When does the cyclamen bloom, and how should it be pruned?

Cyclamen, also known as sowbread, rabbit ear flower, and bunny flower, is a commonly grown flowering plant, suitable for indoor pots, and in winter it needs to be grown in a greenhouse. Some cultivated varieties of cyclamen have a rich fragrance, while others have a faint scent or no scent. So when does the cyclamen bloom? How do you prune a cyclamen?

1. When does the cyclamen bloom?

1. Blooming period

Its blooming period is mainly concentrated in winter. It begins to grow flowers from December, and the blooming period can last all the way into February to March. If cared for properly, its blooming time can last as long as five months. During this stage, it includes important festivals such as New Year's Day, the Spring Festival, and the Lantern Festival, which can add a festive touch.

In addition, depending on the different conditions in the environment, it may also bloom in summer. However, winter is still the most important stage.

2. Points to note during the blooming period

Temperature: Because the blooming period falls exactly in winter, temperature becomes one of the key factors in care. During the day, it is best to keep the temperature at 18 to 22 degrees. At night, it is best to keep it at 10 to 12 degrees. If it is below 7 or 8 degrees, then although it will still bloom, the blooming period will be correspondingly delayed. If it is even lower, below 5 or 6 degrees, then the plant may not bloom, and even if it does, the quality of the flowers will not be good. Therefore, temperature is the first thing to ensure.

Water: As the blooming period arrives, the plant's demand for water also increases accordingly. If it lacks water, the blooming period will likewise be delayed, and the leaves will also turn yellow. So when we observe that the potting soil has become dry, we need to replenish water in time. When watering, do not pour it on its corm, to avoid rot.

Fertilizer: From the formation of flower buds to blooming, the plant needs a supply of nutrients. At this time, it is best to fertilize regularly to ensure the ratio of flowers to leaves is 1 to 1. Of course, it does not need to be done too often; once every one week to ten days is fine.

Light: This plant itself is light-loving, and especially during the blooming period, it naturally needs light. Placing it in a spot with sufficient light can promote the development of the flowers.

2. How to prune a cyclamen

1. Purpose

After blooming, its care and management mainly consist of pruning. At this time, the purpose is to promote subsequent growth and development and lay a good foundation for the next bloom. In addition, sometimes the plant's overall shape no longer looks good, and at this time pruning is mainly about its appearance. Also, sometimes the plant has many old branches and leaves and diseased branches and leaves; cutting them off is to help it grow better.

2. Targets

This mainly targets leaves and branches; flower buds are generally left alone, and the more the better.

3. Specific methods

First is the issue of pruning after blooming. Around May, the blooming period of most varieties of the plant has already passed. At this time, pruning can be carried out. Remove the spent flowers on the branches, as well as the withered branches and leaves. However, pruning also requires technique. We can snap them off by hand, or use scissors to cut off the entire branch at its base.

Sometimes, certain branches will grow out sideways at odd angles, greatly affecting the plant's overall appearance and shape. So at this time, these excess branches can be cut off. Do it however looks good; after all, this plant is mainly grown for ornamental purposes. The technique here is to adjust specifically according to your own aesthetic sense.

There are also times when the plant has just been ill, and there are some diseased branches and leaves. In addition, there are some overly aged branches and leaves. They both hinder the ornamental effect and are not conducive to growth. For these, our method of handling them is, of course, also to cut them off.

4. Points to note

After pruning, carry out routine care and management, especially regarding water and fertilizer. In addition to normal watering, it is best to supplement with some compound fertilizer.