Cyclamen mix is a charming flower. Bright green leaves with additional ornaments, as well as charmingly beautiful flowers, drive many gardeners crazy. Regarding this flower, there is an opinion that it cannot be grown at home. This is wrong.
Knowing the basic tricks for caring for it, you can ensure that you have such an amazing plant in your home.
CYCLAMEN MIX is a representative of the genus of plants of the Myrsinaceae subfamily of the Primrose family. This the variety is a hybrid. It was bred by breeders from Persian and European varieties. It is a perennial herbaceous plant. Growth rate is average.
Used in folk medicine, as well as in the manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs.
ATTENTION! The tubers are poisonous. Be careful!
Widely used for indoor growing, and for breeding in open ground.
Cyclamen grows for 10-15 years. Flowering is annual, occurs in winter period. It can produce up to 70 flowers per year.
Cyclamen is native to Asian and Mediterranean countries. Cyclamen has always been considered the patron saint of women, being a symbol of motherhood and love. Ancient priests claimed that the plant brings happiness to the house. Cyclamen flowers were used in magical rites and decorated wedding ceremonies with them. Cyclamen was also credited with the properties of a love potion.
It was brought to Europe in the 17th century. But because its tubers were fed to pigs, it was nicknamed “pork turnip.” Two centuries later, it began to be grown as a houseplant in England.
Description of appearance
The root of this flower is a thickened tuber. The leaves are basal, oblong, green in color, with gray and golden patterns. Flowers are solitary, on powerful peduncles. The color of this species always transitions smoothly from one color to another.
Popular varieties
Mini
If you are new to growing cyclamen, we recommend starting with mini cyclamen. He less demanding to care for than other varieties. More compact. The height of its flowering stems grows up to 10-15 cm. They are ideal for growing indoors, in flowerbeds, in the garden, and on terraces.
Patio
This variety of cyclamen is one of the smallest. Its height is about 10 cm. The flowers are small, brightly colored, from white to carmine. At proper care blooms from late autumn and all winter.
Where and how to plant it?
Cyclamen mix should be planted in August-September. During this period, the phase of its active growth begins.
ADVICE. Pick up a small pot. Its size should be slightly larger than the tubers.
The procedure for planting cyclamen is as follows:
- Place a layer of drainage at the bottom of the selected pot. It can be expanded clay or crushed stone.
- Before planting, water the prepared soil with a solution of potassium permanganate. This needs to be done in advance so that it dries out a little.
- Fill the pot with soil and plant the tubers.
- The tubers do not need to be deepened very much.
- Water the flower. As leaves appear, increase the volume of water.
Lighting and location
This flower is not a supporter of bright light. It feels great on western and eastern windows. We do not recommend placing it on a north window, as it may wither due to lack of light. Direct sunlight is strictly unacceptable. Under their influence, burns form on the leaves. The plant dies.
Soil requirements
An important requirement for the soil is its acidity level. Cyclamen mix needs a neutral acidity environment (pH 5.5-6). This is determined using special strips that can be purchased at flower shops.
If there are none, the study can be carried out using table vinegar. So, a little vinegar is poured onto a handful of earth: if nothing happens, then the environment is acidic; if there are a lot of bubbles, then the medium is alkaline; if there are few bubbles, then the medium is neutral. To prepare the soil you need to take different parts leaf and turf soil, sand and humus.
How to care?
Caring for this flower will give you enough worries. It is important to follow the rules of each stage of flower development:
IMPORTANT! During the summer months, do not fertilize, barely water, and place in a cool, shady location.
Common Problems
Like all plants, cyclamen mix is also susceptible to attacks from pests and diseases. Among them we can highlight.
PESTS
- Spider mite (leaves are affected and discolored, dry areas appear on them).
- Aphid(leaves curl, turn yellow, sticky secretions of aphids are observed).
- Multi-clawed mites(young leaves become deformed and become rough. White compactions are observed on the flowers).
DISEASES
- Non-infectious rot(leaves wither and turn yellow, tubers are rotten and soft).
- Leaf bronzing virus(brown pattern on leaves, deformation, abnormal growth, necrosis of leaf veins).
- Ring mosaic virus(a pattern similar to fingerprints is observed on the leaves).
- Anthracnose(neither new leaves nor new flowers grow anymore).
- Fusarium wilt(the leaves wither, turn yellow, fall off. Then the plant dies. The root vessels become brown).
- Gray rot(tissues become soft and covered with white rot).
- Root root nematodes(there are swellings on the roots that look like beads, the plant stops growing).
Features of reproduction
Frankly speaking, cyclamen is difficult to propagate at home. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. Our plant can be propagated in 2 ways: seeds and tubers.
SEEDS
You can buy them in the store. Please check the expiration date. They retain their seedling properties for only 2 years. You can also collect the seeds yourself, but to do this you will have to pollinate the flowers several times. To do this, use a cotton swab in the morning to spread pollen from one flower to another. After collection, they need to be set aside for 2 months for their final ripening.
Before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked in Zircon for 24 hours. The optimal time for sowing is August.
As a substrate, mix peat with vermiculite or leaf soil in equal parts. There is no need to deeply bury the seeds into the soil: spread them out on the surface and sprinkle them with a thin layer of soil. Optimal temperature for germination it will be +20 degrees Celsius (at a higher value the seeds will go into hibernation, and at less than +18 degrees Celsius there is a high probability of their rotting). Plantings must be periodically moistened and ventilated.
Shoots begin to appear after about 4-6 weeks. From this moment on, the bowl with seedlings is placed in a well-lit place (but without direct sun) with a temperature of +15 - +17 degrees Celsius.
When the seedlings have small nodules and 2-3 leaves, they are planted in separate containers. A week after this, the plants are fed with mineral fertilizers (the dose is reduced by 2 times from that indicated on the package). Cyclamens grown from seeds bloom 12-18 months after planting. It happens that flowering begins even later (after 3-4 years).
REMEMBER! Cyclamen mix is a hybrid, therefore collected seeds They may not be able to convey the characteristics of the mother bush on their own.
TUBERS
This must be done during the flower's dormant period. In spring and summer, you can get tubers out of the ground. The tubers are cut so that each part has roots and buds.
Necessarily cuts need to be treated with fungicide or crushed coal. After drying, the tubers can be planted in separate pots. The pot needs to be covered with a jar or glass. It is important to create a greenhouse effect. If you buy tubers in a store, pay attention to their condition. They should be firm, not wrinkled, without stains or rot.
