How to understand that cyclamen is going into retirement. How to care for cyclamen at home. What to expect during the dormant period of cyclamen

When talking about caring for cyclamen at home, it is necessary to touch upon many aspects, the observance of which directly affects the well-being of the plant. You must devote a lot of time to this flower, because without proper attention it will not live long.

In this article we talk about what types of cyclamen exist, how not to make a mistake when choosing a flower in the store, and of course, how to grow and care for cyclamen at home. Also from the article you will learn how to deal with possible diseases and pests, how to replant and propagate a plant, and in what cases it should be disposed of.

By following all the rules for caring for cyclamen, you can grow a beautiful, healthy flower that will become a delicate aesthetic decoration for your interior. The activity is quite labor-intensive, but it's worth it.

Cyclamen: leaves, flowers, seeds

Cyclamen is a winter-flowering plant and the entire cycle of its vegetation is subordinated to this feature. In the summer, in the heat cyclamen is in a dormant state, and comes to life in the fall, growing new leaves and produces buds on long peduncles curled downwards.

• Cyclamen flowering falls in late autumn, winter and spring, which makes cyclamen very valuable house plant.
• Especially often given and received as a gift cyclamens during the winter holidays. When purchasing, choose cyclamen with many young buds, which are usually “hidden” under leaves.
• Homemade cyclamen leaves beautiful heart-shaped, the upper surface is often decorated with interesting “marble” patterns.

Cyclamen flowers have 5 petals bent back, color which are usually more intense at the base. Cyclamen flowers often have a subtle, refined “papery” aroma.

Homemade cyclamen - growing features

The cyclamen root is a flattened round corm up to 15 cm in diameter with a single growing point. Damage it and destroy the bulb. Cyclamen leaves are basal, leathery, heart-shaped, growing on petioles up to 30 cm long, dark green with a grayish-silver pattern. Original form the flowers look like strange butterflies - the petals are bent and pointed, sometimes have a fringed shape, and color palette incredibly wide - boiling white, pink, all shades of red, burgundy and purple. Cyclamen blooms for longer than three months.

There is an opinion that indoor cyclamen is a capricious plant. Don't believe it! Cyclamen is unpretentious, it’s just that its agricultural technology, like the agricultural technology of any other plant, has certain requirements, the obligatory fulfillment of which will allow you to easily cope with its cultivation. So:

• - under no circumstances store faded cyclamen tubers in the refrigerator - after such storage the bulb will not wake up;
• – the cyclamen flower does not tolerate heat and stuffiness, but lives well in a cool room at a temperature that is uncomfortable for humans – only 6-12 ºC;
• – direct sunlight can cause burns on the beautiful cyclamen leaves;
• – do not bury the cyclamen tuber in the ground: at least a third of the bulb should remain on the surface;
• – cyclamen does not tolerate excess mineral salts in the soil, so be careful with fertilizers;
• – the pot for cyclamen needs to be small, so that from the bulb to the wall of the pot there is a layer of soil no thicker than 2-3 cm.

Growing cyclamen from seeds

How to grow cyclamen.

A species such as Persian cyclamen reproduces by seeds. Cyclamen seeds are sown in February or March, although cyclamen grown at home can be propagated at any time of the year. On the eve of planting, soak the seeds for 12 hours in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate or in Epin or Zircon preparations prepared according to the instructions.

After this, sow the seeds in an earthen mixture for cyclamen, consisting of two parts of pre-steamed soil, one part of a soil mixture such as “tulip” or “terra vita” and half of river sand to loosen the soil.

It will be better if you make a groove 1 cm deep in the soil, pour it well with water and place the seeds in it 2-3 cm apart. Sprinkle the seeds with a layer of soil on top and cover the container with glass or film. At a temperature of 18-20 ºC, seeds germinate in 30-60 days, although there are slow-growing varieties that germinate in five or more months!

Planting cyclamen.

When sprouts appear, remove the cover and move the container with them to a more illuminated place, but away from direct sunlight! When two true leaves appear, the seedlings sprout 2-3 seedlings into one pot, completely covering the nodules with soil.

The soil should be loose, such as a “tulip” mixture or the same mixture in which you sowed the seeds. After 6-7 months, you can transplant the grown cyclamen into pots with a diameter of 6-7 cm with the same soil mixture.

Planting cyclamen in this case requires deepening the corm no more than two-thirds of its size so that the growing point rises above the soil surface. If you care for cyclamen at home correctly, you will be able to see it bloom a year and a half after sowing the seeds.

Caring for home cyclamen

How to care for cyclamen at home.

Cyclamen is a flower that requires bright, indirect light and cool (6-12 ºC) temperatures. In addition, you will have to frequently ventilate the room, but under no circumstances create drafts in it - this is unacceptable for cyclamen.

Frequent spraying will make the air humidity in the room higher, which cyclamen really likes; in addition, it can reduce the temperature by a couple of degrees in the summer heat.

The plant also needs fertilizing with complex fertilizer for flowering plants, but be careful with the consistency - it is better to underfeed this plant than to overfeed it.

How to water cyclamen.

During the period of active growth, cyclamen requires regular watering, but try to avoid fanaticism in this matter: watering should be sufficient, but not excessive.

To be sure that the plant has enough moisture, use the bottom watering method - place the pot of cyclamen in a container of water and keep it in it until it gets wet upper layer soil, then remove the pot from the water and allow the excess to drain.

This method, by the way, will not allow moisture to get to the top of the tuber, where the growth point is located, thereby minimizing the risk of plant rotting.

Reproduction of cyclamen.

Cyclamens reproduce by seed, which we described in detail in previous section, and vegetative - division of the tuber. But only those corms that have more than one growing point can be divided, and this happens very rarely. In addition, the process of dividing and rooting part of a tuber for an amateur often ends in failure, so we can assume that the seed method of propagating cyclamen is the only possible one.

Cyclamen after purchase.

How to care for cyclamen immediately after purchase? Sometimes the next day after you bring the purchased cyclamen home, it drops flowers and even leaves. Don't panic - this is completely natural behavior for cyclamen.

• He needs to get used to your environment, and you try to create for him the conditions in which he will be comfortable.
• The cyclamen flower should occupy the brightest and coolest place in the house.
• Check the substrate, and if it is dry, give the plant a drink using bottom watering or watering in a pan - in these cases, the plant will receive exactly as much moisture as it needs.

Be sure to spray the plant. Do not feed cyclamen for two to three months after purchase - plants that go on sale are well and long-term fertilized.

Cyclamen flowering.

