. Grow cyclamen out of the reach of children and pets.

Flowering and dormant period

Let us consider the periods of cyclamen development in more detail.

As mentioned above, there are several distinct periods of plant development:

• Autumn - rapid growth (the appearance of new leaves, the formation of future buds);
• Winter - flowering;
• Spring - preparation for the dormant period (withering of leaves, exposure of tubers);
• Summer is a period of rest.

The timing is quite approximate, since each flower is individual and in individual specimens flowering may begin in October or, conversely, in early spring.

[!] Some hybrid cyclamens can bloom all year round.

Temperature and lighting

Cyclamen is a plant that prefers coolness, because it is during the cold season that it grows and blooms intensively. Best temperature regime- about 17°C during the day and about 12°C at night, at any time of the year. Too hot dry air has a detrimental effect on the alpine violet, so the plant must be protected from summer heat, and from hot heating radiators in winter.

[!] If it is not possible to keep cyclamen cool all year round, try to increase the air humidity - over time the flower will get used to the proposed temperature conditions.

[!] If the required temperature is not maintained, the flowering time of cyclamen may be reduced.

To prolong flowering, remove old flowers by carefully twisting them and trying not to damage the growing point.
As for lighting, during the period of growth and flowering (autumn-winter), it is better to place the alpine violet on light, south-eastern, south-western windowsills. During the dormant period, the light intensity can be reduced and the plant moved to a darker place. At the same time, lighting cannot be completely excluded, because it is at this time that cyclamen is preparing for future growth, which means it needs nutrients received by the plant, including from sunlight.

Watering and air humidity

The frequency and intensity of watering cyclamen depends on the time of year and the life cycle of the plant.

In summer, it is necessary to limit watering, but you should not stop it completely, in order to prevent the earthen ball from drying out; soil moisture should be moderate.

In autumn and winter, during the period of growth and flowering, watering is increased, while avoiding overwatering.

In April-May, as soon as the leaves begin to turn yellow, watering must be limited, but should not be stopped completely, since only top part plants, and the roots need nutrition.

Watering cyclamen is best done in a tray: if water gets into the core of the flower, the only growing point of the alpine violet can rot. If the growing point is damaged, cyclamen will no longer grow.

[!] With normal watering, not only the growing point, but also the cyclamen tuber can rot. Gray rot, a disease that affects the alpine violet tuber, appears precisely because of improper watering.

Water for irrigation should be soft, settled, slightly acidified, and at room temperature.

Cyclamens prefer high air humidity, because in nature they grow in fairly rainy climates. Wherein traditional way increasing air humidity, spraying is not suitable - drops of water may leave unsightly brown spots on the leaves.

To increase humidity, several containers of water can be placed near the bowl with alpine violet. In addition, the bowl can be placed on a wide tray with wet pebbles or expanded clay. By evaporating, the water will increase the air humidity to the required level.

Soil, fertilizing, replanting

The soil for growing cyclamen should be loose and light. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH value of about 5. You can prepare soil for cyclamen yourself by mixing equal parts sand, peat, leaf and turf soil. Sometimes they take three parts of leaf soil and one part each of sand and peat.

Ready-made substrates for cyclamen include universal soil with neutral acidity or a mixture for growing tulips. It is advisable to add a little sand or vermiculite to the prepared soil, thus making the soil more air and water permeable.

A drainage layer consisting of fine expanded clay, at least a quarter of the total volume, is placed at the bottom of the pot.
Universal ones are suitable for feeding cyclamen. complex fertilizers for beautiful flowering plants: Uniflor flower, Bona Forte decorative flowering, Pokon for flowering. The frequency of fertilizing is once every two weeks during the growth and flowering period (autumn-winter). At the same time, you should not overfeed the plant, since this will actively increase the leaf mass, and flowering will not occur. During the dormant period, when the plant is resting, it should not be fed so as not to disrupt the cycle.
By the end of summer, when young leaves begin to grow on the tuber, you can replant the cyclamen. To do this, you need to take a flower pot, the size of which will directly depend on the size of the tuber:

• If the plant is young and has a small tuber, then a small flower pot, up to 8 cm in diameter;
• By the third or fourth year, the cyclamen tuber grows to 15 cm, which means the pot should be chosen with a diameter of 16-17 cm.