Although cyclamen mix is capricious, it is very beautiful. Knowledgeable flower growers will always note the presence of such a flower in a house or flower bed, and will appreciate your efforts. Moreover, having acquired such a plant, your eyes will be provided with beauty even in winter.
Cyclamen belongs to the primrose family (Primulaceae). In total, there are more than 20 varieties of such perennial plants with tuberous roots. Distributed in the Mediterranean, Northeast Africa, Iran. It is often found in the wild in Turkey.
Certain species have been planted for a long period, both in gardens and in apartments. There are two types of cyclamen intended for indoor cultivation. Namely: Persian and European.
The European cyclamen is called " alpine violet" Throughout the year it feels great on the windowsills in the apartment, provided the temperature is maintained at +18...+20 °C. Not tied to a specific humidity level. Blooms profusely from spring to autumn. Compared to Persian cyclamen, this plant is not often found in flower shops. The latter refers to the parent species for many modern hybrids.
The history of its origin dates back to the 16th century. At that time it was used by Europeans. It was displayed in the botanical garden owned by Queen Elizabeth I. Soon cyclamen lost its popularity, but after several centuries breeders began to work hard on its development, thanks to which today there are a large number of its hybrids and species. In nature, Persian cyclamen blooms from early winter to late spring. The flowering period depends on the region of its growth. Most often it has light pink flowers. Sometimes they are raspberry or cherry.
Today's cyclamens differ from wild varieties in the size of their flowers. Compared to their predecessors, they are larger. The color can be snow-white, pink, scarlet, dark purple. Hybrids with multi-colored and corrugated petals have gained enormous popularity. IN last years There is a demand for mini-hybrids in Europe. They are small bushes with large flowers. This type of cyclamens can be grown in garden conditions and in places where there is a cool climate.
Modern floriculture, depending on the size of plants and flowers, classifies cyclamens into 3 groups.
Mini cyclamens. These include: “Silverheart”, “Midori”, “Zhanetto”, “Libretto”, “Silverado”. Such plants are distinguished by large flowers. As a rule, they exceed 4 cm. In this group you can often find aromatic cultivars. Pots with a diameter of 6-10 cm are suitable for growing.
Midi-cyclamens. These include: “Kanto”, “Laser”, “Sterling” and others. They have a medium socket size. Planted in pots with a diameter of 10–13 cm.
Maxi-cyclamens(standard or large-flowered): series “Concerto”, “Rainier”, “Sierra”, “Winter Ice”. The size of the growing pots is 13-20 cm in diameter.
Cyclamen goes on sale in the first months of autumn. The plant is especially loved because it pleases with its long flowering in winter. With the onset of spring, cyclamen stops blooming. It loses its leaves, and this is where many gardeners make a mistake - they throw away the plant because they think it is gone. If you provide the cyclamen with proper care, it will bloom actively for many years.
Caring for cyclamen at home
Lighting
Cyclamens love light, but the best place for their habitat - eastern and western windows. If the plant is located on the south side, it is important to protect it from direct sunlight. The room where cyclamen grows must be regularly ventilated.
Temperature
Temperature plays a significant role for the successful cultivation of cyclamens. The best temperature in the cold season is 10-12°C. A higher rate will cause it to begin to shed its leaves and stop blooming. If the plant was grown in a greenhouse, appropriate conditions must be created in the apartment. At home it is not always possible to keep cyclamen cool. To facilitate acclimatization and extend the flowering period, you need to accustom cyclamen to higher temperatures in stages. It must be placed on a cold window and the room must be ventilated regularly.
Humidity
Cyclamen is a plant that loves high humidity. While the leaves are growing, they need to be sprayed. As soon as cyclamen begins to bloom, such manipulations are not necessary. To increase the humidity level, you can create water mist near the plant. You can also place it on a tray with wet pebbles. In winter, cyclamen should be placed at a great distance from central heating radiators.
Watering
Frequent watering is preferable, but the amount of water should be moderate. Its temperature may be a couple of degrees below room temperature. Before the flower stalks appear above the cyclamen leaves, you can water it directly into the pot, then you need to pour the water into a pan and drain off the excess. When the plant loses all its leaves, watering should be reduced, but it is important to ensure that the substrate does not dry out completely.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer containing useful mineral components will help prolong the flowering of cyclamen. The plant needs to be fed once every 2 weeks.
Transfer
As soon as flowering stops and the leaves turn completely yellow, this will indicate that the cyclamen is preparing for a dormant period. At this point, it can be transplanted by transferring it into a large-diameter pot with turf soil or peat substrate. It is important to monitor the location of the tubers - they should be at the level of the substrate or slightly protrude above it.
The soil
It is necessary to create aeration of the cyclamen root system. It is advisable to use a breathable substrate made of coarse-fiber peat. To make the mixture, you need to combine leaf soil, humus, peat and sand in equal quantities. If desired, it can be purchased ready-made.
Rest period
From May to June the tuber is dormant. The plant completely loses its leaves. Their appearance is possible no earlier than the end of July. During this period, cyclamen should be placed in a cool, dry place.
Reproduction
IN room conditions Cyclamen cultivation can last up to 7 years. After this period, it is no longer suitable for reproduction, so you need to buy a new one. Propagating cyclamen is a troublesome business. For industrial purposes, it is propagated using seeds. You can do this yourself by dividing the tuber.
Depending on the variety, the length of the period from sowing to flowering may vary. As a rule, this takes 7-11 months. It is advisable to sow seeds at the end of March. So, during the growth period, cyclamen can do without additional lighting, and it will begin to bloom in mid-autumn. For seed germination it is necessary to create appropriate conditions. The air temperature should be around 18°C. High humidity and lack of light are welcome. To keep the crops in the dark, they are covered with black film for three weeks. At lower temperatures, cyclamens will germinate a little later. If they are above 20°, germination will be slow. You can start picking seedlings after 3-4 full leaves appear. During diving, the young tuber is completely covered with earth.
Diseases and pests
Cyclamen is not particularly attacked by infectious diseases and pests. May be affected by cyclamen mites. Signs will be deformed leaves, crooked peduncles and curved buds. Infection with these mites can be detected by initial stages not easy. In case of severe damage, preparations for exterminating pests do not always cope with their intended purpose.