Cyclamen blooms either in summer or winter, and the time, that is, the duration of the plant’s flowering, directly depends on how you follow the rules for caring for cyclamen. Let us remind you that optimal conditions conditions under which cyclamen will bloom long and profusely are as follows: a lot of light, but without direct sunlight; The optimal temperature for flowering is not lower than 10 ºC and not higher than 20 ºC. Water either from the bottom or in a tray so that moisture does not get on either the growing point or the leaves with flowers. Trim faded flowers.

Replanting cyclamen

How to transplant cyclamen.

Cyclamen is replanted into a new substrate about once every two years if the pot has become too small for the bulb. This should be done at the end of the dormant period before the start of active growing season. But remember that cyclamen does not need a spacious pot; it blooms well only in a cramped one, when the layer of earth from the bulb to the wall of the pot is no thicker than 2-3 cm.

For example, for a bulb that is 1-1.5 years old, a pot with a diameter of 7-8 cm is suitable, and for a two- to three-year-old bulb, a pot with a diameter of 14-15 cm is suitable. new pot Place expanded clay for drainage, a layer of fresh substrate, then the bulb along with an earthen lump and roots and add enough substrate so that the tuber is two-thirds immersed in it. Compact the soil well. The transplanted cyclamen will need fertilizer no earlier than in a month.

Replanting cyclamen after purchase.

After purchase, cyclamen is replanted only if it is in a dormant period, which in itself is strange - who buys a bulb buried in the soil?

If you bought blooming cyclamen, wait until it blooms and rests, and then, at the very beginning of the growing season, if the bulb is cramped or you want to change the technical plastic pot to a beautiful one, replant the cyclamen in the manner described. Or, if the plant is doing well in an old pot, it is better to place the ugly pot of cyclamen in a beautiful planter.

Cyclamen prefers a cool room (+13-16 degrees) with bright lighting. Best for homemade cyclamen East or west windows are suitable in summer and south windows in winter. Do not put it cyclamen under direct sunlight or near a heat source (battery, fireplace).

Temperature, location and lighting

Cyclamen likes to be around bright lighting, but direct exposure to the sun’s rays is not desirable for it; it is better to hide the flower from them. IN winter time For such a plant, we recommend a room where the air is heated only 12 degrees, no higher and with good lighting. In summer, room temperature is sufficient for favorable flower growth.

• Purple cyclamen does not have a clear dormant period; wintering is usually not done for it, but it would not hurt it. This differs from the alpine violet, which, in turn, after the flowering period (May-June) goes dormant and begins to shed its leaves.
• The best place to grow cyclamen is eastern and western windows. If the plant is located on the south side, it is important to protect it from direct sunlight. The room where cyclamen grows must be regularly ventilated.
• Hybrids cyclamen persian — heat-loving plants, so temperatures below +10 degrees are as uncomfortable for them as heat.

Along with the coolness, cyclamens prefer relatively wet air, but spraying from a spray bottle is strictly contraindicated for them. Instead, you can simply hold the planter with cyclamens on a tray of wet gravel or near a water source.

Air humidity

Cyclamen is a plant that loves high humidity. During growth, the leaves need to be sprayed. As soon as cyclamen begins to bloom, spraying is no longer necessary. To increase the humidity level, you can create water mist near the plant. You can also place it on a tray with wet pebbles. In winter, cyclamen should be placed on long distance from central heating batteries.

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Watering

Watering cyclamen should only be done when the surface of the substrate is slightly dry. Better water the cyclamen from below, leaving the pot with flower in a container of lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes, and then be sure to drain all the water before installing again cyclamen in a flowerpot. If water gets on the base of the tuber and leaves of cyclamen, it can cause dangerous fungal disease cyclamen - gray rot (Botrytis cinerea) and plant rotting.

Cyclamen, like orchids, will tolerate drying out of the soil more easily than excessive watering, although you shouldn’t let the plant dry out either. From excess water cyclamen leaves turn yellow, and the tuber rots!

Feed cyclamen general fertilizer for houseplants during the entire active growing season (from autumn to spring) once every 2-3 weeks. Excess fertilizer stimulates active growth cyclamen leaves, but not the formation of buds.

Watering

At the time of flowering, you need to water so that water does not get on the roots. It is necessary to distribute the moisture evenly so that there is no overflow or, conversely, the earthen ball does not dry out. The type of Persian plant needs to be watered less during dormancy, but make sure that the soil does not dry out, while the European type all year round watered equally.

The soil

It is very important to create aeration of the cyclamen root system. It is advisable to use a breathable substrate made of coarse-fiber peat. For optimal soil composition, you need equal parts of sand, humus and peat, as well as three parts of leaf soil.

Feeding and fertilizer

Complete mineral fertilizer, which is applied to flowering plants, or organic matter - this is what you need to feed cyclamen once every two weeks. You need to start this from the moment the leaves develop and continue until it blooms.

Transfer

Alpine violet is transplanted when new leaves appear on it (late June). With the European one, this must be done in early spring (March-April) and replanted annually.

• It is advisable to replant the plant in a low container and wide enough.
• When replanting, it is necessary to take into account one point, that the roots of the purple cyclamen are completely covered with soil, while the Persian root system is half hidden in the ground.
• Then, until the roots are thoroughly established, you need to water less often, and then increase the moisture.

Removing faded flowers and leaves

Withered flowers (as well as yellowed cyclamen leaves) should be removed by completely unscrewing the peduncle from the tuber, otherwise the base of the peduncle may rot and eventually lead to the death of the plant.

• At the beginning of spring cyclamen bloom comes to an end, over time the leaves turn yellow and fall off. Majority homemade cyclamens naturally slow down or complete their annual growing cycle in April-May. At that time feeding cyclamen stop and gradually reduce watering.
• Cyclamen tuber in summer they are stored in the ground, in a cool place, only occasionally slightly moistening the substrate. It should also be kept in mind that not all cyclamens at home go to summer rest. Some homemade cyclamens They never shed their leaves, and they bloom almost constantly.
• In September cyclamen comes to life and produces new leaves. At this time, the top layer of substrate should be replaced with fresh or replant cyclamen(see below) and soak pot of cyclamen in water until the soil is completely wet.

Then drain the pot completely. From now on, regular watering and fertilizing cyclamen. If cyclamen care is correct, then soon the plant will again produce many buds and bloom.

Cyclamen: why do the leaves turn yellow?

Cyclamen leaves turn yellow naturally at the end of the growing season, when cyclamen preparing for a period of rest. If the leaves of homemade cyclamen began to turn yellow during the flowering of the plant, That cyclamen care, most likely needs to be improved. TO yellowing of cyclamen leaves may have caused excessive heat in the room where the plant is kept.

