How to care for and water the cyclamen
This article shares some useful tips on caring for cyclamen and the correct knowledge of cyclamen maintenance, which is a great piece of knowledge worth collecting!
Cyclamen, also known as the "One-Piece Crown," "Bunny Ears Flower," "Bonfire Flower," "Radish crabapple," and "Spring Flower," belongs to the cyclamen genus of the primrose family and is a perennial herbaceous bulbous flower. Cyclamen have a healthy shape, moderate height, abundant flowers and leaves, bright colors, long blooming periods, unique flower shapes, and some even have a sweet fragrance.
In recent years, cyclamen have emerged in the field of horticultural flower cultivation, becoming an excellent choice for decorating rooms and living rooms in early spring, and here are detailed instructions on how to care for cyclamen:
1. Soil selection for cyclamen cultivation
The growing medium can be mixed with 3 parts humus, 2 parts forest leaf mold, 2 parts炉灰碴, 2 parts river sand (sandy garden soil), and 1 part decomposed manure, and an appropriate amount of calcium superphosphate and other chemical fertilizers. This type of soil is loose and fertile, suitable for cyclamen growth. When cultivating, the growing medium must be disinfected at high temperatures using fumigation methods, and the size of the container should be gradually increased according to the size of the bulb, and small seedlings cannot be cultivated in large pots.
Methods for cultivating cyclamen
2. Fertilization method for cyclamen cultivation
Cyclamen enjoy fertilization but not heavy fertilization. In addition to applying some base fertilizer when repotting, it is generally possible to fertilize once every ten to fifteen days, focusing on applying thin fertilizers frequently. After planting, during the long period of vegetative growth, organic liquid fertilizers can be applied at concentrations of 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10, and "flooding" the plants with nutrient-rich water. In the summer, if temperature control is not possible, fertilization should be stopped.
How to care for and water cyclamen
3. Watering method for cyclamen cultivation
Cyclamen can tolerate drought. However, the soil should remain moist during the growing season, and积水 should be avoided in the pot. Cyclamen do not like overly wet soil, and watering should be frequent but in small amounts. If they do not enter dormancy in the summer, normal watering can be continued to keep the potting soil slightly dry. After the beginning of autumn, cyclamen enter the reproductive growth stage, and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers should be applied. If plant growth is excessive, switch to applying calcium superphosphate or wood ash extract to control vegetative growth and promote bud differentiation and flowering.
4. Temperature requirements for cyclamen cultivation
The optimal growing temperature for cyclamen in winter is between 10-22°C, with a temperature difference of 8-10°C between day and night. If the night temperature is kept at 7-8°C, they can still bloom, but the blooming period will be slightly delayed; however, if it drops below 6°C, they cannot bloom normally.
5. Light requirements for cyclamen cultivation
Temperature and light both have an impact on the growth and development of cyclamen. Throughout the entire growing process, the main focus is on temperature to extend the blooming period. By the end of April, when the number of flowers decreases, the potted plants should be moved from the greenhouse to a well-ventilated, cool area with scattered light. Climate changes, suitable temperatures, and light can also cause cyclamen to produce more flower stems and continue blooming. In the Yangtze River Valley and its southern regions, leaves gradually turn yellow in May, which is a reflection of rising temperatures, and watering should be controlled at this time. In the summer, if possible, use cooling equipment to lower the ambient temperature.