Flowerpot cyclamen care. Cyclamen flower - recommendations for care at home. Healing properties of cyclamen

Under natural conditions, you can find about 15 species of this flower. Most of them are located in Europe, this is its central part and the Mediterranean. And only two species, Persian (alpine violet) and European (purple) are grown in apartment conditions. These two species can be distinguished by size - the Persian is much larger. This plant does not require special care.

European cyclamen is called "Alpine violet". Throughout the year it feels great on the windowsills in the apartment, provided the temperature is maintained at 18-20 degrees. Not tied to a specific humidity level. Blooms profusely from spring to autumn. Compared to Persian cyclamen, this plant is not often found in flower shops. The latter refers to the parent species for many modern hybrids.

Temperature, location and lighting

Cyclamen likes to have bright lighting around it, but direct exposure to the sun's rays is not desirable for it; it is better to hide the flower from them. In winter, for such a plant, a room is recommended 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.

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 at a great distance from central heating radiators.

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 Persian type of plant needs to be watered less during dormancy, but make sure that the soil does not dry out, while the European plant is watered the same all year round.

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.

The European species is easy to propagate, but the Persian species is not so simple. In the first case, you need to take the side shoots and simply separate them from the plant. For the other, seeds are used, and to obtain them you need artificial pollination.

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.

Diseases and pests

Cyclamen is not particularly attacked by infectious diseases and pests. But it can be affected by the cyclamen mite. Signs will be deformed leaves, crooked peduncles and curved buds. It is not easy to detect a tick infestation in the initial stages. 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.

Secrets of caring for cyclamen (video)

The cyclamen flower, a photo and description of which you can see later in our article, is a very beautiful indoor plant with original and bright flowers. It blooms mainly in winter, and in the spring its leaves fall (this is typical for its Persian variety).

Cyclamen is on a par with the most popular indoor flowers in our country, because it is beautiful and at the same time unpretentious in care, does not require much attention.

There are two varieties of the named plant: Persian and European cyclamen. You can find out the differences and similarities between these types by considering their main characteristics.

European cyclamen

The tubers of this cyclamen are approximately 10 cm in diameter, spherical or irregular in shape: elongated, flattened, elongated. On their surface there are roots, stolons and daughter nodules. Shoots with leaves grow from the tubers, which subsequently form a rosette.

The leaves of European cyclamen are dark green in color and have a rounded heart-shaped shape. On top they are covered with a silver pattern, and on the bottom the plate is dark red.

The flowers are pink and have a pleasant scent. This species blooms in spring and summer. Reproduction of cyclamen by leaves in this species is possible, although difficult.

Cyclamen persica

It is also a herbaceous plant. Its tuber is spherical, approximately 15 cm in diameter. The roots here are located mainly at the bottom of the tuber.

The leaves of the Persian cyclamen are large (up to 14 cm in diameter), green underneath, and have a silvery pattern on top. The flowers of this species have a very pleasant aroma, and the color, unlike the European one, is different: all shades from light pink to white, as well as lavender and light purple.

The flowering time of Persian cyclamen is also different: it blooms mainly in winter, and rests in summer. In the spring, its leaves fall and its roots dry out. In autumn the flower is replanted and it comes to life again.

Unlike the European one, propagation of cyclamen by leaves is not possible in this species.

Propagation of cyclamen by tubers

When propagating the flowers described, the main thing is to take good care of the planting material. You can replant them with tubers only after flowering has ended. The transplant itself occurs in several stages:

First, the bulb is pulled out of the soil and the tuber is dried.
The onion is cut with a sharp knife, leaving at least one bud and several roots for each part.
After this, it must be left in a dark place so that the cut dries.
Next, the cut is sprinkled with charcoal (crushed activated or charcoal). This prevents the entry of infections and pathogens.
The pot for planting must have drainage. Expanded clay, for example, is suitable for this.
The soil must be special. You can buy it or prepare it yourself. To do this, peat, humus, turf and leaf soil are taken in equal proportions. Everything needs to be mixed and poured.

After planting the tuber, the pot must be removed from direct sunlight - the light should be diffused. The most optimal temperature is considered to be 14-16 °C.