Too much heat disrupts the vegetation cycle cyclamen and artificially brings the rest period closer. To correct the situation, provide cyclamen the most important conditions: bright light without direct sunlight, a cool window sill and submerged watering only after the soil in the pot dries out slightly.

Cyclamen: transplantation and propagation

Replanting cyclamen carried out at the end of summer, when the plant is just coming to life after a dormant state. A transplant is required if cyclamen tuber filled the entire space of the pot or if it’s time to change the substrate (usually once every 2 years). Released young cyclamen roots transplanted into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, which is carefully compacted.

• They're imprisoning cyclamen tuber level with the ground surface or slightly higher and lightly sprinkled with coarse sand.
• Soil for cyclamen make up by carefully mixing coarse sand with organic matter (leaf humus, peat, rotted bark, coconut fiber etc.) in a 1:2 ratio. Cyclamen prefers slightly acidic soil.
• Cyclamen is propagated by dividing the tuber or by seeds.. However propagation of indoor cyclamens may not be an easy task.

Plants that have several growth points on the tuber (similar to potatoes) are suitable for dividing by tuber. Part cyclamen tuber with an “eye” are cut off with a clean, sharp knife and transplanted into a separate pot in special soil for seedlings. Despite all the precautions taken cyclamen tubers often rot.

For propagation of cyclamen by seeds Using a soft brush, pollinate the flowers several times. Withered cyclamen flowers do not cut, but let them dry naturally. Cyclamen seeds taken out of the fruit-box shortly before it is ready to open, and soaked in warm water for a day. After that cyclamen seeds sown in boxes in the soil for seedlings at a large distance from each other, sprinkled with a half-centimeter layer of vermiculite.

The box is kept in the dark at a temperature of 17-20 degrees, moistening the soil with a spray bottle. Rising cyclamen seeds not at the same time, shoots appear after 4-8 weeks. After the sprouts appear, the boxes are exposed to light. Small plants with 2-3 leaves can now be carefully dug up and transplanted into separate pots.

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Types of cyclamen

At that time, it was more common to find European cyclamen or, as it is also called, Alpine violet. Nowadays the most popular is the Persian version. They are not very different from each other in care, but the characteristics of each must still be taken into account.

In nature, of course, there are much more of them, not to mention the hybrids bred by breeders. Cyclamen domestica was previously considered a winter-blooming flower., because it’s all in bloom winter period before spring comes. Hybrids with their appearance marked all-seasons, the ability to bloom regardless of the season. It is these flowers that we buy under the name “Persian cyclamen”.

It is difficult to say whether their hybridity affected the healing properties is unknown, but the fact that the tuber remained just as poisonous is certain. Therefore, you should be careful. The tuber of cyclamen is large, even its miniature specimens have a diameter of 8 cm, while giants can reach 30 cm.

Purchase

If you decide to buy not a ready-made plant in a pot, but only its tuber, then ask the seller about its type and age, and examine it carefully. He must have a weighty mass, be hard and elastic. See if the tuber has buds that are located in its upper part.

Cyclamen: care at home

The plant needs good care and a competent approach.

Choosing a location and lighting

Remember that home cyclamen does not tolerate drafts, but stagnant air is also harmful to it. The plant needs good lighting, therefore, the location on the windowsill is exactly what it needs, however, It’s better to place it on a non-opening window, but in a regularly ventilated room. It is worth noting that good lighting he needs it only during the period of budding and flowering; during the dormant period he has absolutely no need for it.

This is especially true for the Persian species of cyclamen, in which this period is pronounced. At this time it simply sheds its leaves and goes into a state of sleep. The European species also needs rest. Both types are placed in a cool place without bright light.

Many would-be flower growers advise beginners to put the tubers in the refrigerator, after first separating them from the pot. This can't be done, because after such an execution the plant will never wake up. This will be the end of your care for him. So leave it in the pot.

Temperature

Caring for cyclamen at home involves optimal temperature content. On this occasion, I would like to once again dwell on the choice of a window sill as the correct location for this flower. Since it is unlikely that anywhere in the room you can find a temperature of up to 15 degrees, because cyclamen for healthy and proper development this indicator is needed in the range of 6–15 degrees above zero. If the temperature is higher, flowering will become scarce and short-lived. Therefore, species that bloom in winter look more presentable.

Moistening the soil, air, applying fertilizers

Cyclamen does not like either waterlogging or drying out of the earthen coma. The optimal solution would be to water through a tray. Because with top watering, water can get to the growth point of the tuber, which will lead to rotting and death of the plant.

The same reason does not allow spraying the flower, especially during flowering. However, cyclamen requires high humidity. This can be arranged using a pallet with wet expanded clay, where a pot with a flower is placed, and it is also easy to place containers filled with water next to it.

If you have recently acquired this spectacular crop, you need to forget about fertilizers for 2–4 months, because the substrate contains more than is required. After this time, fertilizer is applied twice a month, excluding the dormant period. Give preference to liquid fertilizers for flowering plants. Do not use complex mineral fertilizer, as it contains a lot of mineral salts, which is bad for the flower.

Transfer

Many professional gardeners advise replanting cyclamen after a dormant period, but it is better to leave the flower in a pot for 2 years, when the need arises. She comes when the tuber does not fit in the pot, and this happens, as a rule, exactly once every 2 years. After this time, replant.

When planting, you should consider the type of cyclamen. Thus, the European species is completely immersed in the ground, while its Persian counterpart is only half immersed. For Persian cyclamen you need a pot that is even a little cramped, the distance to the wall does not exceed 2–3 cm. Plant the European type in a more spacious one. This is due to root growth. In the Persian type they are directed downwards, while the European type fills the entire container with them. Some gardeners prefer to leave some of the roots of the European variety tuber outside as well.

The soil is purchased at the store, where you can buy it ready-made specifically for cyclamens, but you can cook it yourself. To do this, take:

1. substrate for cacti.
2. Leaf humus and peat are added to the container in equal proportions.

Drainage is also necessary. After planting a cyclomen flower, excessive watering is prohibited.. You just need to lightly moisten the soil. Watering is increased gradually after the first shoots appear.

Reproduction

The most in a simple way is daughter propagation by a tuber. To do this, you just need to separate the young tuber from the mother one and plant it in a separate container. All other methods of propagating cyclamen, in particular, through seeds are not effective. A novice florist is unlikely to cope with such a task.

Cultivation

Under indoor conditions, cultivation of cyclamen can last up to 7 years. After this period, it is no longer suitable for reproduction, so you need to buy a new one. Propagating cyclamen is a troublesome business. For industrial purposes, it is propagated using seeds. You can do this yourself by dividing the tuber.

