Cyclamen

Family Primulaceae. Native to Iran and the eastern Mediterranean. Very often one hears that the cyclamen is a very finicky plant, that it is prone to terrible diseases and it is better not to get involved with it.

In fact, cyclamen can be called a demanding plant; among the specific pests you can note only the cyclamen mite and thrips, but with appropriate care these beautiful plants will delight you with their flowers all autumn and winter, and proper hygiene will help avoid picking up any pests. Cyclamen can simply be classified as a plant that needs care and attention.

First of all, it should be said that cyclamens should be purchased in a store in late autumn. When buying, choose a plant that still has many unopened buds (there can be up to 30 buds on one plant). Check that the leaves of the plant you choose are undamaged, fleshy, richly colored and low-set. The tuber should be planted in the soil only halfway, as this affects how the plant will develop further.



Temperature: One of the essential conditions for the good condition of cyclamen is a cool temperature – about 12-15°C, but not below 10°C and not above 17°C.

Lighting: The place for cyclamen should be very bright, preferably with strong diffused light. Avoid bright direct sun, i.e. provide some shading.

Watering: During flowering regular watering is necessary, preferably by the immersion method; when watering from above be careful that water does not get on the tuber and leaves, and pour water at the edge of the pot.

Air humidity: Since cyclamen likes humid air, put the pot on a tray with gravel or moist peat. Do not spray cyclamen; you may only humidify the air around the plant with a very fine mister.

Care after flowering: After the cyclamen has finished flowering, cut the flowers back to the tuber, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Cut off yellowed leaves together with their petioles. By spring all remaining leaves will have dried up completely – the plant goes into a dormant state. Stop watering entirely. Lay the pot on its side and place it in a cool location and do not water until mid-summer. From mid-summer place the pot in a shaded spot outdoors, occasionally moistening the soil so that it remains moderately damp. The appearance of the first leaves is a sign that it is time to repot the plant.

Repotting: When repotting, replace the old soil completely. Soil for cyclamen should consist of 1 part leaf mold, 1 part humus soil, 1 part sod (turf) soil and 1 part sand. When repotting check the root system; remove any diseased or rotted roots. The pot for cyclamen should not be very large; the best size is 12-14 cm in diameter. In a pot that is too small the cyclamen will flower prematurely, and the flowering will be weak. After repotting place the cyclamen in a bright location, shaded from direct sunlight; watering for the first two weeks after repotting should be moderate until the plant strengthens and new leaves emerge.

Propagation: by dividing the tuber and by seeds in late summer at 15-20°C. Most cultivars bloom in 15-18 months, miniature forms – in 6-8 months. It is easier to grow cyclamen from seed if you have a home greenhouse (it can be purchased at any gardening center or flower shop), then you can easily grow cyclamen from seed. By the way, cyclamens grown from seed are better adapted to indoor conditions than specimens grown in Dutch greenhouses.