In general, the size of the tuber should be placed in a bowl so that 3-4 cm remains from the edge.

[!] If you take it too big pot, then the cyclamen will not bloom for a long time; if it is small, it will bloom too quickly, without gaining the necessary leaf mass.

Young plants are replanted annually, and those that have reached five years of age can be replanted once every two to three years. When replanting a flower, you should not free it from old land, it’s better to just transfer completely with the existing lump.

Another one important feature planting cyclamen in a pot - depth level. The fact is that the tuber cannot be completely buried, this will lead to the death of the plant. Usually about one third of the tuber is left above the ground.

Reproduction

The plant can be propagated in two ways:

• tubers,
• seeds

Reproduction by tubers begins during the dormant period of cyclamen. Carefully dig up the tuber and cut it into several parts, while in each part there should be a growing point and there should be roots. The sections are slightly dried and treated with a special antiseptic (root) or charcoal. Each part of the tuber is planted in a separate pot. Further care the same as for an adult plant.

When growing a plant from seeds, it is worth remembering that such a cyclamen will bloom only in the second year, but at the same time, a plant obtained from seeds is better adapted to specific indoor conditions than one bought in a store. Seeds for planting can be bought or taken from faded cyclamen: to do this, the faded peduncle should be left to ripen, and then the seeds should be dried a little. Before planting, the seeds are treated with epin and soaked in warm water for a day. Then a layer of drainage and a peat-sand mixture are poured into the sowing container, slightly wetting it. The seeds are placed at a short distance from each other (4-5 cm) and buried to a height equal to the height of the seed itself. Place the container in a cool place (no more than 15°C). The first shoots will appear in about one to two months.

[!] Be patient: some seeds may take four months to sprout.

It is important to keep the soil moist and not to overdry or overwater it. In the first month the container can be closed plastic film, which needs to be removed every evening, thus ventilating the soil. During the first six months, the cyclamen will grow very slowly - during this period the plant grows a tuber. When the alpine violet gets a little stronger, you can transplant it into a regular substrate.

Diseases, pests and growing problems

Usually, all diseases that appear on cyclamen arise due to improper care. Overfilling, underfilling, too dry air or too high a temperature can cause serious harm to the alpine violet or even destroy it. What symptoms indicate improper care and what should you pay attention to first?

Brown spots on cyclamen leaves, leaves turn yellow and dry - most likely the reason is dry air or too intense lighting.
What to do: move the plant to a more shaded place, increase air humidity.

Cyclamen has dropped its buds - this happens if, during the period of flower stalk formation, the plant is moved from a cool place to a warm one, for example, from a loggia to a room. Too high a temperature prevents cyclamen from flowering.
What to do: increase the air temperature gradually.

The leaves wither, turn yellow, become lethargic - it’s time to sound the alarm: the plant is flooded, the tuber has begun to rot.
What to do: dig up the tuber, carefully examine it for the presence of root rot. If rotten areas are found, you need to carefully trim them to healthy tissue, sprinkle the sections with crushed coal and plant them in new soil. In the future, monitor the frequency and intensity of watering.

[!] If cyclamen leaves turn yellow and fall off during preparation for the dormant period, there is no need to worry. This is a natural process.

As for pests, the most dangerous for cyclamen are aphids, thrips and cyclamen mites. To combat insects, modern insecticides are suitable in the proportions recommended by the manufacturer.

Thanks to its bright and long-lasting flowering, the cyclamen plant is very popular in home floriculture. This is a perennial herbaceous flower of the Myrsinaceae family, there are more than twenty varieties. Wild species can be found in the Mediterranean, Iran, Northeast Africa and Turkey. Cyclamen, easy to care for at home, grows and blooms quite successfully on windowsills.