Watering should be regular, but not excessive. It’s good if there are holes at the bottom of the pot to drain excess water - this will protect the roots of the flower from rotting.

Propagation of cyclamen by seeds

Very often the flower is propagated at home by seeds. To achieve the best result, it is important to choose the right planting material:

pay attention to the variety;
check the integrity of the seeds;
When buying seeds in a store, you need to check their expiration date and the integrity of the packaging.

You can also collect seeds from an adult flower - they are usually orange.

To sow seeds, you need a shallow, wide container with special soil. Shallow grooves are made in it, after which the earth is slightly moistened with water. The distance between the seeds when sowing should be approximately 3 cm. They should be sprinkled with soil on top.

After this, the sown cyclamen in the pot should be placed in a dark place and watered regularly, preventing the soil from drying out. The first sprouts appear after about 30-50 days. After their appearance, the seedlings can be fed with mineral fertilizers. The optimal temperature for seed germination is 18 degrees.

When the plants have 2-3 true leaves, the seedlings can be planted. The tubers are completely covered with soil. And after another six months, young plants can be planted in small pots. Here the tubers do not need to be completely covered with soil (about 2/3). Cyclamen will bloom only after six months.

Propagation of cyclamen by rosettes

This method of reproduction is considered the most effective.

Rosettes (horns) are commonly called shoots on tubers. In old cyclamen they grow quite long. This horn needs to be torn off from the tuber and planted in damp soil. After this, the flower must be placed in a plastic bag or under a transparent glass jar. After 2-3 weeks, roots will already appear at the rosette. The temperature should be at least 20-22 °C. Further care for the cyclomen will be the same as for an adult flower.

It is important to remember that you cannot tear off all the horns. You can only take one at a time, otherwise the plant may die.

This method of reproduction is relevant for European cyclamen. Persian-type rosettes take root very rarely. Out of a dozen escapes, not one may survive.

Propagation of cyclamen by leaf

Some gardeners try to propagate cyclamen using cut leaves. They are placed in water or planted in damp soil so that they sprout roots. As mentioned above, for European cyclamen this method is possible, but the leaves take root very rarely. Usually the leaves rot or turn yellow and dry out. To increase the chances of leaf germination, you need to cut it with scissors or a knife, or pick it along with a small piece of the onion.

After this, the leaf needs to be placed in water, where it will develop small roots. The leaf with roots is already planted in damp soil and covered with a jar. After 2-3 weeks, if the plant takes root, the roots will grow and a new shoot will appear.

But this method rarely brings results - the leaves usually do not take root. But Persian cyclamen cannot be bred from leaves at all - the described method is not suitable for it.

Difficulties in breeding cyclamen

And now we will tell you how to make the cyclamen flower, the photo and description of which we presented in the article, healthy.

The leaves are turning yellow. This occurs when the room temperature is high and the air is dry. You need to put the flower in a cooler place and spray the flower 1-2 times a week.
Leaf petioles rot. This happens because the soil is too damp. You need to place the pot on a tray with pebbles or expanded clay. Next, the pebbles should be moistened and watering from above should be temporarily stopped.
Leaf deformation. This is a sign that the flower has a cyclamen mite. This pest is very small and can be confused with dust on leaves. Because of it, the growth of the flower stops and the leaves curl up. In this case, the infected leaves must be removed and the plant itself treated with insecticides.

Cyclamen flower: photo

Thus, we can conclude that cyclamen reproduces in various ways. The most popular are propagation by tubers, seeds and rosettes. Reproduction of cyclamen by leaves is much less common due to the poor survival rate of the leaves. If you take into account all the recommendations for growing this flower, then cyclamen can be grown without problems, and it will bloom profusely and beautifully.

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 about 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 in color with a grayish-silver pattern. The original shape of the flowers is similar to outlandish butterflies - the petals are bent and pointed, sometimes have a fringed shape, and the color palette is 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 with cyclamen in a container of water and keep it in it until the top layer of soil gets wet, 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 the previous section, and by vegetative means by dividing 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 recall that the optimal 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 aged 1-1.5 years, a pot with a diameter of 7-8 cm is suitable, and for a two- to three-year-old bulb - with a diameter of 14-15 cm. In a new pot, place expanded clay for drainage, a layer of fresh substrate, then the bulb along with a lump of earth and roots and add enough substrate so that the tuber is immersed in it two-thirds. 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 a flowering cyclamen, wait for it to bloom and rest, 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

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 humid 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

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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 of 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

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

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 high temperatures disrupt the growing season 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 windowsill and submerged watering only after the soil in the pot has slightly dried out.