Depending on the variety, the length of the period from sowing to flowering may vary. As a rule, this takes 7-11 months. It is advisable to sow seeds at the end of March. So, during the growth period, cyclamen can do without additional lighting, and it will begin to bloom in mid-autumn.

For seed germination it is necessary to create appropriate conditions. The air temperature should be around 18 degrees. High humidity and lack of light are welcome. To keep the crops in the dark, they are covered with black film for three weeks. At lower temperatures, cyclamens will germinate a little later. If they are above 20 degrees, germination will be slow. You can start picking seedlings after 3-4 full leaves appear. During diving, the young tuber is completely covered with earth.

Pest and disease control

Like any other plants living at home, cyclomenia will not get sick and will not will be attacked by pests, if care is carried out correctly and carefully. However, you can expect the following troubles:

Delicate, unusual and spectacular flowers of cyclamen, grown at home with careful care and attention, can create a joyful atmosphere in the house. We especially need positive emotions in winter, when there is so little sunny days. At this time, most types of cyclamen are in bloom, and today we learned how to care for them.

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Diseases and pests

Cyclamen don't attack much infectious diseases and pests. But it can be affected by the cyclamen mite.

Signs will be deformed leaves, crooked peduncles and curved buds. Mite infestation can be detected by initial stages not easy. In case of severe damage, preparations for exterminating pests do not always cope with their intended purpose.

These are the basic tips regarding caring for cyclamen; if you wish, you can find a more detailed description.

Cyclamen home care

Cyclamen requires bright light, but not direct rays, the light must be diffused, long exposure to direct sunlight harms the buds and leaves; a north window or loggia facing the north side is perfect for the plant.

In most cases, cyclamen is grown at home, which means that you need to be careful about watering. Cyclamen loves abundant watering, and during the flowering period, watering should be even more abundant, but this does not apply to cyclamen that bloom all year round; their watering is usually the same throughout all seasons.

Water requirements

Cyclamen prefers soft, settled, prepared water.

• Watering should be uniform. It must be remembered that this plant does not like water getting on the leaves, much less the petals.
• Watering can be done either with a watering can, but carefully so that no water gets on the leaves, or by immersion.
• Watering using the immersion method is not difficult, you take water into a basin (or similar container), let it settle, then immerse the pot in the water, it should be immersed almost completely, after that you wait, the earth should shine, after that you remove the pot from the water, let the excess water come out through drainage holes.

Air humidity should be high for all types of cyclamen. Home care involves regularly spraying the air around the cyclamen; before spraying, cover the cyclamen from drops. Also, to increase humidity, it is advisable to place the pot on a tray with damp peat, pebbles or moss.

Cyclamen loves cool rooms. The air temperature should not be high, but up to low temperatures You can't go down either. So, the ideal temperature for cyclamen will be 12-16 degrees, no lower and no higher. Temperatures of 21 degrees or more are detrimental to cyclamen!

Feeding an adult plant

Plants should be fed constantly, with the exception of the dormant period. You start fertilizing 3 weeks after purchasing the plant; if you grew cyclamen yourself, fertilizing should begin a week after the sprouts appear.

Fertilize only if the earthen ball is thoroughly saturated with water. Complex fertilizers are well suited for feeding. mineral fertilizers.

Cyclamen. How to care after flowering.

After flowering, cyclamen begins a dormant period. Often, without knowing the specifics of care after flowering, cyclamen is thrown away.

• So, after flowering has stopped, the flower should be trimmed, the buds should be completely cut off, and the yellowed leaves should also be cut off.
• Watering should be reduced. By spring, there will be little left of the cyclamen, but this is normal.
• In the spring, cyclamen is not watered and put away in a cooler room; many also place cyclamen on its side.

The cyclamen will remain in this state until mid-summer. By mid-summer it is worth transplanting the cyclamen into a separate pot and resuming watering.

Replanting cyclamen

When replanting cyclamen, the soil is completely replaced. When replanting, remove rotten and damaged roots. The dimensions of the pot for cyclamen are not standard, not very small, not too big pot, choose a pot with a diameter of approximately 14-15 centimeters. The soil must be prepared and when replanting, do not compact the asthenia too much.

Difficulties and problems

If your cyclamen leaves turn yellow, but the flowers remain strong and healthy, then the problem is dry and warm air, or direct sunlight may also be the cause.

If the flower stalks become soft and begin to rot, then the soil of the cyclamen is waterlogged. This is very dangerous and often leads to the death of the plant, which is why the plant must be monitored and ensure good drainage.

Cyclamen is also often infected with the cyclamen mite; this disease is characterized by deformed, withered and small leaves. To combat mites, the preparations Agravertin and Fitoverm are used, treatment is carried out 2 times, with an interval of 10 days.

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Cyclamen's dormant period

In nature, cyclamens bloom in the fall or in early spring. After flowering, dormancy sets in; the leaves of cyclamen gradually turn yellow and die. The home flower also alternates between two periods.

• Many gardeners, using advice from flower reference books, try to preserve the tubers of a dormant plant in completely dry soil by placing the pot in the refrigerator.
• The tuber cannot be awakened after such “rest”. Overdrying is especially dangerous for very young plants with small tubers.
• As soon as you notice that the plant has flowered and started to lose its leaves, simply reduce watering and do not feed it.

But no refrigerators! After some time, the cyclamen will grow leaves again.

How to distinguish Persian cyclamen from European cyclamen (purple)

To understand how to care for cyclamen at home, you need to know what type of plant it is. The timing of flowering, the dormant period and the depth during transplantation differ for c. purple (European) (Cyclamen purpurascens) and c. Persian (Cyclamen persicum).

Signs by which you can distinguish types of cyclamen:

• Most often, Persian cyclamens are sold blooming in autumn and winter, and purple (European) ones are sold in spring and summer. Before the advent of modern hybrids, Persian cyclamen flowers were larger. But now it is impossible to distinguish the two types of cyclamen by flowers.
• Look at the back of the sheet. U c. purple it is lilac, even purple, in c. Persian - green, maybe with drawings.
• Notice how the plant sits in the pot. If the tuber protrudes above the ground level, this is c. Persian. If it is completely immersed in the soil, it is c. purple.
• Tuber c. Persian is flattened, does not form “children”, roots form only in the lower part.
• Tuber c. purple grows over time, forming small daughter nodules. The roots are located over the entire surface of the tuber.