- If the cyclamen leaves turn yellow, but the flowers remain healthy, you need to check the temperature in the room. If it is above 18 degrees, you need to lower it. At low temperatures, it is necessary to check whether the soil has dried out.
- Reason yellow leaves may result from untimely watering of the plant.
- Gray mold appears when there is high humidity in a room with a low temperature. Frequent ventilation will help solve the problem.
- Peduncles and leaves may begin to rot due to waterlogged soil. Abundant and frequent watering can cause the roots of cyclamen to begin to rot.
Video review
It is worth familiarizing yourself with how to care for a cyclamen flower at home, because at home you need to perform certain actions in order for it to bloom and feel good at any time of the year. The tips offered in this article can help in solving this problem.
Here you can find recommendations for watering, replanting and solutions to the main problems that a houseplant may have in winter, summer, spring or autumn. Other tips can be easily found using a search on the site or in the thematic section of the project.
How to care for cyclamen in winter and for the winter at home
Cyclamen loves bright light, but does not tolerate direct rays of the sun, prefers relative coolness - the air temperature should be between 12-16°C. Cyclamen is watered after it dries well. upper layer substrate. It is advisable to “water” the plant from below, placing the pot in a wide container of water for 5-10 minutes. Cyclamen should be fed every 2 weeks with fertilizer intended for cyclamen.
How to care for cyclamen at home after buying it in a store, flowering
Many gardeners are inclined to believe that after purchasing cyclamen in a store, they need to be replanted. The transplant must be done using the transshipment method. In winter, when the plant enters the flowering phase, it needs light and abundant watering, but the air temperature should be low. Twenty-degree heat can cause the death of cyclamen.
Cyclamen how to care leaves turn yellow, buds fall and leaves dry
Yellowed and dried leaves, fallen buds are signs that:
- the cyclamen bulb was damaged due to negligence;
- the plant is kept in too dry or too warm air;
- the flower is over-watered or, conversely, dried out too much, forgetting to water it on time;
- cyclamen needs feeding with mineral fertilizers.
All of the above reasons for leaf fall in cyclamen are true for the cold season; in spring or summer, the plant wants peace, and shedding leaves is a natural phenomenon for it.
Cyclamen care for plants and bulbs, flowerpots
Cyclamen needs to be provided with bright, diffused light and coolness - 6-12° heat will be more than enough for this plant. Cyclamen likes fresh and moist air, so it is advisable to spray the plant, especially in the summer heat.
It is better to water the flower the bottom way, placing the pot in a container of water for a time sufficient to moisten the top layer of soil. At this point in caring for cyclamen you should pay attention Special attention, since water should not get to the top of the bulb, so as not to cause it to rot. When replanting cyclamen, select a flowerpot that is 4-6 cm larger in diameter than the planting bulb, otherwise the plant will not bloom.
How to care for a Persian cyclamen flower
Persian cyclamen blooms 3 months a year, the remaining 9 months of the year fall into a dormant period. However, not only flowers, but also the leaves of the plant have decorative qualities, so cyclamen is good even without flowers. When caring for a plant, the main problem is maintaining a low temperature for humans, but comfortable for the plant, at 6-12°C. At higher temperatures, cyclamen simply will not bloom. Otherwise, caring for cyclamen is no different from caring for regular indoor plants. Bright and at the same time diffused light, timely watering and fertilizing, removing faded flowers is a truism that even novice gardeners know.
How often to water Cyclamen, diseases
Many cyclamen diseases are associated with improper watering. Due to excess moisture, the plant's leaves begin to turn yellow and the bulb begins to rot. You can avoid such troubles by bottom watering the flower, through the tray of the pot. It is better to water cyclamen, although rarely, but abundantly, focusing not only on the condition of the soil, but also taking into account the intensity of lighting and the outside air temperature.
How to care for Cyclamen flower during dormancy
During the dormant period, watering cyclamen should be greatly limited - the plant is resting and does not need moisture. Watering is carried out only after the soil has lost almost all moisture. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the water gets on the walls of the pot and not on the bulb, otherwise the cyclamen may rot.
Cyclamen plant European care at home
European cyclamen prefers bright and rather cold, by human standards, places. It is not easy to create such conditions in an apartment, but admirers of cyclamen have found a way out of this situation. They place a pot with a plant between window frames or they themselves build something like a third frame, specially fencing off the flower from the warmth of the home. Required amount The flower can obtain moisture on its own if you place the pot in a container filled with gravel or expanded clay covered with water. The plant needs Fresh air– in a room where people smoke, or in the kitchen, it will most likely disappear.
Cyclamen mini mix care, reproduction, cultivation and transplantation
Cyclamen mini mix is a mixture made up of small plants of this species. Flowering of the mini mix begins in November and stops in April. During this period, cyclamen should be watered 2 times a week, and fed with complex fertilizer every 2 weeks. In spring, the plant needs rest and a cooler place is selected for the pot, where it remains until the very end of summer. Cyclamen reproduces by tubers. When planting, the tubers are not buried, leaving leaf and flower bud above the surface of the earth. The pot for cyclamen should be small, otherwise the plant will refuse to bloom.
Very beautiful flower! I tried to grow it, but my first experience was unsuccessful - the cyclamen disappeared. How difficult is home care? Is it possible to get it to bloom all year round? One of my good friends is interested in cyclamen. I really love visiting her at home. All the window sills are filled with these flowers. Moreover, they bloom almost all year round. Some stop blooming, others begin.
Among its neighbors on the windowsill, this plant stands out for its bright beauty and abundant flowering. How to grow cyclamen, how to replant it - let's look at it in detail. This representative is notable for the fact that it blooms in autumn and winter. If you are interested in the process of growing cyclamen yourself, you can buy seeds. It is also quite possible to obtain new plants by dividing the root. It should be borne in mind that the process of growing this flower from seeds is quite long; it can take a long time for it to grow a tuber and bloom.
The flowering process of a houseplant begins around November and ends by March. The five-petal flowers on an elegant thin stalk are very beautiful - of an unusual shape with bent petals. The leaves are also very decorative - somewhat similar to a heart; an openwork white (or silver) pattern adorns the dark green “canvas”. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, hybrids of this flower are periodically born, which differ in shades and patterns on the leaves.