In cultivated form, it is a miniature, graceful plant. Leaves dark green, basal, leathery, contain a grayish pattern, develop on long petioles. The leaves, as well as the flowers of the plant, are highly decorative. The root system is presented in the form of a corm with a diameter of approximately fifteen centimeters with one growth point. Flowers with bent and pointed petals are similar in appearance to butterflies. Depending on the variety, they come in a wide variety of colors - red, pink, yellow, snow-white, purple and burgundy. Duration of cyclamen flowering at home with good care is approximately three months.

The most common varieties of cyclamen, which are popular both in home floriculture and in landscape design, are described later in the article.

Perennial plant with decorative flowers pale pink color and medium-sized leaves. European cyclamen is an undemanding plant; new ones have been developed based on this variety. hybrid varieties with white and lilac flowers.

This plant has a weak dormant period. The cyclamen tuber is overgrown with daughter bulbs, which can later be used for propagation. European cyclamen is characterized by a long flowering period, which begins in late spring and continues until late autumn. In the summer, this plant is taken outside. European cyclamen in bloom can become a real decoration of the summer garden. All he needs in summer is protection from sunlight, precipitation and drafts.

- one of, perhaps, the most decorative varieties. Due to its long flowering and ease of care, this flower is chosen by most gardeners. New varieties of European cyclamen are presented in mini forms with small graceful flowers located on long peduncles.

This is the most valuable species among all existing ones. Its large graceful flowers, which are yellow, pink, lilac, white, and dark purple, are especially decorative. Life cycle one flower is ten days. During the entire flowering period, Persian cyclamen produces approximately one hundred flower buds.

Cyclamen Persica has large and decorative leaves. Large varieties have been replaced by compact mini forms. These are miniature plants that grow more easily indoors than tall species. Persian cyclamen blooms long time– from November to March. After the plant fades, it goes into a dormant period. This is an undemanding plant that does not require special maintenance conditions, for which it is valued by many gardeners.
Currently, Persian cyclamen has many hybrid forms bred by Dutch and French breeders. These are varieties with two-color or single-color flowers.

In addition to these two species, other varieties are also popular in home floriculture: African cyclamen, Cilician cyclamen, small-flowered cyclamen, etc.

Caring for cyclamen at home is not difficult and can be done by any gardener. By following all the rules of agricultural technology, taking into account the characteristics of growth and development, this flower can be ensured best conditions growing at home:

• Temperature conditions. Before purchasing this flower, you need to select it right place content. Despite the fact that cyclamen is an undemanding plant, it needs coolness at home, frequent ventilation, but without drafts. Recommended maintenance temperature is from +12 to +15 degrees, aiming. In such conditions, cyclamen can achieve maximum flowering. Temperatures of +20 degrees and above are detrimental to this flower.
• System watering. In order to grow beautiful and lush flowering plant at home, he needs to provide systematic watering. This flower is watered through a tray. This method eliminates the risk of overwatering the plant and rotting the tuber and roots. For irrigation, it is recommended to use settled water at room temperature.
• Cyclamen is very demanding on air humidity, so frequent spraying will only benefit it. It is not recommended to spray the flower during the flowering period, as this can lead to rotting of the flowers. In addition to this, the plant is placed in a wide and shallow container with wet pebbles or expanded clay.
• For rapid growth and flowering, cyclamen needs good lighting. Bright diffused light with protection from the scorching sun is exactly what this flower needs.
• Cyclamen responds very well to feeding, only in moderate dosage and concentration. This flower is fertilized at the budding stage and during the flowering period once a month. Liquids are used as fertilizers mineral fertilizers, for example, the drug Floretta. Each plant feeding is carried out only after watering. Purchased flowers begin to be fertilized from the third week after purchase. Feeding young plants after they have been planted is carried out at the stage of the appearance of the first shoots. After transplantation, young flowers are fertilized no earlier than six months later. During the dormant period, cyclamen is not fertilized.

