The secrets to growing cyclamen

Variety

Widely found in our apartments and almost always present throughout the year thanks to the presence of numerous varieties, cyclamen is a splendid plant capable of adding a touch of color to the garden or balcony, if grown in a pot. The two most common varieties are Cyclamen persicum, cyclamen purpurascens and Cyclamen Coum. The latter, in particular, is a variety that blooms at the end of winter and is characterised by flowers in shades of pink, magenta and white, recognisable by the purple spot at the base of the corollas.

Exposure and climate

Cyclamen requires plenty of light, but never direct, strong sunlight. A bright window facing east or northeast is ideal. In summer, when it goes dormant, it should be kept in a cool, shaded spot. It prefers cool temperatures, between 10 and 18°C. Heat is its main enemy, as it shortens flowering and weakens the plant.

Land

A light, well-draining substrate is required: general-purpose potting soil mixed with perlite or sand is ideal. The pot must have excellent drainage.

Sowing should be done between July and September. You can place the seeds in a rectangular pot or tray. In any case, cover the pot with a transparent film to maintain the correct temperature. The first shoots should appear after about a month. At this point, remove the film, select the strongest seedlings, and once they have grown, transfer them to pots. If you decide to grow cyclamen in the garden, avoid exposing the seedlings to direct sunlight. Choose a partially shaded location, such as near trees or hedges. the sun can burn the leaves. For the same reason, if you choose to grow cyclamen in a pot, avoid placing the plant near windows.

Flowering

To stimulate cyclamen flowering, it's necessary to fertilize consistently in winter, when the plant is most active and productive. Always use natural products and be careful not to damage the plant's bulb. If you want abundant flowers, fertilize every 15-20 days, while taking great care to avoid water stagnation in the saucer. Typically, the plant needs only 15 minutes to nourish itself. Finally, remove dead flowers and protect the plant well in case of storms. With the arrival of spring, when the cyclamen begins its dormancy, you can also suspend fertilization.

Watering

Water your cyclamen regularly, avoiding overwatering and stagnant water. Avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, especially to prevent mold. Make sure the soil doesn't dry out too long between waterings, and remove water from saucers.

Reduce watering during the plant's dormant phase, when it stops producing leaves and flowers.

If you grow cyclamen indoors, houseplants can be sensitive to dry air caused by heating systems during the winter months. Occasionally spray the leaves with distilled water.

Growing at home

Since it's a winter plant, cyclamen can also be planted indoors during the colder months. But it's important to choose the right location. First of all, avoid hot spots, such as near a radiator. Cyclamen loves cool temperatures; it blooms best at temperatures around 10-12 degrees Celsius, while any heat source (radiator, stove, fireplace) can be detrimental to its flowers. Secondly, indoor cyclamen plants require ample space. So, the ideal room is the living room, Perhaps on a small table not too far from the window, where it can receive bright but indirect light. Finally, avoid placing cyclamen plants in the bathroom or kitchen: these are not suitable locations for this type of plant.

How to care for cyclamen in spring and summer

With the arrival of spring, the plant naturally enters a dormant phase: always remove dry leaves and faded flowers. Keep the bulbs buried in the pot in a shady spot and in September, repot them in new soil and water regularly.

While the plant requires more water during the winter, it requires less during the summer, when it's not in its growing season. Be careful, however, not to let the soil dry out too much.

Finally, even during the summer, every fortnight, it is important to feed the cyclamen with a specific fertilizer.

Common problems

• Yellow leaves: too much heat or too much water
• Flowers that wilt immediately: air that is too dry or hot
• Rot: water stagnation