Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a flower from the Primrose family. This genus includes about 20 different species. The natural habitats of cyclamens are the Mediterranean, Central Europe, some regions of Africa, as well as Asia Minor.

The scientific name of the flower comes from the word "round" and is associated with the shape of its nodules. In addition, cyclamen is sometimes called "alpine violet".

It is quite simple to grow a cyclamen at home; if the right conditions are created, the flower does not require careful care. Today there are a number of varieties specifically designed for home growing. Moreover, one plant can please the eye for several years.

Description of cyclamen

Cyclamens are herbaceous perennials. Plants have a large root shaped like a tuber. Leaves depart from it, each of which is located on a long petiole. The foliage is green, sometimes with silvery blotches. Single buds are formed on tall peduncles. The flower has a regular shape and five petals bent back. As a rule, the color of the flowers can be white, purple or pink. Flowering can occur in winter or spring. In nature, flowers exude an aroma reminiscent of the smell of lily of the valley, violet or honey. Some cultivars can also smell good.

Brief rules for growing cyclamen

The table shows brief conditions for caring for a cyclamen at home.

The flower tubers contain a poison that can cause poisoning and seizures.

Cyclamen care at home

Lighting

Cyclamen needs good lighting, but too bright direct light can harm the plant. To avoid this, the bush is most often kept on the western or eastern windows. On the south side, the flower pot is removed further from the window. In the north direction, the cyclamen will not have enough light.

Temperature

One of the keys to successfully growing your home cyclamen is the right temperature. In nature, the plant begins to actively develop in the autumn-winter period, when the heat recedes and the weather becomes cool and rainy. In summer, during a period of particularly intense heat, most species hibernate for a couple of months, consuming accumulated nutrients. This is exactly how the regime of domestic specimens growing in more favorable conditions is maintained.

In the summer, the room should not be about 20-25 degrees, and in winter, during flowering, it should stay there about 10-14 degrees. Only in such conditions the maximum number of flowers will form on the bush. If the temperature is constantly very high in the house, the bush can shed the foliage.

Watering mode

For watering cyclamen, use well-settled soft water. It should be slightly cooler than room temperature. During the entire flowering period, the bushes are watered abundantly enough, but liquid stagnation in the substrate should not be allowed. It is best to water the cyclamen around the edge of the pot or through a drip tray. This bottom watering ensures that water does not fall on the foliage, flowers or tuber of the plant. A couple of hours after pouring water into the pan, the excess liquid is poured out of it.

As soon as the plant fades, the amount of watering is reduced. After the foliage has dried and the tuber is exposed, watering is practically stopped, moistening the ground only so that it does not dry out at all. They return to the previous moisture regime when the plant rests and starts growing again.

Humidity level

Cyclamen needs high humidity. To comply with this condition, the plant must be regularly sprayed. But they do this only before flowering. With the appearance of buds, you should resort to other methods of increasing moisture. For example, you can put a container with a plant on a pallet filled with damp pebbles, peat or moss. The bottom of the pot should not touch the water.

In winter, the cyclamen should be placed away from batteries and heating appliances.

The soil

It is very important to create aeration of the cyclamen root system. It is desirable to use a breathable coarse peat substrate. For an optimal soil composition, equal parts of sand, humus and peat are needed, as well as three parts of leafy soil.

Top dressing

Cyclamen begins to feed as soon as fresh leaves appear on its tubers after hibernation. For this, both organic and complete mineral composition can be used. The frequency of application is approximately once every 2 weeks. You can also use special fertilizers for cyclamens.

It is important not to overfeed the plant with nitrogen. Due to its overabundance, rot can develop on the cyclamen tuber.

Cyclamen seedlings begin to feed only six months after sowing. For them, formulations for flowering species are used in the smallest concentration. After transplanting, adult tubers are not fed for about a month.