Transplanting cyclamens at home is carried out for several reasons:

• if the corm becomes cramped in the old container;
• if it is necessary to replace old soil with new one;
• if the plant is sick.

Autumn – best time for this procedure. By this time, the cyclamen will end its dormant period. This flower cannot be replanted more than three times a year. When transplanting, the roots of the plant must be close to the surface. It is prohibited to replant cyclamen during the flowering period. In order for the plant to better adapt to the new soil and pot, replanting is carried out by transferring an earthen clod.

Planting a flower is carried out using a new planting container, which should be slightly larger than the previous one. Cyclamen does not develop well and blooms in large pots. The choice of flowerpot is made taking into account the size of the root system. For example, a corm with a diameter of five centimeters will require a planting container two centimeters larger in diameter.

The bottom of the pot is lined with a good layer of drainage, followed by a nutrient substrate. After planting, the soil must be thoroughly compacted and watered.

Transplantation of newly acquired specimens is carried out only after they have flowered and their dormant period has ended.

Planting cyclamens at home follows the same principle as transplanting. This plant loves loose, airy and moisture-permeable soils. The soil can be purchased at any flower shop, or you can make it at home. To do this you need to mix leaf soil with turf, add peat and vermiculite in equal parts.

This flower requires special care during and after flowering. This plant can bloom in summer and winter time of the year. The duration of this process directly depends on how competently and timely care is provided to him.

In order to get a beautiful, lushly flowering plant, it needs to create a stable temperature - ranging from +12 to +15 degrees Celsius, good lighting and systematic removal of wilted and shriveled flower buds.

After the plant has flowered, it begins a dormant period. Due to inexperience, many flower growers simply throw away the flower after it stops blooming.

A faded plant must be properly prepared for rest. Everything needs to be cut off flower buds and yellowed leaves. Reduce watering to a minimum. As soon as spring comes, the flower stops watering completely and is moved to a cool place until summer. In July, it is transplanted into a new nutrient substrate and watering is resumed.

Reproduction methods

In the process of growing at home, cyclamen is propagated. This plant can be propagated in two ways - by seed and by dividing the rhizome.

Each variety has its own method of propagation. For example, Persian cyclamen can only be propagated by seeds. For European cyclamen, planting is possible in both ways. Regardless of the propagation method you choose, planting will be successful only if all the rules of agricultural technology are followed and only after the cyclamens have faded.

Problems in growing cyclamen

Homemade cyclamen, as well as many indoor flowers, may hurt. Most often, this plant is affected by anthracnose, fusarium, wet rot and sooty fungus.

• Fusarium – fungal disease, its pathogens live in the soil. Therefore, the defeat of cyclamen by this disease begins from the root system. If the leaves turn yellow on one side and the plant blooms sparsely, this is a sure sign that the flower is affected by fusarium. Treatment of fusarium wilt is carried out using foundationazole 1% concentration. The solution is spilled root system plants. In combination with such measures, the above-ground part of the flower is sprayed with Topsin-M of the same concentration.
• When affected by wet rot, cyclamen leaves become lethargic and the tuber emits an unpleasant smell of rot. After some time, the tubers begin to rot, and the bacteria spread to the leaves, stems and flowers. Flowers suffering from wet rot, unfortunately, cannot be cured, so they must be destroyed.
• Anthracnose is a disease that develops during the flowering period of cyclamen. Ideal conditions for the development of the disease is an increased temperature in the room and high humidity air. The disease first affects flower stalks, which dry out in a short period of time, then it spreads to the leaves, which turn yellow, curl and dry out. Cyclamens suffering from anthracnose are treated repeatedly with a fungicide solution. All affected parts on the plant are removed.
• As a rule, sooty fungus appears on flowers where aphids previously lived. Sick flowers develop poorly and weaken. The leaves turn yellow and dry out. Treatment methods: remove plaque with a damp cloth. A soap solution is used to treat the aboveground part of the flower.
• When growing cyclamens at home, many gardeners are faced with problems such as lack of flowering and yellowing of foliage.
• Cyclamen leaves turn yellow for several reasons - dry air in the room, elevated temperatures, and not systematic watering. Very often the leaves of flowers that are exposed to direct sunlight turn yellow. This is a consequence of sunburn.