Previously, it was customary to consider the names of the cyclamen species “purple” and “European” to be synonymous; from old manuals this was spread across the Internet. Since 1972, the more accurate name for the species has been cyclamen purpurea, rather than c. European. Under the name “European cyclamen” there are several European species on sale: c. purple (Cyclamen purpurascens), c. notched (C. repandum) and c. ivy leaf (C. hederifolium).

How to care for cyclamen at home

At home, cyclamen does not tolerate high temperatures: a cool place on a windowsill or glassed-in balcony is optimal. At a temperature of +6...+12°C, flowering can last up to six months. Prefers diffused light and blooms well even on a northern window. Direct sun can even cause burns on the leaves. Try to find the brightest, coolest place in the apartment for the cyclamen so that the petioles of the growing leaves do not stretch out.

Loves loose, nutritious soil with a slightly acidic reaction (ready-made soil for violets is suitable) and good drainage. The pot should not be too large or deep. Cyclamen should be replanted no more than once every 2-3 years, and the new pot should not be much larger than the previous one.

The planting depth depends on the characteristics of root growth in different species:

- y cyclamen persian the roots grow exclusively from below, so the top of the tuber should be visible above the surface of the ground;

- y cyclamen European The roots grow over the entire surface of the tuber, which means it can be buried.

During the growth period, plants need regular watering (just do not allow moisture to stagnate!), and it is better to water in a tray or by immersion, so that water does not get on the top of the tuber (it can rot). Frequent spraying won't hurt either: cyclamen loves high air humidity. Fertilizing with complex fertilizers for flowering plants is also necessary.

Cyclamen rarely suffers from pests, but excessive dry air can cause spider mites to appear.

How to multiply cyclamen

Cyclamens are propagated by seeds or baby tubers. Contrary to the prohibitions of the authors of reference books, the flower is also propagated by dividing the tuber, which is effective for rejuvenation planting material. The method is suitable for tubers older than 3–4 years.

• During the dormant period (usually in February), an adult tuber is divided into parts with a sharp knife so that each division has at least one renewal bud.
• It is very important to sprinkle the cuts with crushed charcoal and dry for several days (longer drying will have a bad effect on survival rate).
• Then parts of the tuber are planted in the soil, 2/3 deep, and carefully watered.

They take root within a month at a temperature of +18ºС. Cyclamen from tuber cuttings bloom much earlier than from seeds.

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Pests and diseases of cyclamen

Enemies of cyclamen.

If you follow the rules for caring for cyclamen, neither insects nor viral or bacterial diseases your flower is not threatened, but improper care using cyclamen at home can lead to rotting of the bulb due to chronic waterlogging of the soil or to the appearance of spider mites due to insufficient watering.

Correct your mistakes as quickly as possible and do not make them again, and then neither the cyclamen nor you will have problems with it.

Cyclamen turns yellow.

If you follow the rules for watering the plant, but the cyclamen flower still turns yellow, it means it may simply be too hot. Spray it as often as possible and, if possible, find a cooler place for it, otherwise the cyclamen flowers may begin to dry out from the heat. If the leaves begin to turn yellow after the cyclamen has bloomed, it means that it is simply preparing for a dormant period, and your concern is in vain.

Cyclamen does not bloom.

If the cyclamen receives little moisture when watering or if you do not take care of the required level of indoor air humidity, you are unlikely to see the cyclamen bloom. Cyclamen does not bloom in too warm a room, especially if it is not used to such a temperature. Sometimes, over time, the plant gets used to the high temperature in the home and, if all other conditions are met, the cyclamen eventually begins to bloom.

Cyclamen after flowering

When flowering ends, the leaves of the cyclamen gradually turn yellow, indicating that it is preparing for a period of dormancy. It is better to remove yellow leaves, but not to cut them, but to twist them until they separate from the bulb. Watering is gradually reduced and the tuber resting in the ground is watered only occasionally, moving the plant to a shaded place until the cyclamen again shows signs of life.

Types of cyclamen

Mainly two types of cyclamen are grown in culture - Persian and European, as well as their derivatives.

European cyclamen, or alpine violet

- a tuberous plant with medium-sized leaves and fragrant pink-lilac flowers, but it has varieties of white, carmine and other colors. In culture since 1607. European cyclamen is much more tolerant of normal home temperatures than other species, but also prefers cool air to stuffiness.

This species does not have a pronounced dormant period; in addition, its tubers sometimes grow daughter bulbs that can be used for propagation. European cyclamen blooms from late spring until almost winter; it feels great in the summer on the balcony or in the garden, but under mandatory protection from sunlight and from penetration of slugs and earthworms into the pot, for which purpose the pot is covered with an ordinary nylon stocking.

Persian cyclamen, or dryweed

is more popular in culture than all other species due to the incredible beauty of its flowers, which, when they bloom, seem to turn inside out and grow with their petals downwards until the plant sheds them without any traces of wilting.

The color of the flowers is pink, dark purple, lilac, white, hot pink, and in most cases the flower throat is a different shade.

• The leaves of the Persian cyclamen are larger and more beautiful than the European ones; they are not inferior to the decorative flowers.
• IN Lately Dwarf varieties of Persian cyclamen have become very popular, which tolerate room temperature much better than specimens of large varieties.
• Persian cyclamen blooms from late autumn to early spring, and then there is a 9-month dormant period. In culture since 1731.

In addition to these two most popular species in indoor floriculture, there are also African cyclamen, Kos cyclamen, Cyprus cyclamen, Greek cyclamen, amazing cyclamen, small-flowered cyclamen, Cilician cyclamen and other species that are found mainly in the wild.

Each plant has amazing ability don't worry favorable conditions growing/keeping. But the dormant period of cyclamen is accompanied by the complete shedding of leaves from the bush. In this case, the tuber remains naked with dormant growth points. This is how the classic stage of flower inactivity appears to the gardener.

However, there are several other ways to relax. One of them is manifested in the fact that a certain part of the foliage remains on the stems. It has the same dense structure and green color. At the same time, the embryos dry out completely and wait for the temperature to drop.

The third option is called combined. Several buds with foliage remain dormant, while the rest have not yet fallen asleep. However, they no longer grow, and therefore do not develop.

The dormant period of cyclamen and all its delights

A sign of the beginning of such a natural regression is yellow foliage, which later begins to gradually fall off. The entire process of “balding” of a flower takes from 35 to 45 days. Now that the tuber has entered the resting stage, you need to properly care for it. The following three points of care are determined:

1. Storage. It is not recommended to move the pot to a cool/dark room, because the frosty freshness serves as a signal for it to wake up. Therefore, it is better to remove the container from the window and place it in a visible place in the room.
2. Irrigation technology. Since their roots remain alive and elastic, and do not die, they will need moderate moisture. Plain water without, it is applied in portions every 5-7 days, while you can use a 25 ml bulb. Water the soil from above so that the lump is completely saturated, and wait until the liquid drains.
3. Transplanting cyclamen during the dormant period. Many people transplant the plant into a new pot and keep it away from the heat for a while. Still, such manipulation is risky. Otherwise, they will wake up before the appointed time.