Transfer

Cyclamen is transplanted after the end of the dormant period, as soon as new leaves begin to form on the tuber. Usually this time falls at the very end of summer.A wide, but not too spacious pot is suitable for planting cyclamen. In small flowering will be too early and weak, and in large flowers may not appear at all. The selected container is filled with a loose, slightly acidic soil (pH not more than 6). Less acidic soil can lead to the development of fungal diseases. The composition of the soil can include humus, a double part of leafy soil and half of a sand. A mixture of humus with sand and peat, as well as 2-3 parts of leafy earth, is also suitable. A good drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the container.

The cyclamen removed from the old pot is carefully examined. Any rotten or dried roots should be removed. They try not to touch healthy roots. The tuber is immersed in the ground only half. The rest should rise above ground level. This will help the bush to bloom more abundantly. The only exceptions are species in which the roots grow on the entire surface of the tuber, and not only in its lower part. These include ivy and European cyclamen.

If the size of the tuber allows it to fit in an old pot, the capacity can not be changed, replacing only part of the soil with a fresh one.

When purchasing cyclamens in the form of a tuber, you should evaluate their appearance. Good planting stock should be smooth and heavy. In addition, there should be visible growth points on the tuber. When planting, they need to be handled with particular care. Excessive transplants will weaken the plant's immunity, so you should immediately select a suitable container and soil for the tuber. Before planting, be sure to soak the tuber in a manganese solution for about half an hour.

Bloom

Home cyclamens can delight with their delicate flowers for up to 15 years in a row. The flowering period depends on the species. Each plant is capable of forming about 70 flowers. They can have a subtle scent.

After flowering, the flowers are removed along with the pedicels, carefully pinching off or unscrewing (not cutting off!) Them as close to the tuber as possible. The place of the break is sprinkled with coal powder.

Dormant period

The bush begins to go into a dormant state some time after flowering. During this period, its foliage completely dies off. With the beginning of its drying, the number of waterings is gradually reduced. After the aboveground part is completely dry, watering is minimized to prevent the soil from drying out in the pot. Usually the soil in the pot is slightly moistened once every 1-2 weeks.

Sometimes the plant does not completely shed its leaves, and several healthy plates remain on the tuber. In this case, you should not remove them, such actions can only harm the bush.

Cyclamen should rest in a ventilated and cool enough room (about 15-20 degrees). You can take the container with it to the balcony by choosing a dark, unlit corner for it. Closer to the beginning of autumn, the pot can be returned to the light. From this point on, the usual watering regime begins to gradually resume.

Another storage method is to lay the pot with the tuber on its side after the foliage has died. In this position, it is stored until about the end of summer. If there is no suitable place for a flower pot, you can carefully pull the tuber out of the ground, sprinkle it lightly with water, put it in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. The tuber can be stored in the vegetable compartment.

As soon as the tuber has rested, fresh leaves will begin to appear on it. At this time, he is returned to a more illuminated (but not too sunny) place. During this period, you can make a transplant. Spraying is not carried out during this period.

Cyclamens recently purchased from the store may have a broken internal cycle and retire at an inopportune time. Such bushes should be properly cared for. It is impossible to artificially try to extend the growing season or forcibly send the tuber of such plants to rest. This will only weaken the plant and may even lead to its death. The flowering regime will gradually return to normal without additional procedures.

Is cyclamen poisonous?

Cyclamen tubers, as well as the entire aerial part of its Persian species, contain poison. Ingestion of these substances can cause poisoning or convulsions. Work with the flower must be carried out with gloves, and also keep it away from children or pets.

Useful properties of cyclamen

In addition to poisonous elements, the parts of cyclamen contain many useful substances. The extract of this plant is used in medicine in the composition of drugs against sinusitis. Cyclamen tincture is used for digestive problems, as well as against rheumatism and neuralgia.

Growing cyclamen from seeds

Seed collection rules

It is seed reproduction that allows you to get a plant adapted to growing in a certain place. You can purchase cyclamen seeds from the store or harvest them from an adult plant. In the second case, the percentage of their germination will be much higher.