Photo of cyclamen flowers:
The most remarkable quality of hybrids is the ability year-round flowering. Some varieties can be planted in open ground and used as garden flowers. There are approximately 20 varieties of this plant, but for home grown the Persian, European, Neapolitan (ivy-leaved) variety is most often used.
The most common, popular representative is considered Persian cyclamen. Flowers of this species can be of various shades: white, pink, dark red, lilac. The plant usually reaches 30 cm in height, has a large tuber with a diameter of 10-15 cm. The Persian variety can be grown both at home and in garden plots. If you want to plant it in your dacha, then choose a place protected from the wind and direct sunlight, for example, near trees or bushes.
Persian cyclamen, photo:
The purple variety has a characteristic feature that distinguishes it from its counterparts - the bottom color of the leaf has a purple tint. Also, in this species, the tuber does not protrude above the soil; upon closer examination, it is completely covered with roots. Purple cyclamen retains its leaves all year round (there is no dormant period). The color of the flowers varies from white to all shades of red, the leaves have jagged edges. The plant gives color mainly in summer (June/early October), its other name is European cyclamen . The flowers of this variety have a very pleasant aroma.
European cyclamen (purple):
Cyclamen neapolitanis(ivy leaf):
Among the varieties of cyclamen you can even find those that grow on mossy tree trunks. In this case, the tree does not suffer, since the root system of the plant is not buried under the bark. In summer, wild cyclamen blooms and smells (the aroma is somewhat reminiscent of lilies of the valley), and with the onset of autumn it “falls asleep.” The height of wild-growing representatives does not exceed 10 cm; they reproduce by seeds, and insects help them. Caucasian cyclamen It grows wild, can be grown at home, and is propagated by seeds and by dividing tubers. It can also be planted in a summer cottage.
Wild cyclamen, photo:
It’s hard to resist the charm of cyclamen and not buy a flowering specimen! Even if it does not bloom, the cap of leaves with gray-blue spots looks very decorative.
The question arises: where and when is it better to purchase this plant? I would like to note that the most common type of cyclamen - Persian - begins to be sold in late autumn.
When choosing, I advise you to pay attention to those plants that have more unopened buds– the more of these, the better. Naturally, your new flower should not have damaged leaves. They should be located low relative to the peduncles. It’s also worth paying attention to the tuber. A correctly positioned tuber should be halfway out of the ground. This is important, since it will determine how your cyclamen will develop further.
When purchasing, pay attention to the soil. Typically, plants from a flower shop are sold in a poor peat substrate, unsuitable for normal cultivation over a long period. Such plants should be replanted immediately, but only after the end of the flowering period.
For this:
- carefully remove the plant from the pot, holding it close to the root by the leaves;
- shake off the peat from the roots of the flower;
- we check what condition they are in - if we see rotten ones, we boldly cut them off to healthy tissue;
- soak the roots for 10-15 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate - this procedure will disinfect root system cyclamen;
- after disinfection, sprinkle the cut areas of the roots with activated carbon powder;
- Before planting, be sure to pour a small layer of expanded clay onto the bottom of a clean pot;
- Any universal soil for indoor or flowering plants is suitable as a substrate.
An experienced friend always tells me that cyclamen unpretentious flower, but you need to know some secrets.
- Firstly, cyclamens do not like large containers. They prefer the corms to be cramped rather than spacious. That is, the distance between the nodules and the walls of the pot should be no more than 2-3 cm.
- Secondly, cyclamen is one of the plants that periodically “hibernate,” that is, they need a period of rest that lasts about three months. At this time, the pot with the fallen cyclamen is placed in a cool place. This could be, for example, some kind of storage room, toilet room, even the bottom shelf of the refrigerator is suitable if the temperature there does not rise above 11°C. During the dormant period, cyclamen is not watered, unless the soil in the pot is completely dry. One tablespoon of water per week will be more than enough.
- Thirdly, this is perhaps one of the few plants that does not like bright sunlight. Be sure to shade the pot with cyclamen, or better yet, keep it on a north window.
To this bright flower made you happy lush flowering, you must adhere to certain rules. The plant should feel comfortable: acceptable air temperature, absence of drafts, correct lighting, timely watering - all these requirements must be observed.
How to care for cyclamen at home:
- The ambient temperature should not be higher than +12..15°C; if the mercury column rises above +20°C or falls below +10°C, the plant will not like it. There should be no drafts where the flower pot will be located. The presence of a heating radiator (or radiator) near flowers is also extremely undesirable.
- This flower requires diffused light and light shade, since direct sunlight on the leaves can cause burns. The plant needs bright light only when it blooms; the flower reacts to excessive lighting by wilting leaves and the appearance of brown spots on them.
- How to water cyclamen? This plant should only be watered through a tray! You cannot pour water from above; it should not get on the tuber, flowers, foliage and other parts. It is recommended to fill the tray or saucer on which the pot stands with drainage expanded clay (a thin layer).
- This plant prefers moist air. Here, again, expanded clay or small pebbles poured into a tray will help you. Do not irrigate the flower with water from a spray bottle. With the onset of the dormant period, it needs to be watered, but not as often as during active growth and flowering. If you notice that the leaves of a plant are turning yellow, this may also be an indicator of excessive dry air.
- The soil for the flower should consist of equal parts of rotted leaves (leaf humus), peat, turf soil, coarse sand, vermiculite and clay. You can also buy a ready-made substrate for cyclamen (the option for cacti is also suitable).
It is best to replant in the summer. Late spring the plant stops blooming, a dormant period begins, at this time they stop watering it, and the pot itself is laid on its side. Around July, slowly, in small doses, watering begins again; when the first leaves appear, you can begin to replant the flower.
It has already been said that the peculiarity of cyclamen is the minimum amount of soil in the pot! But it would not be amiss to repeat that the tuber should be a little cramped; it should be buried only partially - about a third of the tuber should rise above the soil level in the pot. After cyclamen transplants Do not overfill the flower with water; the soil should only be slightly moistened. Only when the plant comes to life, actively puts out leaves, and adapts to a new place, can you move on to normal watering and fertilizing.
If buying a ready-made potted flower does not appeal to you, and you are interested in going through this whole process yourself, then try to purchase high-quality seeds. Of course you can select planting material from existing flowers, but you will have to first carry out the pollination process (using a brush or cotton swab). Pollination must be done repeatedly, from flower to flower, and the presence of different varieties is welcome. When the plant has finished blooming and the seed pods are ripe, pick them before they crack. Wrap the boxes with clean cloth or paper; when they dry, they will open on their own - thus, the seeds will be preserved.