In order to achieve lush and bright flowering in cyclamens in winter, they should be given the right rest period in warm time of the year. It is also necessary to remember that this plant blooms only in cool conditions. high humidity air. You should not overfeed cyclamen, it does not like it and may even die. At poor lighting in winter, the flower needs to be provided with additional lighting. If cyclamen does not bloom, you need to provide the recommended level of air humidity in the room, as well as systematize watering. You should not expect flowering from cyclamen that is in a hot room.

If you follow all the above rules, it will not be difficult for anyone to grow healthy and brightly blooming cyclamen at home.

Good luck to you!!!

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Summer is the season for most flowers active growth and development. But for Persian cyclamens, which delighted the winter with bright butterfly flowers, this is a period of rest. Subsequent flowering depends on how well and properly they rest.

There is an opinion: if the time for rest is approaching, and the flower continues to grow and bloom, you need to forcefully send it to rest. To do this, cut the leaves and twist the buds. As practice shows, nothing good comes of this. Cyclamens that are forcibly put to sleep get sick and may die.

Several years of observing these plants allowed me to draw the following conclusion: if cyclamen wants to grow and bloom, it can do so even in the summer, in the heat, when by all rights it should rest, and vice versa. There is no need to force it; over time, the flower will independently enter the desired rhythm.

Cyclamen is preparing to go dormant

When going to rest, cyclamen stops forming buds, but can continue to develop new leaves. In this case, the old leaves turn yellow and are removed after complete death. At this time, the tuber is actively storing nutrients for future flowering, so cracks may appear on it, especially if the earthen clod is allowed to dry out and then watered abundantly. Cracks are not dangerous unless water gets into them. It is enough to sprinkle them with crushed coal, and after a few days the wounds will be covered with a dense crust. Cyclamen rarely drops all its leaves.

Does cyclamen need watering during rest?

One of the most dangerous misconceptions is that it does not need to be watered during the rest period. How many cyclamens were thrown out thanks to such “recommendations”! After several months spent without water, in the best case, the tuber will face long-term resuscitation, in the worst case, the plant dies. Watering during the dormant period should be moderate to prevent the tuber from rotting. Naturally, fertilizers are not used. To prevent rot, you can add a few drops of Fitosporin to the water.

A place for a "sleeping" cyclamen

Cool keeping for cyclamen in summer is not necessary, but if there is such an opportunity, the plant can be placed on a balcony, loggia, terrace, with shading from direct sunlight. On average, the dormant period for cyclamens lasts two to three months. Its end is characterized by the growth of new leaves and buds. Watering is gradually increased, fertilizing is acceptable weak solution fertilizers

Transplantation and feeding

If necessary, the plant is transplanted into fresh soil, partially cleaning the roots. Full cleaning recommended if available large quantity rotten and dead roots. When planting, the tuber is buried in the ground to 2/3 of its height. The soil must be loose, breathable and nutritious (for example, any universal purchased soil with the obligatory addition of raising agents: perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand, coco soil). It is acceptable to add a small amount of humus, vermicompost, and pine soil. A drainage made of expanded clay, pieces of polystyrene foam or brick must be placed at the bottom of the pot.

After transplantation, the plant is not fertilized for two to three weeks. Fertilizers with a low nitrogen content have proven themselves as fertilizers for cyclamens: Kemira Lux, Ideal, Pokon. At the same time, you should not get too carried away with fertilizing, otherwise the cyclamen will grow a lush leaf mass to the detriment of flowering.

The most suitable time to replant the plant is the end of August - September. Lower day and night temperatures have a beneficial effect on growth, and a sufficient amount of sunlight contributes to the formation of a neat and compact leaf rosette.