Homemade cyclamen does not form seeds on its own; to form an ovary, it will need to be pollinated on its own. Using a soft brush, pollen from a flower of one bush is transferred to a flower of another. Different flowers of the same plant can be used, but cross-pollination is considered more reliable. The best time for this kind of pollination is the morning of a sunny day. The procedure should be repeated several times. To stimulate fruiting, you can additionally feed the cyclamen bush with a special fertilizer (0.5 g of potassium sulfate and 1 g of superphosphate per 1 liter of water). As the seeds ripen, the pedicel curls slightly, lowering the capsule closer to the ground. You should not dry the seeds after they have ripened and collected - this will have a bad effect on their germination.

If cyclamen seeds are purchased at the store, you need to choose the freshest seed possible.

Sowing and caring for seedlings

They start sowing seeds at the very end of summer. To test the germination, they are immersed in a 5% sugar solution. Floated specimens should be discarded, only those that have gone to the bottom should be planted. These seeds are additionally kept in a stimulant solution for some time. You can also soak the seeds in warm water for about a day.

The sowing container is filled with moist, light soil. To do this, you can use a mixture of peat with sand or vermiculite. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom. Seeds are spread on the surface and sprinkled with a layer of substrate no more than 1 cm thick. Then the container is covered with an opaque film. The temperature inside the greenhouse should be around 18-20 degrees. Periodically, the shelter is removed to water or ventilate the crops.

The first shoots should appear about 1.5 months after sowing. The hotter it is in the room, the longer the seeds will hatch. After the sprouts appear, the container with them is no longer covered. It should be kept in a moderately cool (about 15-17 degrees) place with good, but not too bright lighting. When the sprouts begin to develop nodules and several true leaves appear, they should be cut down. To do this, use pots filled with a mixture of peat, double leaf land and half of the sand.

Unlike adult cyclamens, transplanted seedling nodules can be sprinkled with soil. A week after the transfer, the seedlings need to be fed with half a dose of fertilizer for flowering species. At the very end of spring, seedlings are planted in permanent pots, not deepening the tuber too much. They will begin to bloom in about a year and a couple of months after sowing. Some species bloom only after their tuber reaches a certain size.

Reproduction of cyclamen tuber

Another way of reproduction of cyclamen is by dividing the tuber. This is possible if the root system of the flower has grown very much, and several shoots have formed on it at once. The delenka is cut off with a sharp disinfected tool, and then planted in a separate pot. But the survival rate of such a part of the tuber cannot be guaranteed, therefore the method is rarely practiced.

Diseases and pests

Gray rot - affects plants that are kept in a cold and damp, but unventilated room. A grayish bloom begins to appear on the leaves, and the tuber softens. Such bushes should be isolated from other plantings. In the early stages, fungicide treatment will help.

The main pest of the bush is the cyclamen mite. Its presence can be determined by shrinking foliage or deformation of the shape of leaf plates and flowers. If such symptoms are found, appropriate treatment should be carried out immediately. Another insect that can harm plantings is the grape weevil. It leads to breaking off the shoots of the bush. Most likely, the affected bush will have to be destroyed.

Possible difficulties in growing cyclamen

• The foliage turns yellow - due to too hard water for irrigation. The color of the petioles remains unchanged. Lack of lighting may also be the reason.
• Foliage flies - due to the excessively high temperature in the room. Hot and dry air is considered especially harmful for cyclamen. The room with the flower must be regularly ventilated, but do not put the pot in a draft.
• Twisting the foliage - can be caused by a combination of high temperatures with low humidity levels, as well as the presence of pests.
• Cyclamen leaves began to turn yellow and wither - the flower is probably about to go dormant. But the wilting of foliage before going to rest should occur gradually, and not abruptly and massively. In addition, the tuber of the plant should remain tight and have a uniform color. If the tuber has become soft or covered with spots, the cyclamen is sick and needs to be treated quickly. The tuber is removed from the pot, the affected areas are cut off, the slices are dried in air, and then treated with coal powder. After that, the tuber should be transplanted into a small pot (+1 cm to the diameter of the tuber itself), filled with a mixture of perlite and cactus soil. The roots are treated with a growth stimulant, and the slices, if possible, try to leave on the surface. The pot is placed in diffused light and kept at a temperature of about 15 degrees. Watering such a plant should be especially careful.
• The appearance of rot - begins due to poor drainage layer or frequent waterlogging of the plant. The constant stagnation of moisture in the soil often leads to the appearance of rot on the cyclamen tuber. Too frequent or abundant overhead watering can lead to decay and the aerial part of the bush: petioles and peduncles. If you do not revise the plant care regimen in time, you can lose it.