Seed pod, photo:
To sow seeds, you should choose suitable soil. Substrates sold in flower shops are also suitable. Such soil most often contains peat, leaf soil, and vermiculite. If you want to make such a substrate yourself, then you will only have to mix equal proportional parts of these components. Do not forget about drainage (large polystyrene foam balls or small crushed stone); there must be holes at the bottom of the container.
The two most commonly used methods for sowing seeds are:
- The seed is pre-soaked cold water(for two or three days), to which you should add a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent every day. This water should be changed daily and its temperature should be quite low.
- The second option is more familiar to flower growers and gardeners - pre-treatment (soaking) with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate or Epin (2 drops per 200 ml of water). For seeds, 15 hours of such a “bath” is enough; after such treatment, even old seed gets a “shake-up” and sprouts.
You can try these two methods at the same time, and then choose the one that is more effective and convenient for you.
Next to grow cyclamen from seeds, prepare a container with holes in the bottom, lay a layer of drainage, and pour soil on top. Make grooves in the soil, place the seeds there, or moisten the soil, spread the seed on top, and sprinkle a 2-3 cm layer of soil on top. Please note that there should be approximately 3 cm of free space between the seeds.
Further care of crops - cover the containers plastic film, place them in a cool place. As mentioned above, the air temperature should not exceed +20°C.
Compliance temperature regime It is extremely important for cyclamen, since when the temperature rises, the transition to a dormant period is triggered, and when it drops, the seed may simply rot.
Every day you should briefly lift the film to ventilate the seedlings; if you follow these simple rules, you will be able to see the seedlings approximately - it depends on the variety. After the pinkish sprouts appear, the temperature should be reduced to +8..15°C. From the moment of germination, the growth of young stock seems to slow down, this is due to the fact that the plants are actively growing roots. After about 4 months, you can begin to plant them in separate containers; by this time, each seedling should have 2 or 3 leaves.
Follow-up replanting cyclamen on permanent place residence is carried out by transshipment along with a lump of earth. Pot with drainage holes, drainage material, appropriate soil - everything must be according to the rules. Young tubers need to be completely buried; adult representatives, as mentioned above, should rise above the ground by half or a third.
You can start fertilizing after 6 months; complex formulations for flowering indoor plants are optimal for this. Do not forget about high-quality regular watering of cyclamen.
The most convenient and uncomplicated method of propagation is dividing the tubers during transplantation. It’s good if your flower has already grown a daughter tuber by this time. With the onset of the dormant period, you can cut such a tuber into pieces yourself, the main thing is that each fragment contains roots + a bud. The surfaces of the cuts should be treated with green paint or thoroughly powdered with crushed activated carbon. The tuber division method really works, try it and see. Another method of propagating a plant by seeds is described above.
If you notice that your cyclamen is starting to fade and the leaves are turning yellow, what should you do? Most likely the cause is excessive lighting. Move the container with the flower to a shady place or hang thick curtains on the window. Heat and dry air can also cause yellowing of foliage.
A lack of iron can also affect the well-being of the plant: the leaves turn yellow in the same way and begin to droop. This phenomenon is called chlorosis, but adding the drug “Microvit K-1” (iron chelate) to the water for irrigation helps to cope with the problem.
Sometimes yellowing of the foliage can be a consequence of the appearance of spider mites - it is recommended to irrigate the flower with an insecticide. Make sure that the soil is moderately moist; too dry or too wet soil also leads to yellowing of the plant leaves.
With the onset of the dormant phase, the plant's foliage withers and dries out. Remaining leaves and flowers should be trimmed or torn off by hand, making sure that the tuber is not damaged. By this time, as mentioned above, watering should be kept to a minimum, but the earthen ball near the tuber should not be too dry. If you have the opportunity to take the flower out into the fresh air, do so. The plant should always be in a cool, shaded place; if you notice new leaves sprouting, this will mean that the dormant period has ended.
The beginning of the dormant period, photo:
Sometimes the flower along with the pot is buried in a shady place on the site; replanting is done when the plant “wakes up” from hibernation. In this case, the soil and earthen ball are completely replaced, the tuber is inspected, spoiled fragments are removed, and a month after transplantation, fertilizing begins to be introduced during watering. You can buy a ready-made earthen mixture for cyclamens.
Another option for preserving tubers is described above - laying the pot on its side, replanting in July or August.
Why doesn't cyclamen bloom? You can sometimes see a similar question on the relevant forums. The answer to this is proper care, following the rules when sowing seeds, replanting, and dividing tubers. It is very important to provide the plant with the required temperature conditions and acceptable air humidity. Literate watering cyclamen, timely application of fertilizers is the basic needs of the plant, the key to its future lush flowering.
Separate mention should be made of diseases and pests that threaten the plant and can affect its flowering. Timely treatment with insecticides and maintenance products is very important. Regularly inspect the flower from all sides, take action at the slightest suspicion of the presence uninvited guests or deterioration in appearance.
It is worth mentioning one interesting and healing feature of this decorative flower- he is medicinal plant, whose anti-inflammatory effect was already known to Hippocrates. Today, with its help, sinusitis is successfully treated, drops, ointments, and tinctures are made. Like any other plant gifts of nature, cyclamen should be treated with caution and not be too zealous with doses and frequency of treatment.
Cyclamen root, also known as a tuber, contains biologically active cyclamine (a substance from the saponid group), which provokes increased secretion of the mucous membranes and thereby helps the natural cleansing of inflamed (“clogged”) sinuses. To prepare medicinal homemade drops based on the root of the plant, you need to take part of the tuber, grate it on a fine grater (or squeeze by hand press for garlic). The resulting pulp should be strained through a layer of clean cloth, and the resulting juice should be diluted with boiled (or distilled) water 1:4. Thus, you will receive a natural cure for sinusitis and runny nose; instill it daily, 2 drops in each nostril for 7-10 days.
You can also grind 2 g of root, pour 100 ml of boiling water over it, leave for about 1 hour, then dilute one teaspoon of infusion per liter boiled water, drip into the nose.
An oil extract based on the root helps very well with dry nasal mucosa. The squeezed tuber juice is mixed with the same amount of olive or sunflower oil, leave for about a day, after which 3 drops are dripped into the nose for 7 days.
