Cyclamen - when it blooms, what it looks like
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Flower growers, both experienced and beginner, compare cyclamen, whose petals range from boiling white to deep purple, with wonderful butterflies fluttering above the dense foliage of a bright green hue. This amazing plant is appreciated not only for its attractiveness, but also for the variety of varieties, undemanding to growing conditions. The main feature of the alpine violet, as the cyclamen is also called, is the flowering time. Bright petals appear on the plant in winter, when all other flowers are dormant.
Cyclamen - what is this flower
Cyclamen is a perennial corm plant that belongs to the Primrose family. Its distinctive feature is its large heart-shaped leaves, as well as five-petal flowers that adorn thin and long pedicels. The question may arise: what color are these cyclamen leaves? They are usually either soft or deep green.
There are about 50 species of cyclamen in the genus, but only two of them are grown indoors - European and Persian
The average diameter of one flower reaches eight centimeters. The color of the petals depends on the type of alpine violet and its variety. Cyclamen flowers can be either double or simple. As they bloom, they rise, making the plant look like bright butterflies have descended on it.
Brief description, history of origin or selection
Despite the current popularity of cyclamen among gardeners, its selection began only in the 19th century. In those days, it was believed that the Persian cyclamen is a perennial that blooms only four years after its planting. In 1826, flower growers learned to grow flowers of amazing beauty, which delighted with unusual flowering after 15-18 months.
Today, flower growers can grow such types of cyclamens, such as:
- European. Alpine violet tubers have an irregular shape, the leaves are heart-shaped, small, green plates are decorated with a silver pattern. The flowering of such cyclamen continues from autumn to early spring;
- Persian. Such a plant is characterized by spherical roots, heart-shaped leaves. The leaf plates are rich green, they have a marble pattern of a silver-white hue. What do the flowers of Persian cyclamen look like? Typically the palette includes whites, purples, or reds. The flowering period is from autumn to early spring.
Cyclamens are most often found in regions with a humid warm climate - in the Caucasus, the Middle East, Crimea, the Mediterranean and northeastern regions of Africa
Features of flowering cyclamen
Cyclamen color combines tenderness and restraint, elegance and harmony. Small exquisite flowers will become a real decoration of any interior: from luxurious classic to strict and minimalistic modern.
Interested in what color it is - cyclamen, you should know that the palette is quite extensive. It includes muted pinks, lilacs, reds and purples.
When and how many times a year
When spring replaces winter, and all other flowers in the house are at rest and have not bloomed for a long time, the cyclamen continues to attract attention and delight the eyes. Subject to all the rules for caring for the plant, it can bloom from September to early March. Alpine violet instantly responds to any changes in conditions of detention.
A period of activity and rest
Particular attention should be paid to the plant in the first autumn months, during this period it builds up its leaf mass and prepares for flowering. Every 14 days, the alpine violet should be fed with mineral fertilizer. In this case, additives should be avoided, which contain a lot of nitrogen, as this element can rot the roots.
In the winter months, lush flowering is possible only if the air temperature in the room does not exceed 10-14 ° С
Flowering continues for quite a long time. In the spring, when the growing season ends, the cyclamen enters a dormant phase, sheds leaves, and the tubers remain naked.
Types and shape of flowers
From the photographs, it is easy to understand what a cyclamen looks like. Its neat flowers can be either one-color - red, purple, pink or white, or two-color. The edges of the petals, depending on the variety, are either straight or curly. The combination of dense green leaves with silver or gold patterns and bright buds makes the plant especially attractive.
Flower care during flowering
When cyclamen blooms, it is important to maintain a suitable temperature and humidity level for it. Any cool place will do, such as a windowsill or a glassed-in balcony. Experienced growers say that at temperatures from 6 ° C to 12 ° C, flowering lasts for six months.
Alpine violet does not tolerate direct sunlight (they can lead to burns on the leaves), prefers diffused light. The flower feels good even on a window on the north side. If the plant is too warm in the room, the pedicels may stretch excessively.
The plant loves drained, nutritious and loose soil, it is best if it is slightly acidic. For example, ready-made soil designed for violets is suitable. The cyclamen pot should not be too deep and large. It is recommended to transplant a flower no more than once every two to three years. The new capacity for it should be slightly larger than the previous one.
The cyclamen Red partisan looks especially impressive, the edges of the leaves of which are framed by the original fringe
During transplantation, the characteristics of different species should be taken into account. So, the planting depth of the Persian cyclamen cannot be great, the top of the tuber must rise above the soil, and the European cyclamen, whose roots grow on the entire surface of the tuber, must be buried.
During the flowering period, the flower needs regular watering. The best option is the immersion method. It is important that water does not get onto the top of the tuber, otherwise it can rot. In addition, the introduction of nutrients is necessary, complex fertilizers for flowering plants are suitable.
What to do with cyclamen after flowering at home
Spring has come, the cyclamen has bloomed, what to do next at home, experienced flower growers know very well.First of all, it is necessary to remove all flowers, and this must be done together with the pedicel. As the leaves wither, they should be carefully pinched off, but not cut off at the tuber itself.
Cut flowers can stand in water for a long time, up to two weeks. In this case, the water should be changed every couple of days. To extend the standing time in the cut, you can cut the ends of the legs lengthwise.
Flowers will stand in the water for a long time
When the growing season is over, the cyclamen has faded, what to do if the flowers and leaves have already been removed? Place the plant in a regularly ventilated area. You can take the pots of tubers to the balcony or garden, remembering to protect them from direct sunlight.
Caring for cyclamen after flowering includes the correct watering regime. It is important to moisten the soil, preventing it from drying out and moisture stagnation.
Why cyclamen does not bloom: reasons and what to do
Proper care of this indoor plant, according to gardeners' reviews, begins with the choice of the temperature regime. In the wild, flowers appear when the humidity in the air increases and the temperature decreases.
What diseases and pests can interfere with flowering
Sometimes flowering does not start due to diseases and pest attacks. The reason for their appearance is often that inexperienced growers do not properly care for the plant.
Watering cyclamen must be carried out with clean (settled) water at room temperature
If the alpine violet changes its color, you should carefully examine its root system, perhaps the cause is rot, which appeared due to bacteria from the genus Ervinium. An unpleasant odor and leaf decay can indicate problems. Most often, the disease appears after contact with non-settled water. Cyclamen blooms poorly due to a tick attack. At the same time, it will not be easy to get rid of the pest, because it adapts to the preparations with which flower growers treat plants.
In any case, starting to grow this flower is a big risk, since not everyone succeeds the first time. Many people cannot set the required temperature for the cyclamen, because this is not so easy to do during the heating season. Namely, temperature plays an important role in the life of a flower.
