How to Water a Cyclamen?
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Watering is a key step in plant care. Taking care of this step allows your cyclamen to last longer and produce more beautiful flowers.
Cyclamen is a cyclical plant with a unique mechanism. You just need to know a few things and adopt some habits!
Intro: The origins of this plant
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Latin Name: Cyclamen persicum
Family: Primulaceae
Colors: Pink, lilac, purple, red, white, salmon…
Flowering period: Autumn & Winter.
Planting period: Late summer
Variety: Sierra, Victoria, fragrant…
Cyclamen persicum produces fragrant flowers that protrude from the foliage at the tips of their stems. In their natural habitat, cyclamens thrive in a humid, cool environment. They generally thrive in deciduous woods and forests. This Mediterranean bulb is susceptible to high temperatures and cool nights. In case of frost, bring them indoors or protect them with a cloche.
Cyclamen begins growing in autumn, flowers during winter and spring, and goes dormant in summer. This cycle allows it to thrive during cool, humid weather and rest during drought and heatwaves.
Its perennial tuberous nature causes it to die down to the roots during the dormant period. This Persian violet then draws all its strength to be reborn from its tuber each fall. This colorful winter plant makes an excellent Christmas gift, just like the Poinsettia !
When should I water my Cyclamen?
Cyclamen is a plant sensitive to both under- and over-watering. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid standing water. Place your finger in a few inches of soil to test its moisture content.
Do not wait until it is completely dehydrated, otherwise you risk seeing its foliage wilt.
Watering should be increased during the growing season, which is easily recognized by the presence of new leaves.
How to water it?
Cyclamen is a plant whose leaves and stems are sensitive to water . Leaving standing water on them could cause them to rot. We recommend hydrating the base directly. Water absorption occurs at the root system, not the foliage.
You should water your pot thoroughly, allowing enough water to seep out of the pot's drainage holes. These are very important. They allow the soil to drain excess water, keeping it loose and aerated. Making holes in your pot is the simplest and most effective way to prevent gradual root rot and the appearance of sprouts.
What water should I use?
When it comes to watering, rainwater is always ideal. You can easily collect it by placing a bucket of water under your gutter drain. For apartment gardeners, you can simply use tap water.
The impact of your environment on watering:
The atmosphere in your home always affects the amount of water needed. A plant living in a warm home with strong sunlight requires more abundant watering than a cold, dark house.
Should I water during the dormant period?
After flowering , cyclamen goes through a dormant period. This period, which generally begins in late April, is very similar to the death of the plant. The leaves gradually turn yellow and fall off. To help it through this period, stop watering it as soon as its flowers begin to fade. Place your plant in a cool, dark place.
After two months of dormancy, you can water your cyclamen again, thoroughly soaking the soil. The leaves will gradually begin to grow back, and you can resume your usual watering routine.
Excessive heat tends to lead to early dormancy.
Repeating this cycle every year will allow your plant to grow larger and more beautiful.
Vaporization and humidification of the plant.
Cyclamen leaves are fragile when exposed to water and do not require special misting. However, a humid atmosphere is recommended in winter during its flowering period. Keep in mind that heating your home reduces humidity.
To increase this humidity, we have two little tips:
The pebble board:
Place pebbles in a small bowl.
Lightly fill the cup with water.
Place your potted plant on the pebbles.
Make sure that the water does not come into direct contact with the ground.
The bell greenhouse:
It keeps your shoots under a protective dome, retaining moisture and keeping harmful insects away.
The Importance of Soil Quality for Watering.
Cyclamen thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter . The recommended pH is slightly acidic. The pot you plant your plant in should be large enough for its tuber . The tuber should protrude slightly above the soil and have a few centimeters of space to grow.
We recommend repotting your bulb every two years. This can be done during the dormant period. This step allows you to renew the potting soil and use a larger pot.
Overwatering:
How to recognize an overwatered cyclamen?
If you continue watering during the dormant period, your cyclamen tuber may rot and then die.
Beyond overwatering, cyclamens are very sensitive to heat. If they turn yellow and begin to wilt, it could likely be caused by a lack of freshness.
What to do if your bulb is drowned?
If you overwater, pierce the pot if you haven't already, and empty the cup. Your plant will need to absorb and evacuate this excess water, and you should not water it further until its soil is dry. If any leaves or stems are dead, gently remove them without forcing them.
Be careful not to confuse dormancy with overwatering. Keep in mind that wilting and dying are part of your plant's natural cycle.
Is it necessary to fertilize it?
A little natural fertilizer , low in nitrogen, can do your plant a world of good. We recommend fertilizing only every 1 to 2 months. Dilute your water-soluble fertilizer halfway.
Too much fertilizer can affect your plant's ability to rebloom. Fertilizers should not be used to try to keep your plant blooming year-round. Your plant needs rest to provide you with more beautiful flowers.
Bonus: The best watering cans for your plants!
As you may have read, watering is a serious matter. Successful watering does your plant the greatest good, while failure to water it can kill it.
To help you in your quest for bigger, greener plants, we offer the most beautiful watering cans!