Taking into account all the information, now you will know how to care for cyclamen, how to grow flowers from seeds, how to replant the plant and propagate it by dividing the roots.
Its flowers resemble bright summer butterflies perched on a thin stem, but the most amazing and valuable thing is that we can enjoy this splendor during winter snowstorms and cold weather.
For cyclamen to bloom in winter, care for it at home should include high-quality summer rest. The root should not waste energy and nutrients on growing foliage. Despite the fact that this flower requires the same approach as most indoor plants, it is considered capricious, but the result fully justifies the investment of time and effort.
Phalaenopsis mix - what is it? And why mix? The addition to the name - mix, in principle, does not have much meaning for the grower.
It simply means that this type– a hybrid form, well adapted to home conditions. Such an orchid does not represent special requirements but not very picky about conditions.
If experienced orchidists prefer specific forms of phalaenopsis, then For beginners, growing this species is a pleasure.
In this article we will tell you in detail about Phalaenopsis Mix itself, care at home after the store and about other nuances of growing.
Perennial, with an average life expectancy of 7 years, plant. Green, fleshy leaves grow from a rosette in two rows.
Phalaenopsis multiflorum.
In nature
If we exclude the commercial component, when the name is given for systematization, and rely on the scientific one, then Mix is plants of the same species, but of different colors. Accordingly, this type takes place, since pollination occurs constantly.
External characteristics
Peduncle height
The phalaenopsis itself is small. Depending on the hybrid, there is a variety in the size of the leaves and peduncle.
Peduncle may be from 30 cm to 1 m in an adult and healthy plant.
The average size usually around 50-70 cm.
Number of leaves
The normal amount is 10-12 leaves. There must be a minimum of 3 sheets. U various forms mix, the sizes of the leaf plates vary, sometimes reaching up to half a meter.
Diameter, flower shape
Flower size or diameter varies from 2-3 cm to 14-15 cm. Its shape resembles a fluttering butterfly or moth. This is where the name of this type of orchid comes from.
Features of flowering
Among the characteristics of flowering, we can highlight it. Some phalaenopsis bloom for up to six months.
The majority of hybrids bloom for up to 3 months and can bloom up to 3 times in a year. It is the long flowering, beauty and rich color of the flowers that captivates many.
Mixed phalaenopsis can bloom for up to six months.
Landing
Soil selection
- it is necessary to cut off all the roots to the growing point. There is a chance to be revived, even if there is only one leaf left;
- Having cut off the roots, we check the growth point;
- areas damaged by rot are cleaned to a living (green) place;
- the places of cuts and stripping are sprinkled with crushed activated carbon or cinnamon.
Rotten roots.
We leave the phalaenopsis in this state to thoroughly dry the cut area. This process can take quite a long time, sometimes up to 5-7 days. During this period, the leaves may become lethargic and lose turgor, but you should not be alarmed. This happens due to lack of moisture. As soon as the plant begins to recover.
As soon as the cut areas are dry, the phalaenopsis is placed over a container of water and every two days it is immersed in a solution of water for 10-15 minutes. This procedure will speed up the appearance of roots.
As soon as the roots grow to 5 cm, the orchid can be planted in the ground. You should know that The resuscitation process is quite long and can take up to six months.
Reproduction methods
There is only one method that can be used at home - vegetative.
At the very base of the flower, shoots grow, which flower growers call.
When a sufficient number of roots appear on them, they are separated from the uterus and moved to moss - sphagnum.
Therefore more Experienced orchid growers do not cut off the peduncle after flowering due to the development of children on it.
The most popular varieties of hybrids
It should be recalled that phalaenopsis mix has a varied range of colors and is similar in terms of conditions and care. The difference is in the size of the leaves, peduncles and flowers. More powerful ones require high humidity and additional nutrition.
Cumbria
Cambria is the commercial name for a hybrid orchid derived from five parent varieties. Bred specifically for growing at home. Fully adapted to indoor conditions.
Quite an elegant flower. The flowers are yellow and red, edged with white and pink.
The peduncle grows quite long. It can contain from 5 to 20 flowers that bloom for one to two months. With age, the number of flowers increases significantly.
Miltonia
Hybrid, heat negative. Glossy lance-shaped leaves of light green color. Pseudobulbs are small in size, but quite strong.
Peduncles are considered long, holding from 2 to 7 colors, the number of which may increase with age.
The coloring of large ones, resembling in appearance " Pansies", colors are varied in rainbow shades.
Miltonia.
Royal
A stunningly beautiful phalaenopsis orchid. Long peduncles with flowers that are huge for orchids and come in a variety of colors.
Flowers can reach a diameter of up to 14 cm with a peduncle of 1 m, which can bear up to 15 flowers at the same time.
Requires increased watering and additional nutrition.
Royal phalaenopsis.
Multiflora
The word “Multiflora” in the name of the orchid indicates that it has many small flowers on its peduncle. In addition, the multiflora peduncle constantly grows and bifurcates throughout the entire flowering period, forming more and more new buds.
Famous for the number of flower stalks, which can appear from the axils of the leaves from 1 to 4, with a profuse number of flowers. On four peduncles their number can reach up to 70 pieces. Flowering occurs 2 times a year, mainly in spring and autumn.
Photo of Phalaenopsis Multiflora ‘Spunky’.
From the manufacturer "Concord"
Apparently, Concorde is the name of a nursery or supplier of phalaenopsis in the Netherlands.
Phalaenopsis Concorde Mix.
Grandiflora
Differs from others hybrid species large flowers, the diameter of which reaches 15 cm. Prefers high humidity and can't stand stuffiness.
Regular ventilation of the room is required where the plant is located.
Grandiflora.
Grandiflor varieties from supplier Cameleon Orchids.
What is the difference between Phalaenopsis mix and Phalaenopsis mini?
It must be recalled that Mix is plants of the same species, but different color shades and sizes. - This is not a hybrid or a variety. This is what it means trademark orchids. Therefore, it is inappropriate to compare different concepts.
Important! Mix is a group, and mini is a size.
The name “mini Mix” probably refers to Phalaenopsis mini small size with a commercial prefix “mix”.
What to do if the top breaks?
In this case, do not despair. Firstly, to avoid recurrence of breaking off the apex It is customary to tie the peduncle to a support if it is too tall. But still, if this happens, then it is important to understand in which direction the peduncle grows and where it develops. Since pruning is done in the direction of growth.
