Cyclamen is a perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family. It can be grown in the ground to decorate your garden, or in pots to brighten your interior, balcony or terrace. There are several species of cyclamen, but the most common is cyclamen persicum, also called florist’s cyclamen. To decorate your balcony with the beautiful flowers of this plant throughout the year, discover how to multiply it.
Cultivated since ancient times, cyclamen is a plant that symbolizes sincere love. Its white, pink, purple or red flowers are ideal for decorating interiors, but also balconies and beds.
How to propagate cyclamen?
You can propagate your plant by sowing seeds or dividing the tuber
- Sowing cyclamen seeds
Harvest cyclamen seeds ideally during the month of July, as this is when they reach maturity. To promote seed germination, dry and soak in water for 12 to 24 hours. The seeds will thus absorb the moisture from the water and will be able to germinate easily. Then plant the seeds in pots. You can plant up to 20 seeds per pot. Choose a well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. To add acidity to your soil, you can add sphagnum peat moss. You can also cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost or gravel.
- Division of cyclamen tubers
Cyclamen is a tuberous plant which means it has a tuber. This portion of the underground stem not only allows it to reproduce, but also store reserves for periods when the plant is dormant and loses its leaves. In autumn, remove the tuberous root from the ground and split the stump into several pieces with a knife. Each piece must have a cocoon. Next, dig a two-inch-deep hole in the potting soil and plant the tuber pieces inside. Cover them with potting soil and tamp lightly. You can add a layer of mulch to the surface to retain heat. In principle, the roots should form before the arrival of winter.
How to care for cyclamen?
To care for your cyclamen, water it whenever the soil feels dry. Insert your thumb into the soil to check its moisture. However, avoid overwatering as it can root rot . Take care, after each watering, to eliminate any stagnant water in the plate or pot. Also avoid watering the foliage as this can cause it to rot. Fertilize your plant with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks, during the growing period, and discontinue any fertilizer applications during its dormant period. You should also decrease the frequency of watering during this period. Please note that florists’ cyclamen enters a period of vegetative rest in summer. During this period, keep your plant in a cool location with low light. Your cyclamen will grow back quickly in the fall and flower in the winter. But for this it will need exposure to partial shade during its growth. Don’t forget to repot your plant every two years. To do this, choose a slightly larger pot , and change the soil to give your plant a new supply of nutrients.
What are the pests that can wreak havoc on cyclamen?
The pests that cyclamen fear are mites and aphids. You can find these pests on the stem or foliage of your plant. Cyclamen can also be affected by a cryptogamic disease, caused by a fungus called botrytis. It develops when the soil is very moist. Gray rot can cover the foliage, which turns yellow. To save your plant, cut off the leaves affected by the fungus. This will allow the foliage to re-oxygen better.
Thanks to these two multiplication methods, you will be able to reproduce your cyclamen to brighten your balcony with its beautiful colorful flowers.