Detailed Guide to Cyclamen Cultivation Methods and Precautions

The flower shape and leaves of the cyclamen are very unique. Its corolla shape is somewhat similar to rabbit ears, and also resembles a monk's hat, and the flowers are all brightly colored with extremely high ornamental value. In addition, growing cyclamen has a certain effect on our home environment, and it is known as a “little expert” at purifying the air. Many people keep a pot of it at home.

How to grow cyclamen

1. Replenishing water

Newly bought plants generally grow relatively well, but after keeping it for a week we may find that it has a great many yellow leaves appearing, and it will also lodge. At this time we need to replenish water for it. After watering, this phenomenon will change noticeably.

2. Light

Because it is relatively fond of light, after we buy it back we should place it in a sunny spot so that it can grow well. But we should note that the light cannot be particularly strong right from the start, because then it cannot adapt. We should first place it in a spot with relatively good light but not too intense, and afterward slowly move it to a place with relatively strong light that is not direct.

3. Temperature

The temperature it needs is not particularly high. Giving it around 20 degrees is relatively good. Especially for one just bought, it still needs a period of time to adapt to the environment, so we should satisfy its preferences to the greatest extent.

4. Fertilizer

We still need to apply fertilizer to it, because it is relatively fond of fertilizer, but we should note that we cannot apply fertilizer that is too concentrated, so that it will grow relatively well.

Cyclamen Cultivation Methods and Precautions

I. Cultivation Methods

1. Soil

The growing medium can use humus soil, as well as forest leaf mold, furnace ash and slag, etc., with an appropriate amount of calcium carbonate and other chemical substances added for preparation. This kind of soil is relatively loose, which helps the growth of our cyclamen. When cultivating, pay attention to the size of the container, gradually increase it, and do not use a large pot to cultivate small seedlings.

2. Fertilizing

Cyclamen likes fertile soil, but does not like concentrated fertilizer. When repotting, some base fertilizer needs to be applied. Generally, fertilizer can be applied once every 1-2 weeks, focusing on light fertilizer applied frequently. After several months of vegetative growth period, apply organic fertilizer to it, carry out watering with dilute liquid, and when the temperature cannot be controlled as summer begins, fertilization must be stopped.

3. Watering

Although cyclamen is drought-tolerant, it is still best to keep the soil moist during its growing season, and note that there must be no standing water in the pot. Water frequently and in small amounts, and do not let it become too wet. If it does not go dormant in summer, normal watering can be carried out, and the pot soil needs to be kept sweet and moist. After the Start of Autumn, it will enter the reproductive growth period. At this time, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied to control vegetative growth, promote flower bud differentiation, and promote budding and flowering.

4. Temperature

The suitable growth temperature for cyclamen is 10-22 degrees C, and the temperature during the day and at night should be maintained at 8-10 degrees C. If the nighttime temperature is controlled at around 7-8 degrees C, it can also bloom, but the flowering period will be slightly delayed; if it is below 6 degrees C, it will not bloom normally.

II. Precautions

When the temperature exceeds 28 degrees C in early summer, the cyclamen's corm will begin to go dormant. If management during the dormant period is poor, the corm is very prone to drying out or rotting, so safely getting through summer becomes a difficult point in cyclamen cultivation.

Summer Management of Cyclamen

1. Create a suitable growing environment

Considering the living environment of cyclamen, most wild species of cyclamen grow low in the tree shade of mountain forests, on semi-shaded slopes. Therefore, it is best to create a good living environment for it. Generally, temperatures above 30 degrees C and light above 40,000 LUX will cause harm to cyclamen.

2. Proper shading

For shading, simply pulling two layers of shade netting over it can meet the requirement, but when the light is not strong, it must be pulled open in time, which helps cool the ground and ventilate. When shading, it must not be too dark, otherwise cyclamen is prone to leggy growth and weakened resistance.

3. Spraying to lower temperature

There are many ways to lower the temperature, and one of them is this, but the shade netting must be kept at a certain height from the plastic film and must not be directly covered over it. In addition, fine mist and rain sprinkling are also excellent methods.

What are the benefits of growing cyclamen at home

1. Ornamental value

Cyclamen is praised as the king of potted flowers. The cyclamen's plant shape is elegant and its flowers are abundant. Varieties with floral fragrance are very suitable for potted appreciation. It can be placed on a sunny indoor stand or on a desk. Cyclamen can also be potted using soilless cultivation methods, charming and elegant, and even more suitable for home decoration.

2. Purifying the air

Cyclamen can absorb harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide from the air. Cyclamen absorbs sulfur dioxide through its leaves and, through its flower-growing action, converts it into non-toxic or low-toxicity substances such as sulfate. Cyclamen, like all plants, can absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, and can increase the negative ion content in the air and raise air humidity.

3. Regulating mood

Varieties of cyclamen can release a fragrance that makes people comfortable, allowing people to relax during tense work. The floral fragrance released by cyclamen can regulate people's emotions, making us more energetic and lively. Cyclamen also has a calming and sleep-aiding effect, and cyclamen can regulate indoor humidity, thereby increasing skin moisture.

Cyclamen is also called rabbit ear flower, and many people keep a pot of it at home. Cyclamen has a certain feng shui effect on the home environment, so naturally most people will consider its placement. Places like the living room and dining room are the best positions for placing cyclamen.