As soon as the crop begins to emerge from its dormant state, it is recommended to replant it and increase the number of waterings. The procedure should be carried out when the leaves reach 2-3 cm in diameter.

Monitor the tuber extremely carefully when small sprouts appear. After all, old growth points can dry out and simply break off.

Flower growers often claim that cyclamen has a dormant period during the summer season. However, specimens grown from seeds, in most cases, adapt to local conditions. At the same time, selection also does not stand still. In Holland, scientists are developing new varieties with unique characteristics. Therefore, such hybrid cultures will go on vacation whenever they want.

Cyclamen is considered difficult to grow and maintain at home. Often after purchase and the end of flowering, it does not live long and dies. But when proper care, cyclamen can grow for more than 10 years and bloom brightly and continuously every year.

Conditions for growing at home

Illumination

Cyclamen loves light, but not hot direct rays. On window sills on the south side it requires shading, so the plant will do better near southwestern, western or eastern windows with bright, diffused light. In summer, cyclamen is transferred to the balcony or garden terrace, to a shaded place.

Temperature

The culture does not tolerate high air temperatures. Optimal parameters for growth and development – ​​12-15°C. It reacts negatively to temperature increases above 18-20°C. At higher temperatures and dry air, you need to increase the humidity so that the plant does not die. The pots are placed in trays with wet expanded clay or pebbles, or the air around the plants is periodically sprayed. Cyclamen should not be placed near radiators or other heating devices.

The soil

A light nutrient substrate that allows water and air to pass through well is suitable for planting. The soil mixture is prepared from equal parts of leaf soil, humus, sand and peat. You can purchase ready-made soil specifically for cyclamen in the store. The soil acidity level for cyclamens should be 5.5–6.5pH.

Growing from seeds

Cyclamen grown from seeds is more hardy than a ready-made specimen from the store. From birth he is adapted to the conditions of the home environment.

You can sow cyclamen all year round, but the best period is February-March. At this time, daylight hours increase and seedlings do not need additional lighting.

Containers and loose soil for crops are prepared in advance. Cyclamen seeds are large, with a dense skin. They are first soaked for a day in water or a solution of growth stimulants. Then they are embedded in a damp substrate to a depth of 0.5 cm. The containers are covered with film to keep the soil moist. The crops are ventilated daily and checked for seedlings. They germinate unevenly, with the first seedlings appearing within 2-4 weeks. Favorable conditions are created for young plants: they select a well-lit place, control soil moisture, preventing drying out, and make sure that young nodules are completely covered with soil. The cover from the crops is removed when they get stronger and fully expand their leaves. During this period, within 1-2 months, the root system of cyclamen intensively develops. Through the walls of the transparent containers you can see how the roots are gradually filling the soil, which means it’s time to plant the plants.

It is convenient to plant seedlings in 200 ml plastic cups. A drainage hole is made at the bottom, then they are filled with nutritious, moist soil. Before picking, the plants are watered, one at a time removed from the common nursery and transplanted into cups. The first time after picking, the seedlings are watered when the soil dries out a little. For normal growth, cyclamens are provided necessary conditions: absent-minded sunlight, coolness, watering and fertilizing. The growing season of indoor cyclamens lasts 10-12 months. Therefore, if sowing was carried out, for example, in February, then a year later you can get a flowering plant.

Do you want to buy cyclamen?

In order for cyclamen to become a long-liver at home, when purchasing, you need to choose the right healthy specimen. Don’t be afraid to be picky, because often a ready-made plant from a store begins to act up and dies. What should you pay attention to first?

1. The plant should not be over-watered. If the pot is heavy and water is leaking from the bottom, it is possible that this watering regime is common practice in this store. Excess moisture is detrimental to the tuber. It’s better not to risk it and buy a flower elsewhere.
2. The root system must be healthy without soft parts. By lifting the pot with the plant, you can assess its condition. The presence of many elastic white roots protruding from the drainage holes is a good sign.
3. The plant should not have yellow, limp or spotted leaves. You should refuse to purchase such copies, even if they are sold at a deep discount. It is unlikely that you will be able to make friends with these cyclamens.
4. A healthy cyclamen tuber is hard on all sides. If the plant has a lot of buds and young leaves, this also confirms the viability of the tuber.

Ready-made cyclamens are usually purchased in late autumn or winter, so they are well packaged in the store so that the plants do not die during transportation due to the cold.

In order for the flower to better adapt at home, it needs to be replanted from store-bought soil as soon as possible. If this cannot be done in short time, then the top of the tuber is freed from the soil and placed in a cool place. During this period, you need to be careful with watering, since store-bought cyclamens are sold in peat and it’s easy to make a mistake and overwater new flower. But still, you shouldn’t delay replanting a purchased plant.

Care

Watering

During flowering, cyclamen is watered abundantly, avoiding waterlogging. During the dormant period, watering is reduced, but the soil should not dry out. Water for irrigation is used at room temperature.

Do not flood the tuber and the base of the petioles. Cyclamen also does not like water getting on its leaves. It is carefully watered into the edge of the pot, or preferably from below through the tray. You can use the immersion method. The pots are lowered into containers with water to the soil level and left until the water reaches the soil surface through the drainage holes. Then the pots are lifted, placed so that excess moisture drains off and then transferred to a permanent place.

Top dressing

Feed cyclamen during initial growth and flowering once every 2-3 weeks with liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. During the period of leaf growth, plants can be watered 1-2 times. weak solution organic fertilizers, for example, well-fermented mullein. It is diluted with water in a concentration of 1:30. But you shouldn’t get carried away with nitrogen fertilizers. Overfed plants have little resistance to diseases and pests and bloom poorly. During budding and flowering, cyclamen must receive enough potassium and phosphorus. During the dormant period, plants are not fed.

Transfer

Transplantation is performed infrequently; it is done in the following cases:

• after purchasing a ready-made plant in a store;
• if the soil is infected with pests, pathogens, and replacing the top layer does not produce results;
• when replacing an old cramped pot with a new one.

In the latter case, cyclamen are replanted in August-early autumn, after a dormant period. The containers selected are not too large, taking into account the age of the plant. The optimal distance from the walls to the tuber is 3-4 cm. For a two to three year old plant, a pot with a diameter of 15 cm is suitable.

