We care for cyclamen correctly: what does a flower love
Handsome cyclamens become the main decoration of the window sill when huge inflorescences on high pedicels begin to bloom above the beautiful round leaves. Alpine violets, as the flower is also called, belong to plants with a pronounced dormant period, and therefore beginner florists sometimes have problems growing them. Thinking that the bush has just dried up, they throw it away, but in fact it has retired and, after a long rest, is more than once able to please with its original flowering, if you know how to care for cyclamen. What does this “big violet” love and how to surround it with attention and care throughout the entire vegetation cycle?
Temperature control and lighting
By it's nature cyclamen prefers coolness, so the most comfortable values for it are about 20 degrees, and even less in winter. It is clear that it is difficult to withstand this in apartment conditions, especially in winter, when the heating is on, or in hot summer. To acclimate a flower, you should often ventilate the room, choose the coolest room (but not lower than 12 degrees Celsius) and monitor the humidity.
Too high air temperature will lead to the shedding of leaves, and low, combined with abundant watering, will lead to rotting of tubers. In addition, cyclamen is afraid of drafts, therefore, during ventilation, you need to make sure that the bush is not in the path of the air flow.
In terms of lighting, the east windows are the most suitable place for cyclamen. On the southern windowsills, you need protection from direct rays. and in the northern light it will have little light.
Frequency of watering and feeding
Cyclamen loves moisture, therefore, during the period of growth and flowering, it needs to be watered often and abundantly, preferably in a tray. At the same time, it is important to ensure that excess water does not remain in it, otherwise the tuber will begin to deteriorate. But when the flower goes to rest, watering should be minimized.
Before the appearance of peduncles, the bush should be periodically sprayed, maintaining a high humidity. With the beginning of flowering, it is better to refuse this procedure, and instead put a tray of water next to it.
During the period when the cyclamen grows new foliage after rest and blooms, twice a month it can be fed with mineral complexes for flowering plants.
Features of care during rest
After the end of flowering, the cyclamen begins to prepare for rest, and at this time, caring for it changes dramatically, namely:
- The bush begins to shed foliage, so all dry aboveground part must be removed.
- If necessary, the tuber can be transplanted into a fresh substrate and a new pot (ready-made soil mixtures for cyclamens are sold in stores).
- Watering the flower while it is resting is rarely and little by little, only keeping the soil in a slightly moist state.
- The pot itself should be placed in a cool and shaded place.
With the ending dormant periodwhen the cyclamen begins to grow new foliage, the flowerpot must be rearranged to the light and watering gradually resumed.