What are the taboos for growing cyclamen in winter?

Cyclamen, also known as root begonia, rabbit flower, and so on, is a member of the Primulaceae family and is relatively cold-tolerant. Unlike most other flowers, cyclamen enters a semi-dormant state in summer and is prone to rot or even death when temperatures reach above 35°C, while in winter it can withstand low temperatures of 0°C without being frostbitten. It can be seen from this that if cared for properly in winter, cyclamen can also produce bright flowers. Below let us take a look at what taboos there are for growing cyclamen in winter:

1. Not moving it indoors in time

Everyone knows this flower is relatively cold-tolerant, but that does not mean it must be kept outdoors in winter. In winter, the most comfortable temperature for this red flower is actually 12-16°C. To make them bloom on schedule, it should be raised a bit more, preferably to 18-22°C. Therefore, friends whose outdoor conditions cannot meet the requirements in winter must put them indoors. Once the temperature drops below 5°C, they will grow very slowly, produce very few flowers, or even be unable to bloom at all. Even if a few blooms appear, the color will not be as vivid as normal.

2. Do not fertilize too much

If it did not bloom the previous year, then by autumn you can gradually increase the amount of watering, and in October it should be placed in a spot with better sunlight. Before mid-December, a light application of thin fertilizer can be given, and after that no fertilizer is needed. Generally, the first blooming occurs in November, but the second will be a bit later, usually in December. Before budding, a fertilizer with a relatively high P content can be used, so the flowers can bloom better. If a little gibberellin is sprayed on the buds and stems, it can also make the flowers bloom faster.

3. Do not ignore pests and diseases

There are many common diseases on this flower, such as gray mold. If symptoms of this disease appear, you must not ignore them. Be sure to place them in a location with better air circulation, and as much as possible in a slightly cooler place. At the same time, watering should be reduced a little, and water must not be sprinkled on the leaves. During care, wounds must not appear; once they do, handle them promptly so that pathogens do not take the opportunity to enter the plant. If there are dead leaves or old leaves, there is no need to feel sorry about them; they can be picked off directly, which can greatly reduce the source of pathogens.

The above are the taboos for growing cyclamen in winter. Cyclamen has a strong resistance to sulfur dioxide in the air and can absorb it through its leaves, converting it through oxidation into non-toxic or low-toxicity substances such as sulfate, so it is suitable for growing at home in cities, and can be grown in pots or by soilless cultivation. However, while absorbing toxic gases, cyclamen itself also has a certain toxicity; accidental ingestion may cause diarrhea and vomiting, and skin contact may also cause skin redness, swelling, and itching, so attention is needed when keeping it at home.