Cyclamen is a perennial flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. It can be grown in the ground to adorn your garden, or in pots to brighten up 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 all year round, find out 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 moisture from the water and can germinate easily. Then plant the seeds in pots. You can plant up to 20 seeds per pot. Choose 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.
- Cyclamen tuber division
Cyclamen is a tuberous plant, which means it has a tuber. This portion of 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 soil and divide 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, roots should form before the onset of winter.
How to take care of cyclamen?
To care for your cyclamen, water it whenever the soil feels dry. Stick your thumb into the soil to check its moisture. However, avoid overwatering, as it can rot the roots. Take care, after each watering, to remove standing water from the dish or planter. 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 application during its dormant period. You should also decrease the frequency of watering during this period. Keep in mind that florists’ cyclamen enters a vegetative rest period in summer. During this period, keep your plant in a cool place with low light. Your cyclamen will grow back quickly in the fall and bloom in the winter. But to do this, it will need partial shade exposure during its growth. Don’t forget to repot your plant every couple of 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 spider 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 wet. 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 be better oxygenated again.
Thanks to these two multiplication methods, you will be able to reproduce your cyclamen to brighten up your balcony with its beautiful colorful flowers.