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 are made 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 blooms throughout the winter until spring. 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 cyclamen tuber 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 it requires good lighting only during the period of budding and flowering; during the dormant period it is completely unnecessary.

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 implies an optimal temperature. 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:

substrate for cacti.
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 simplest 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

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.

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 are so few 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 is not particularly attacked by infectious diseases and pests. But it can be affected by the cyclamen mite.

Signs will be deformed leaves, crooked peduncles and curved buds. It is not easy to detect a tick infestation in the initial stages. 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 it should also not drop to low temperatures. 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 mineral fertilizers are well suited for feeding.

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; a pot that is not too small or too large is not suitable for it; 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 autumn or 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 literature, the flower is also propagated by dividing the tuber, which is effective for rejuvenating 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 them 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 threaten your flower, but improper care of 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.
Recently, 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.

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, only a few of them are adapted to indoor growing conditions.

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. In appearance it is 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, while 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 both from the 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 the upper part of the plant dies, 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. 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 the 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.
To feed cyclamen, universal complex fertilizers for beautiful flowering plants are suitable: Uniflor flower, Bona Forte decorative flowering, Pokon for flowering plants. 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 the old soil; it is better to simply replant it completely with the existing lump.

Another important feature of planting cyclamen in a pot is the 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.

Cyclamen (in Latin - Cyclamen) is a plant of the genus of herbaceous perennials of the Myrsinaceae family, but some experts classify it as belonging to the Primrose family. The flower gets its name from the word that means "round" in Latin, as its bulbs are shaped like a circle. The genus has an average of 20 species.

In the wild, the plant grows in Northeast Africa and Iran, but is more common in Turkey. Several types of this flower have been used successfully as a houseplant. Next, we will look at what kind of plant this is - cyclamen, growing and caring for it at home.

Features of growing cyclamen

The tuber of this flower resembles a flattened round bulb about 15 cm in size. If the tuber is damaged, the plant will die. The leaves grow from the root, are shaped like a heart, the length on the petioles can reach 30 centimeters, and are green in color with a grayish pattern. Unusual in appearance, cyclamen (we will look at growing and care later) resembles a butterfly - sharp tips and slightly inverted petals can be like a fringe, the range of colors is varied: white and different shades of red. The flowering period lasts more than three months.

Some people think that cyclamen is a wayward plant. But that's not true. It is quite unpretentious, but there are a few rules that need to be taken into account when caring for a flower. So:

Do not store flower tubers in the refrigerator - the plant will die;
cyclamen does not tolerate hot air well, a room with cool air is ideal - about 6-12 degrees;
direct sunlight is completely undesirable - the leaves will get burned;
the plant bulb should be deepened into the ground only 2/3 of the way;
Do not overdo it with fertilizing - cyclamen will not take well to an excess of minerals in the soil;
It is better to choose a small pot, so that the distance from the bulb to the edge of the container is no more than 3 cm.

Cyclamen: growing and care at home

Persian cyclamen is sometimes propagated by planting seeds - it is better to choose February or March for sowing. Indoor cyclamen is sown all year round.

Before sowing, the seeds must be placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 12 hours or in another special product intended for use before planting.
Next, the seeds are planted in a soil mixture: two parts of soil that needs to be steamed, one part of special soil for flowers and half of sand for looseness.
Make a one-centimeter deep furrow in the ground, water generously and place the seeds at a distance of three centimeters.
Sprinkle earth on top and cover with film. The seeds will germinate in approximately 30 to 60 days, at a required temperature of about 20 degrees. But there are also seeds that may take much longer - up to six months.

