How to Grow Cyclamen (Persian Violet) and Key Points to Note

Cyclamen is a perennial herbaceous plant in the primrose family (Primulaceae). Its leaves are heart-shaped, ovate, or kidney-shaped, and its flowers are rose red, though some are white, with petals that are oblong-triangular. Its flower shape is very distinctive, and its colors are delicate and eye-catching, making it extremely beautiful. Here we introduce how to grow cyclamen and key points to note!

I. How to Grow Cyclamen

1. Propagation: Seed sowing is the most common method.

Cyclamen can be propagated in three ways: by seed sowing, by dividing the tubers, and by tissue culture, with seed sowing being the most commonly used. Seed sowing is generally done in September to October, and ordinary flower pots can be used; with proper care, the plants will bloom by the following winter. Tuber division is generally carried out in late August, and with good management, leaves will unfurl and flowers will appear before long. Tissue culture propagation uses stamens, tubers, leaves, young stems, and similar parts as explants to induce the production of seedlings.

2. Soil: Fertile sandy loam.

The soil for growing cyclamen should be a fertile sandy loam rich in humus. You can use a potting mix of 2 parts leaf mold, 1 part garden soil, and a small amount of superphosphate; you can use sun-dried or crushed river mud; or you can use a potting mix of 2 parts peat and 1 part perlite. Before planting, the potting soil must be fumigated and sterilized. The container should be increased in pot size gradually according to the size of the plant; do not grow small seedlings in a large pot.

3. Temperature: 10-22°C.

Cyclamen likes warmth and fears intense heat; it is fairly cold-tolerant and generally blooms in winter. Its suitable growing temperature is 10-22°C. Above 30°C it stops growing and enters dormancy, above 35°C the plant is prone to rot and death, below 6°C it cannot bloom normally, and above 0°C it enters dormancy.

4. Light: Should be ample.

Cyclamen is fairly light-loving, and daily care should provide ample light. When the temperature is below 28 degrees, light becomes even more important, but the plant fears direct sunlight and should be shaded appropriately.

5. Watering: Frequently but lightly.

Cyclamen can tolerate drought. Water frequently but lightly, keeping the potting soil moist but not too wet. Water must not accumulate in the pot, to prevent root rot. When watering, do not splash water onto the flowers, to avoid rot.

6. Fertilizing: Diluted fertilizer, applied frequently.

Cyclamen likes fertilizer but dislikes strong fertilizer. Fertilize with a "diluted fertilizer, applied frequently" approach, generally once every ten days to half a month. During the flowering period, do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer, otherwise the branches and leaves will grow too quickly and the flowers will be short-lived. Fertilizing can be stopped in summer.

7. Ventilation: Ventilate regularly.

Cyclamen likes ventilation. Smoke, dust, and stale air will make the petals wither quickly, so regular ventilation is needed, but do not place it directly in a drafty spot.

II. Key Points to Note When Growing Cyclamen

The soil for growing cyclamen should be neutral; do not let it lean acidic or alkaline. In summer, remember to shade it from strong sunlight. In winter, the temperature must not fall below 0 degrees, to avoid frost damage. When watering, do not splash water onto the flower buds and tender leaves, to avoid rot. Water must not accumulate in the pot, to prevent root rot. Fertilizer must be diluted; too high a concentration will burn the roots. Ventilate frequently, but do not place it in a drafty spot. Cyclamen is prone to many diseases, so pay attention to prevention and control.

III. How to Water Cyclamen? What to Do If You Water Too Much?

When watering cyclamen, keep the soil alternating between dry and moist, and water thoroughly each time. Generally, in spring and autumn, watering once every 3-5 days is enough. During the summer dormancy period, and in winter when temperatures are low, water less; just keep the soil moist. Note, however, that when watering in winter, do not splash water onto the flowers, otherwise the flowers will rot. If you have watered too much, first stop watering, then loosen the soil and place it in a ventilated spot with ample light, so the moisture in the soil can evaporate quickly.

IV. What to Do If Cyclamen Leaves Turn Yellow?

The causes of yellowing cyclamen leaves may include excessively high temperatures, overly strong light, overwatering, overfertilizing, and so on. Excessively high temperatures will cause the plant to enter dormancy; you can take out the tuber and refrigerate it, then replant it in autumn. Overly strong light will cause the leaves to scorch; move it to a shady spot promptly. Overwatering will create water accumulation, causing root rot and yellowing leaves; find a way to make the soil somewhat drier. Overfertilizing will burn the roots and cause yellow leaves; you can water to dilute the fertilizer, or take it out of the pot and replace the soil. It may also be caused by too little watering or long-term lack of fertilizer, which can also make the leaves turn yellow; you can increase water and fertilizer.

V. What to Do If Cyclamen Roots Rot?

If a small part of the tuber has rotted, use a small knife to cut away the rotted part, apply plant ash to the wound, let the wound dry in the shade, and replant; it will recover in about a month. If most of the tuber has rotted, it is advisable to discard it. In normal care, be careful not to let water accumulate and not to apply strong fertilizer, as these will cause root rot.

VI. How to Encourage Sprouting After Cyclamen Dormancy?

Cyclamen generally enters dormancy in summer when temperatures rise. You can place the pot in a cool, ventilated spot, then water it moderately to keep the potting soil slightly moist; it will gradually pass through dormancy, and after a week gradually resume the watering amount, and new shoots will slowly grow out.

In summary, cyclamen is actually fairly easy to grow, and its flowers are very distinctive, with colors so delicate and charming that they are a delight to look at. As long as it is cared for properly, you can see such splendid, graceful flowers every winter~