You should also consider the age of the plant. For the young, not yet flowering plant the top fragment is not dangerous. In an adult, the part below the level of the kidney is cut off.
Besides, The broken part can be placed in water and tried to propagate.
If the entire top of the head breaks off, then you need to wait for the appearance of side shoots - children. If the growing point remains, new leaves will grow on top of the broken ones.
You need to remember that you need to cut it disinfected sharp knife, and treat the cut areas with activated carbon powder.
Useful videos
Watch a video of what Phalaenopsis Mix might look like:
The video below talks about post-purchase care:
This video is dedicated to orchid diseases and their treatment:
Conclusion
Group of hybrid phalaenopsis orchids mix – one of the most popular among all home floriculture. Although it is considered adapted to home growing conditions and is not so demanding in terms of conditions and care, it still requires some attention and care.
Only in this case one can hope for good development and full lush flowering.
In contact with
Many flower lovers have repeatedly wondered how realistic it is to maintain and breed these wonderful and beautiful inhabitants at home. At first glance, it may seem that the rose bush is an extremely difficult plant to grow at home. Let's try to figure out how to grow it at home.
This plant is native to rainforests Southeast Asian continent. In the European part, they became known at the beginning of 1810, during their arrival from China. Mixed rose belongs to the Rosaceae family and belongs to the genus of miniature plants.
Classification groups and varieties of roses
There are two main types of this plant for cultivation:
- Decorative potted- As a rule, they are temporary. More often used to form temporary compositions. After flowering, wilting occurs.
- Blooming decorative indoors– grow at home, are evergreen, often bloom, often all year round.
There are several most popular types:
- Patio mix– differ from others in the largest size of both the flowers and the plant itself, but are short-growing (height no more than 50 cm). The period of appearance of flowers is quite long, the color variations are varied.
- Turbo– also bloom for quite a long time. They are distinguished by a rich range of colors and large buds.
- Cornada– the most miniature plants. A characteristic feature is short stature, small size buds.
- Parade mix- the most popular among all domestic roses. Has the best adaptation to living in an apartment. Flowering occurs very often.
- Mini mix– these include a large category of plants. It has a low stem part, flowers are usually medium or small in size. Well suited for indoor breeding.
Basic rules of care and maintenance features
The plant is sensitive, so it needs to be carefully monitored. How to care for the crop?
Watering
One of the important nuances in caring for this plant is watering (water is usually not lower than room temperature). These crops, as usual, are watered in fairly abundant quantities. Here, a clarification should be made - abundantly does not mean often!
IN summer period, watering may be required up to two times a day. At the end summer season, watering frequency decreases. Positive dynamics are achieved by combining watering and spraying the rose mix. During the winter cold period, watering can be completely replaced with it. During the active growth phase, the plant should not be subject to water and light deficiency.
Lighting
The mini mix variety is in dire need of constant lighting. To provide the required level of illumination, special lamps can be used.
But even with the help of ordinary fluorescent lamps, it is possible to achieve the desired result. With constant illumination, the plant will bloom more often than usual (almost continuously).
Transplanting a plant
If the plant is newly acquired, it should be immediately transplanted into another container. Transplantation can be carried out at any time of the year. The most recommended frames are spring or late summer. For replanting, it would be best to purchase special soil for indoor roses. The soil should have a fairly loose structure and be moderately moist.
Important points when transplanting this crop:
- mandatory presence of a drainage layer at least 1 cm thick.
- It is better to transplant during the waxing period of the Moon.
- When replanting, the previous earthen lump should be preserved by adding fresh soil to it.
- Before replanting, the pot with the plant should be placed in water (the soil must absorb moisture).
- After transplanting, you should spray the leaves of the plant.
- after 24 hours after transplantation, the plant should be watered (settled water is used, room temperature).
If leaves dry out, buds fall off, or shoots change color, the main reason for this is most often insufficient air humidity or watering. Proper regular watering and spraying will help you cope with this.
For mix, patio and other types of roses, fertilizer becomes a key care parameter (along with regular replanting). Alternation of mineral and organic fertilizers has a positive effect. It is best to fertilize the soil during the period of active flower growth.
Diseased or recently transplanted plants are not allowed to be fertilized. It is better to fertilize in the second half of the day. The soil to be fertilized must be sufficiently moist.
Features of reproduction at home
There are two main methods of propagation of this crop. This is produced:
- By grafting a shoot onto a rosehip bush.
- Formation of cuttings.
Cuttings can be cut at almost any time, but their best survival rate is observed when cut at the beginning of summer. The cut part must have a bud, shoot or flower.
The cuttings of the plant need to be rooted in loose, moist soil, and it is best if there are buds on it. After rooting, the plant should be sprayed generously once a week.. It is best to stir the rooted cuttings in a sunny, warm place or use a fluorescent lamp for these purposes.
Another option would be to place the cuttings of this crop in water. Soon, it will certainly take root, after which it should be placed in a container with soil.
Similarly, having examined some of the nuances of caring for a mixed rose, we can conclude that it is a rather whimsical plant that requires increased attention. Almost all mini-varieties bloom at home, so if there are no flowers for a long period (about a year), you should think about whether the plant is being properly monitored.
A home oasis on the windowsill of an amateur gardener, as a rule, consists of plants that were transferred to our climate from southern, warm countries and adapted for cultivation in small containers and pots. These include Fittonia mix, the photo of which gives an idea of how wonderful it looks. This herbaceous plant belongs to the Acanthus family and has about 10 species. It is perennial, low-growing, groundcover, with creeping shoots and silvery-yellow flowers. Its most important decorative element is the elliptical leaves, up to 10 cm long. They can have a variety of colors: dark green, with dark pink veins.
Homeland of the flower - South America, namely Peru. It is very convenient to breed in a city apartment. Fittonia mix grows very quickly. Caring for a flower at home involves maintaining air humidity, watering and fertilizing. A native of the hot tropics prefers bright light, but still needs to be protected from direct rays of the sun. Even in light shade, on a north window, the plant will develop safely. In the room where it is kept, it must be at least plus 18 degrees, acceptable - from 22 to 25 ° C. In order for Fittonia mix to develop safely, caring for the flower should include avoiding sudden changes in room temperature. This may cause leaves to fall. To ensure sufficient lighting in winter, you can use it. If there is a lack of it, the plant will stretch out and lose its decorative effect. This flower from the tropics does not like drafts. It is strictly not recommended to take the plant into the garden or onto the balcony. Dry air is also contraindicated for it, so it should not be placed near heating devices.
