These taboos in winter care for cyclamen should be avoided

Cyclamen, also known as Persian violet, rabbit flower and so on, belongs to the Primulaceae family and is relatively cold-tolerant. Unlike most other flowers, cyclamen enters a semi-dormant state in summer, and is prone to rotting or even dying when temperatures reach above 35°C, while in winter it can withstand low temperatures of 0°C without being frostbitten. It can be seen that if cared for properly in winter, cyclamen can also produce bright blooms. Below, let us look at what taboos apply to 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 little higher, preferably to 18-22°C. Therefore, friends whose outdoor conditions cannot meet the requirements in winter must place 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 bloom, 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 relatively good 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 blooming in December. Before bud formation, a fertilizer with 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, they must not be ignored; be sure to place them in a location with better air circulation, as far as possible in a slightly cooler place, and at the same time reduce watering a little, and do not splash water on the leaves. During care, wounds must not appear; once they do, treat them promptly so that pathogens do not take the opportunity to enter the plant. If there are withered leaves or old leaves, there is no need to be reluctant; they can be removed directly, which can greatly reduce the source of pathogens.

The above are the taboos for growing cyclamen in winter. Cyclamen has a relatively 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 in urban homes, and can be grown in pots or by soilless culture. However, while cyclamen absorbs toxic gases, it is also somewhat toxic itself; accidental ingestion may cause diarrhea and vomiting, and skin contact may also cause redness, swelling, and itching of the skin, so attention is needed when keeping it at home.