Having prepared the containers, drainage and soil, begin replanting. The cyclamen is carefully removed from the pot and the soil is shaken off from the roots. If there are rotten roots, they are removed. Expanded clay is placed at the bottom of the pot, the substrate is poured and the plant is placed in it. For Persian cyclamens It is important when transplanting not to completely bury the tuber. It should protrude 1/3 out of the ground. The European cyclamen tuber is completely buried.

Features of care during the rest period

In winter and early spring, cyclamen has the most intensive period of development and growth. After flowering, preparation for the dormant period begins. Cyclamen does not form new leaves; old ones begin to turn yellow and wither. Leaves can be removed only after they are completely dry. Care at this time is minimal; no feeding or moisturizing is needed. Water little and rarely - once every 2 weeks, so that the tuber does not dry out at all. The pots are transferred to a dark place. The air temperature required for plants at this time is 15-17°C.

The dormant state lasts from mid-spring to early autumn. The fact that cyclamen is beginning to wake up can be seen by the appearance of new leaves on the tuber. The plant is brought out into the light, watered more often, replanted if necessary, and normal care is resumed.

Some questions about care

Why does cyclamen wither and turn yellow?

Dry and warm air in the apartment negatively affects the condition of cyclamen, especially in winter, when they work heating devices. appear on the leaves yellow spots, while the flowers can look strong and healthy.

Yellowing can begin due to a lack or, conversely, excess moisture.

The appearance of pests weakens the plant, the above-ground parts look lifeless, wither and dry out.

Yellowing and wilting of leaves also develops due to prolonged exposure of cyclamen to bright and direct sunlight.

Another reason is the natural death of shoots and leaves after flowering. This is how the plant begins to prepare for rest.

Why doesn't cyclamen bloom?

For Persian cyclamens, one of the reasons for the lack of flowers is improper planting of the tuber. A third or half of the plant tuber should be on the surface of the soil.

Lack of nutrients or frequent use nitrogen fertilizer also has a bad effect on flowering.

Another one possible reason– planting cyclamen in large pots, this can slow down the onset of flowering.

Reproduction

Cyclamen is propagated by seeds, tuber division and division by daughter tubers.

The seed method is suitable for all types of indoor cyclamens.

Tuber division

Adult specimens are propagated in this way. After 7–8 years, many cyclamens lose their decorative properties and need rejuvenation. Divide the tuber in the dormant stage. It is removed from the ground and dried. It must be healthy and undamaged. With a sharp knife it is cut into several parts. Each division should have a bud and part of the roots. The sections are sprinkled with crushed charcoal and dried for 24 hours. Then the tubers are transplanted into separate pots with moist soil. The pots are placed in a shaded place and watered moderately to prevent rotting.

Division by daughter tubers

This propagation method is suitable for European cyclamen. Over time, small daughter nodules form around the mother tuber. They are easily separated from the main tuber when transplanted. They are planted in separate pots and cared for as young plants.

Pests and diseases

Wet rot

Bacteria, getting into the tissues of the flower, destroy the plant: peduncles and leaves become sluggish, bad smell. The roots also die. It is necessary to get rid of the diseased plant.

Gray rot

In damp and cold air, fungi begin to multiply. A gray coating appears on flowers and leaves. Then the affected leaves turn yellow, the stems darken and disappear. Diseased parts need to be removed and the plant treated with fungicides. Read more

Fusarium wilt

Externally, the disease begins with yellowing of the tops of the leaves, although initially the fungi enter the soil and infect the roots and lower parts of the stem. In the fight against the disease, foundationazole is used. The soil under the root is watered with a 0.1% solution of the drug. Read more about methods of combating fusarium.

Cyclamen mite

The most common pest of cyclamen. Unlike ticks that infect other flower crops, this pest is very small, measuring 0.1–0.3 mm. Habitat - Bottom part leaves. When there is a massive accumulation, it seems that the plant is covered with dust. Leaves begin to curl, buds and flowers fade and growth slows down. Affected leaves are removed.

Aphid

It also disfigures plants. By sucking juices from leaves and stems, insects leave sticky transparent discharge. If there are few colonies, the plants are washed soapy water. Insecticides help with severe damage.

Thrips

Small flying insects 1–1.5 mm long. They lay colorless eggs on bottom side leaves. The larvae feed on plant juices from petioles, leaves and flowers. Brown spots appear on them, the flowers become deformed and distorted. are carriers of viruses. Plants are sprayed with chemicals twice with an interval of 5–6 days.

It is very pleasant to grow or receive a blooming cyclamen as a gift in winter or before the spring holidays. When it's cold and cloudy outside, delicate pink, white, lilac flowers lift your spirits and remind you of warmth, summer and sun.

You can also watch a video about the features of caring for cyclamen.

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 cyclamen is an unusual plant that is loved by gardeners all over the world for its amazing beauty. Cyclamen is so beautiful that many famous poets and writers praised the delicate flower in their works: 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 you can most often 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 by the delicate cyclamen flowers that bloom 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. The best temperature is 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 humidity air, because in nature they grow in fairly rainy climates. At the same time, the traditional method of 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 sand, peat, leaf and turf soil in equal parts. 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, is sufficient;
• 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 a pot that is too large, 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 you cannot completely bury the tuber, as 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 is 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 covered with plastic wrap, which must 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.

Perennial herbaceous plant, whose flowers resemble a flock of bright butterflies in beauty, is cyclamen. Another name for cyclamen is alpine violet. It is native to the Mediterranean and is also common in northeast Africa and Spain.

Cyclamen has original flowers and a very wide range of colors. There are white and purple cyclamens, the whole range pink shades, red and burgundy. And what’s especially nice is that flowering lasts up to 3.5 months.

Alpine violet blooms from the second half of October to the end of March. Cyclamen is not a very picky plant, but some have the opposite impression. In fact, if you follow certain recommendations, there will be no difficulties with the flower.

How to choose the right cyclamen in the store

When you see a scattering of colorful beautiful flowers in a flower shop, it’s hard to resist buying. According to the rules, the choice of a flowerpot depends not only on the color of the inflorescences; you should also pay attention to other parameters of the plant. The selection procedure includes examining the condition of the roots, which are visible in the drainage hole of the pot. It is important that the roots are in good condition and that there is no rot on them.

The flowerpot should not have yellow leaves and it is good when there are a lot of unopened buds on it. The larger the tuber, the better. The leaves of the plant should be elastic, and there should be no rotten flower stalks or their remains on the flowerpot.

Caring for cyclamen during the flowering period

Caring for cyclamen at home requires care in choosing a place for the flowerpot, organizing the temperature regime, proper watering, timely fertilizing and maintaining the required air humidity for the plant.