Types and varieties of cyclamen with photos and names

Persian cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

A fairly common type of plant. Cyclamen persicum grows well in climates with cool winters and blooms during this season. It lasts long enough - almost the entire period of growth. Some subspecies of such cyclamen can shed their leaves in summer. Plants remain active only a few months a year, and rest the rest of the time. During the growth period, their tubers accumulate a sufficient amount of nutrients for a long dormant period.

This type of cyclamen has long been used to treat a number of diseases, including rheumatism, sinusitis and diseases of the nervous system. Cyclamen even served as an antidote for snake bites.

The Persian cyclamen has heart-shaped foliage. Its dark green color is complemented by a light marble pattern. The color palette of flowers includes shades of white, purple, pink and red. There are a number of Dutch hybrids of this species today. They are distinguished by longer flowering periods and a wide range of flower colors. In addition, hybrid bushes are often larger than their species counterparts.

Cyclamen purpurascens

Either European or blushing. In its natural environment, such a plant lives in the center of Europe. It is considered evergreen: during rest, the flower does not shed its foliage.Initially, only one growth point is formed on the Cyclamen purpurascens tuber. Later, the slightly flattened tuber begins to change, forming large shoots with their own points of growth. The heart-shaped foliage is green and has silvery patterns. Each leaf has a sharp point at the top and small teeth along the edges. A distinctive feature of the species is the color of the underside of the leaf plates. They have a pronounced purple tint. During the flowering period, long peduncles with fragrant flowers are formed on the bush. Their oval petals are slightly twisted in a spiral. The color palette includes shades of pink, purple and magenta.

The flowering of the species can continue throughout the entire period of growth: from spring to autumn, when the rest of the cyclamens are resting.

Under the name "European cyclamen" in stores can be found at once several types of plants, among which are notched and ivy-leaved. The purple cyclamen itself has several natural forms that differ in the color of the flowers.

• purpurascens - color includes tones of purple and pink;
• carmineolineatum - white petals with a small stripe of carmine color;
• flake garda - Italian subspecies with pink flowers;
• album - pure white flowers.

Cyclamen africanum

Lives in the north of the African continent. Cyclamen africanum is often found in indoor floriculture. In nature, it can be found among shrubs.

This cyclamen has two main forms: tetraploid (with a double number of chromosomes) and diploid. It is believed that the latter has smaller foliage with different forms of petioles, and its flowers are distinguished by a more pronounced aroma. It is this form that is usually grown at home.

Such cyclamens have heart-shaped foliage that combines green-silver and rich green tones. Leaves are formed on the tuber itself, their length can be up to 15 cm. Fresh leaves begin to appear on the tuber only in the autumn months. Blooming bushes continues from spring to autumn. The color of the flowers includes various shades of pink.

African cyclamen cannot be grown outdoors, even in a fairly warm region: it is not cold-resistant. Planting should be protected from the scorching sun. Moreover, such a plant has a rapid growth rate.

After dropping the foliage, the tubers are placed in a dry, dark corner, where they keep no higher than 15 degrees. But it is important to keep such houseplants away from pets: they contain substances that can cause their poisoning.

Alpine cyclamen (Cyclamen alpinum)

After its discovery, this type of cyclamen was considered extinct for many years, but was rediscovered in the middle of the 20th century. Because of this, under the name Cyclamen alpinum, another cyclamen existed for a long time - the intaminatium. To resolve the confusion, the Alpine species of cyclamen began to be called trochotherapy. To prove its existence in nature, several expeditions were sent to the habitat of the flower.