How to plant cyclamen

When the shoots sprout, you need to remove the film and move it to a bright place, but not to sunlight. When the leaves emerge, the shoots are transplanted three at a time into a separate container, and the bulbs are completely planted in the soil. The soil needs to be porous, similar to the one where the seeds were planted. After about six months, the plants are planted in a separate pot, but then the bulb is deepened by two-thirds of the part. If you provide cyclamen care, then after a year and a half you can observe flowering.

How to properly care for indoor cyclamen

It is important to provide proper care for the cyclamen flower.

The plant prefers a cool microclimate and diffused rays of light.
It is necessary to arrange ventilation more often, but try to avoid drafts.
Irrigate the plant with water more often; the flower loves moist air; this will even allow you to slightly lower the temperature in the room.
Don’t forget about fertilizers, but you need to be careful not to overfeed the flower.

How to water correctly

During the stage of rapid growth, you should not forget about constant watering, but most importantly, do not overdo it. To make sure that the plant has enough water, you can use this method of watering: place the container with the plant in water until the soil on top becomes wet, then remove the flower from the water and let the excess moisture drain. This method will prevent the flower from rotting.

Reproduction methods

Cyclamens, the care of which we will consider below, are propagated by seed germination, this method was described above, as well as by vegetative means. To do this, tubers that have several growth points are divided, but this is quite rare. Unfortunately, this method is considered difficult, and often it is not possible to transplant successfully, which is why the only option is propagation by planting seeds.

Cyclamen: care after purchase at home

Due to a sudden change in environment, flowers and leaves may droop. This is not scary - this is how the flower reacts to moving. The plant must get used to it, and you need to create comfortable conditions for it. It is better to choose a place where there is enough light and cool air. If the soil has dried out, the plant needs to be watered by pouring water into the pan - then cyclamen (we discuss care after purchase at home in the article) will take the amount of water it needs. You can spray the flower on top. There is no need to fertilize it for a couple of months, because the plants are already sufficiently fed in the store.

Flowering and replanting

Cyclamen blooms in summer or winter. The duration of flowering depends on how the cyclamen was cared for.

The plant is replanted in renewed soil every two years. This is done when the rest period ends. It is important to know: the flower needs a tight pot when the distance to its edge is no more than three centimeters. By the way, for a bulb that is one and a half years old, a pot with a diameter of eight centimeters would be ideal, and for a three-year-old bulb - fifteen centimeters.

It is necessary to place drainage in a new container, then a layer of fresh soil, then the bulb along with the soil on the roots, pour the required amount of soil so that the bulb is 2/3 deep, compact the soil by hand. You can fertilize after one month.

Pests and diseases of cyclamen

If you provide proper care for cyclamen at home, then no pest or disease will threaten the plant. And if you do not care for it according to the rules, then the bulb may rot - in case of constant excessive watering, or pests will appear if watering is poor.

Cyclamen is a rather delicate flower, so it needs good care and attention to the appearance of various pests and diseases.

The main problems are:

When the flowering stage ends, the yellowed leaves must be removed by twisting until they separate. Watering should be done less often, and it is advisable to move the flower to a less lit place until the plant begins to actively grow again.

Types of cyclamen

There are 2 types of this plant for indoor growing: European and Persian.

European cyclamen. The plant has small leaves, pink or lilac flowers, sometimes other shades are found. European cyclamen (caring for the flower is simple) is the most unpretentious and can easily withstand room temperature, but also prefers a room with cool air. This type of plant can grow additional bulbs, with the help of which the flower can be propagated. The flowering stage occurs at the end of spring and continues until winter; in the summer, the plant can be moved to the garden or balcony, but protected from the sun.

Persian cyclamen. The most common type, it is distinguished by incredibly beautiful flowers and unusual flowering: the petals seem to turn out and hang down until the cyclamen drops them. The colors of the flowers are pink, lilac, and white. The leaves of the Persian cyclamen are large and beautiful, unlike the European ones.

Recently, dwarf Persian cyclamen has become widespread (care at home is no different from other species). It tolerates indoor microclimate much more easily. The flowering period falls at the end of autumn to the beginning of spring, and then the plant goes into a dormant stage for nine months.

In addition to these two types of indoor plants, several more varieties of wild cyclamen are found in nature: African, Kos, Greek, Cypriot, Cilician and many others.