Choosing a location and lighting

Cyclamen loves light. It should be placed on window sills that do not receive direct sunlight, but at the same time there is a lot of daylight. Usually the optimal place for cyclamen is a window on the north side of the house.

Temperature and humidity

Cyclamen should be kept cool during the flowering period. He will be comfortable at a temperature of +12-15°C. It is bad if the temperature drops below 10 degrees or rises above 20 degrees.

For better growth and the well-being of the flower, the air around it must be moistened. A regular spray bottle will help with this. But at the same time, care must be taken that the sprayed moisture does not fall directly on the plant itself.

Watering and fertilizing the soil

In order for the plant to be comfortable during the flowering period, it needs to be watered regularly. When watering, water should not fall on the growth zone of the corm, on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Good ways watering - closer to the edge of the pot, or pour water into the pan. At any stage of the plant’s life, it is important not to over-moisten the soil.

Feeding cyclamen during the flowering period is done once every 2 weeks. For this purpose, mineral fertilizers are used. For feeding, you can prepare a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer: take 1 g of superphosphate and 0.5 g of potassium sulfate per 1 liter of water.

Caring for cyclamen during the dormant period

Many plants actively grow and develop in the summer, producing flowers and fruits. But as for cyclamen, this plant blooms in the cold season. Caring for cyclamen in summer is no less important than caring for it during the flowering period. How the flower will bloom during its active period depends on proper care during the dormant period.

Important! There is an opinion that if during the calendar dormant period the plant continues to actively bloom, then it must be artificially put to rest - that is, the buds and leaves must be unscrewed. But such an experience does not lead to anything good; such flowerpots get sick and often die.

In preparation for the dormant period, cyclamen can continue to form new leaves, while the old ones turn yellow and die. Dead leaves must be removed. At the same time, the tuber stores nutrients that will be consumed during the next flowering.

It is important to follow the rules on how to water cyclamen at home during dormancy. It is a misconception that cyclamen does not need to be watered during this period. If you allow the soil to dry out and then water the plant abundantly, cracks may appear on the tuber. These cracks are not dangerous, but only if water does not get into them. If you fill them with crushed coal, the cracks will be covered with a dense crust in a few days.

During the dormant period, moderate watering is required to prevent rotting of the tuber. Fertilizers for cyclamen are not used during this period. To prevent rot, a few drops of phytosporin can be added to the water when watering.

In terms of lighting in summer, the plant should be protected from bright direct sunlight. Coolness is not necessary, but if it is possible to place the flower in a cool shade, then it will be comfortable there.

The dormant period lasts 2-3 months, after which new leaves and buds begin to appear.

Proper transplantation of cyclamen

When purchasing, you need to be prepared for the fact that a cyclamen transplant will be required. Dutch plants are usually supplied in a peat substrate, which is intended for transporting flowers, but is not suitable for long-term growth of the plant.

Replanting can be done once a year, until the flowerpot blooms. The most suitable time is considered to be the end of August and September, when decreased air temperatures have a beneficial effect on growth.

For replanting you will need regular purchased soil. It can be prepared from the following ingredients: peat, humus, sand and leaf soil. There should be more leaf soil in the mixture than other ingredients. The plant must be removed from the pot and the roots must be carefully cleaned of any excess peat remaining on them. If rotten cuttings appear during the process, they must be removed.

Before transplanting, you need to determine which pot is needed for the cyclamen. The size of the pot depends on the age of the flower. For cyclamen aged 1-1.5 years, select a pot with a diameter of up to 8 cm. For a three-year-old cyclamen, a pot with a diameter of up to 15 cm is suitable.

There should be drainage holes at the bottom of the pot; if there are none initially, you can make them yourself. After this, drainage is laid on the bottom - expanded clay or pebbles. With the help of drainage, you can avoid overwatering the plant.

Before planting cyclamen in new soil, it is recommended to bake it in the oven for one hour. Or you can do this in a frying pan or treat the soil with potassium permanganate. Such measures are necessary in order to protect the plant from possible infection fungal diseases.

During the process of replanting, the soil mixture in the pot does not need to be compacted. You need to remove some of the old leaves from the plant, which helps promote the health of the plant.

Important! You need to remove old leaves using the twisting method, and not just tear them off.

The flower itself must be carefully placed in the middle of the new pot, holding it suspended so as not to damage it. root system. The roots must be straightened and carefully covered with soil. The tuber itself does not need to be completely covered with soil; it should stick out a little on the surface.

After transplanting, water the soil and allow the water to soak in. Then watering is repeated and soil is added to the pot. But even after this stage, the tuber should partially remain above the ground.

Important! After transplantation, you should not fertilize cyclamen for two to three weeks.

Two ways to propagate cyclamen

There are two most common ways to propagate cyclamen:

• seeds;
• dividing the tuber.

Before sowing, the seeds are poured with a 5% sugar solution. Only seeds that have sunk to the bottom are taken; those that float are not suitable. The seeds are soaked in a zircon solution for another day.

Seeds are sown in a mixture of soil and peat - they are laid out on the surface and lightly sprinkled on top thin layer land. The optimal temperature for germination should be 20°C. The crop area is covered from above transparent film, which is sometimes removed for watering and aerating the soil. Seedlings should sprout in 30-40 days.

After germination, the shading is removed, young plants are placed in an environment without direct sunlight and at a temperature of 15-17°C. After two or three leaves appear and a small tuber forms, the plants dive. This happens around December. After picking, a week later the plants can be fed with flower fertilizer in a diluted dose.

Cyclamen from seeds is planted in individual pots in April - May. They bloom 13-15 months after sowing.

In addition to propagation by seeds, cyclamen can be propagated by dividing the tuber. Such propagation can only be carried out during the plant's dormant period. The bulb is taken out of the ground and dried a little. After this, it is cut into several parts. Each part must have strong living roots and buds. All parts of the root are treated with crushed coal and dried again. On about the third day, parts of the tuber can be planted in the ground, each in its own pot.

Reproduction by dividing the tuber is not always successful; there is a risk of losing the plant forever.

Medicinal properties of cyclamen

Cyclamen contains substances that have medicinal properties. Among them are cyclamine, saponin, bitter substances.

Did you know? Cyclamine has specific toxicity. But in a humid environment, it undergoes hydrolysis and turns into cyclamiretin, which has a therapeutic effect.

Cyclamen juice has the following effects:

• destroys viruses;
• eliminates inflammatory processes;
• antiseptic effect;
• inhibits pathogenic flora that cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• stops painful sensations for rheumatism, gout, diseases of the joints and bones.