Such a cyclamen has a special distinctive feature. The petals of its flowers are located on the pedicel not vertically, but at right angles. They are pink or carmine in color, complemented by a purple spot near the base. During flowering, the bush exudes a delicate honey aroma. Its foliage is oval, gray-green.

Colchis cyclamen (Cyclamen colchicum), or Pontic cyclamen (Cyclamen ponticum)

Inhabits the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 800 m, hiding at the roots of large trees in shady and humid places. Cyclamen colchicum (ponticum) forms foliage and flowers at the same time. In the natural environment, its flowering occurs in autumn, but at home it begins in the middle of summer. The petals of the species are slightly curved. They have a deep pink color with a darker border. The petal is about 1.5 cm long. The flowers exude a pleasant scent. They are often used for cutting. Due to the massive collection for bouquets, as well as as medicinal preparations, this species was included in the Red Book. Today, Colchis cyclamen is much less common in nature than before.

The tubers of this cyclamen are covered with roots on all sides. The bush does not have a fast growth rate. The seeds of the plant ripen within a year.

Cyclamen Greek (Cyclamen graecum)

Inhabits the Greek islands, but also occurs in the coastal regions of Turkey. Cyclamen graecum can grow at very high altitudes - over 1 km above sea level. The main condition is that the place of growth should be sufficiently shady and humid. The leaves of such a cyclamen can vary in shape: it can be both heart-shaped and oval. The color of the leaf plates includes different shades of green. At the same time, light spots or stripes are also present on the surface of the sheet. Peduncles appear at the same time as leaves or even ahead of them. Flowers can be painted in different tones of pink or carmine flowers. There are purple specks at the bottom of each petal.

A very rare white subspecies of this flower lives in the Peloponnese. It is considered to be in the Red Book.

Cyclamen coum

The species was named after one of the islands of the Aegean Sea. But Cyclamen coum lives not only there. In nature, it can be seen in some countries of Eastern Europe and the Middle East in mountainous or coastal areas. Cyclamen blooms in late winter or early spring. At the same time, its leaves begin to appear at the very end of autumn or even in winter. The color of the leaf blades may depend on the particular variety. It usually includes tones of green and silver. The palette of flower colors is also wide enough. It includes shades of pink, purple, as well as white and red. As you approach the base, the color of the petals becomes more saturated.

The roots on tubers of this species are formed only from below, and they themselves have a velvety surface. Also, the flower has an interesting feature. The appearance of its representatives changes slightly depending on the place of their growth. Cyclamens inhabiting the Middle East have pinkish petals and rounded oval leaves. In Turkey, the leaves of plants are more elongated and the flowers are brighter. As you move to the east, the flowers grow in size and the leaves take on the shape of a heart.

Cyclamen cyprium

The species lives in the high mountain regions of Cyprus at an altitude of 100 m to 1 km or more above sea level. The plant is considered the symbol of the island. Cyclamen cyprium grows on rocky soil and is most often found near bushes or trees. The height of the bush can be up to 16 cm. There are also more miniature specimens. The flowers of the species are pink or white in color and have a pleasant aroma. There are dark purple or purple specks at the bottom of the petals. The foliage is heart-shaped and includes various shades of green, including olive.

The flowering period lasts from mid-autumn to late winter. Cypriot cyclamen can often be found in home gardeners.

Cyclamen ivy (Cyclamen hederifolium), or neopolitan (Cyclamen neapolitanum)

The native land of the species is the Mediterranean coast. Cyclamen hederifolium (neapolitanum; linearifolium) is often used to decorate European parks. But even the high cold resistance of the plant does not allow it to winter in mid-latitudes. There it can only be grown at home.

This cyclamen got its name from the resemblance of its leaf blades to ivy leaves. Their color and size can be varied. In stores, such plants are often confused with the European species. Their flowers do have significant similarities in shape, but at the base of the petals of this cyclamen there is a purple spot in the shape of the letter V. Most often, their color includes only tones of pink, although there are white-flowered breeding varieties. Bushes have a superficial root system. The dimensions of their aboveground part may vary depending on the variety. Flowers have a rather pleasant, although sometimes pungent aroma.