The Fittonia mix plant, which can be cared for at home in the same way as its counterparts from the hot tropics, has the following varieties: Perseus and Fittonia silver. In nature there are giant (up to sixty centimeters in height) and Verscharffelta (branching plant). Thanks to its decorative qualities, it adorns the windows of amateur gardeners.
Like any other plant, Fittonia mix requires feeding; caring for it at home involves adding half the dose of complex minerals to the soil in the spring and summer months. organic fertilizers. This operation is performed every ten days. Since the plant is tropical, it is necessary to monitor air humidity and carry out regular spraying. The soil, especially in winter, must be kept moist. But stagnation of water at the roots should be avoided. Flower transplantation is carried out annually in spring.
Previously this exotic plant could only be grown in special greenhouses. There the necessary microclimate was created for him in compliance with the temperature regime. Nowadays, special varieties have been bred, and now Fittonia mix survives safely at home. Home care for varieties such as “Nana” is not so strict and demanding. Plants are adapted to the conditions of a city apartment.
Fittonia mix flower is unusual ornamental plant, which can be grown at home. The popularity of the flower was brought by its exotic color in the form of unusual veins on dark green leaves. Homemade phytonia is ideal for a children's room, hall or office.
Home care
Plantin mix is a short, perennial from the acanthus family with beautiful petals of regular oval shape.
Many plant growers are concerned about the question of how to care for phytonia flowers? When caring for this flower, it is important to know that this is a difficult and painstaking task. The plant was brought from warm southern countries, therefore requiring certain climatic conditions. In order for the flower to grow and develop, it is necessary to maintain the appropriate air temperature and humidity in the room at all times, as well as provide good lighting. Plant growers should also remember about fertilizing.
If you purchased a plant mix, caring for the plant at home should be carried out as follows:
- Be careful when choosing your location flower pot. Direct rays of the sun are harmful to this plant, but it will not grow away from the light. A shelf near the window on which partial shade will fall - perfect place to accommodate. In the cold season, it is recommended to place the phytonia away from central heating radiators. Change the plant to light and sunny place.
- This is a fairly heat-loving plant, so it is necessary to carefully monitor the air temperature in the room. Phytonia is difficult to tolerate sudden changes in temperature, optimal norm for it it is considered +22…+25 °С. In winter, it is necessary to maintain the temperature in the room not lower than +18°C, and in summer - not higher than +27°C. It is not advisable to place the flower on the balcony even in summer, as it does not tolerate drafts.
- Flowers need to be watered abundantly and often. For irrigation, it is recommended to use settled water at room temperature. During the cold season, it is recommended to water the plant moderately. It is necessary to ensure that the water in the pot does not stagnate.
- To properly care for the plant, it is important to take a responsible approach to the choice of soil and fertilizing. It is better to buy a nutritious and loose substrate. It should contain: peat, deciduous soil and sand. You can choose the composition of the soil yourself or buy a ready-made substrate for Fittonia.
- In spring and autumn you need to feed the plant at least 2 times a month, and in winter 1 time will be enough. Liquid mineral fertilizers- an excellent option for feeding. Excess fertilizer is poorly tolerated by Fittonia, so you need to monitor the concentration.
With proper care, Fittonia grows quite quickly. It needs to be replanted once a year (in spring). For replanting, it is recommended to use wide, shallow pots. They help preserve the surface roots of the plant.
Flowers are propagated by cuttings. To do this, you need to cut the cutting and leave it to take root in sand or water. For replanting, it is recommended to choose a medium-sized shoot with several leaves.
Common problems when caring for plants at home
In order for Fittonia to grow well, you must follow all the recommendations for caring for it. After all, healthy, strong flowers rarely succumb to diseases and pests. If problems cannot be avoided, you need to solve them immediately.
Diseases and pests
| Diseases and pests | External symptoms | Source of disease | Consequences | Treatment methods | Prevention |
| Root rot | Plant mix stops growing and fades. | Soaked roots with an unpleasant odor. | Fittonia stops feeding and dies. | treat the leaves with a solution of phytosporin, use a spray bottle for treatment. Replant the plant mix. | Spraying with phytosporin solution. |
| Insects accumulate on fresh growth. Aphid secretions on leaves. Fittonia fades and the leaves become deformed. | Aphids can get onto fettonia through an open window or from other plants. | Insects suck out the juice, which leads to slow growth, wilting, and then death. | It is necessary to treat the leaves with a solution liquid soap. Also treat with a solution of the Fitoverm insecticide, use a spray bottle. | Soil sterilization. |
|
| Mealybug | A light coating appears on the leaves, reminiscent of cotton wool in structure. | Excessively dry air. Mealybugs can enter through an open window. | Insects suck out the juice from Fittonia, which leads to slower growth, wilting, and then death of the flower. | Clean with a cotton swab, which must be soaked in a soap solution or calendula tincture. After a week, spray with soapy water 3 times, then wash off. Treat in the same way with Aktara insecticide. | Maintain a sufficient level of humidity in the room. Wash the flower periodically. |
| Stick to shoots and leaves Brown scales. | Scale insects can get onto the flower from other plants or through an open window. | Insects suck the sap from the plant, which leads to its growth slowdown, wilting, and then death. | After the fettonia has dried, you need to treat the soil and the flower itself with a solution of the Aktara insecticide, cover the plant with film for 30 minutes. | Systematic inspection. |
|
| Spider mite | Light dots and cobwebs on fittonia. | Excessively dry air. Spider mites can get onto a flower from other plants or through an open window. | Insects suck the juice from the leaves, which leads to slow growth, wilting, and then death of the plant. | A one-time treatment with Actellik insecticide solution will help here. | High humidity air. Soil sterilization. |
| Black insects appear on the flower. Forms on the leaves white drying spots. | Insects can be brought in with the soil or transferred from other plants or from flower cuttings. | The anthers of flowers and leaves are eaten, which leads to their deformation and death. | Three-time (after 7 days) treatment (spraying + watering the soil) at a temperature of +20...+23°C with a solution of the Fitoverm insecticide. | Systematic inspection. |
A healthy and beautiful Fittonia will be a wonderful decoration for any room; with proper care, it can delight its owner for many years.
