Cyclamen hederifolium
Cyclamen hederifolium is a dainty, bulbous, evergreen perennial grown as an ornamental plant. This energetic houseplant has pretty heart-shaped foliage that is often mottled or marbled with attractive white or silver markings. It also produces delicately scented, cylindrically shaped flowers that can be white, pink, or purple. The vivid flowers, often with a distinct darker center, willingly bloom in winter or early spring, making them excellent plants for brightening up your home space in the winter chill.
Cyclamen hederifolium should be watered well and the soil should be slightly moist but not soggy. To prevent the plant from getting root rot, always allow the top two inches of the soil to dry out between each watering. As a general rule of thumb, water the plant a single, deep watering for every week. During early spring, water the plant more frequently, usually every five days or so.
Cyclamen hederifolium prefers bright light for blooming, but light should be indirect or partial shade. To avoid burns and brown patches on the leaves, keep the plant away from direct and strong sun. Furthermore, avoid any night temperatures higher than 45°F (7°C) when attempting to force blooms and prolong flower life, make sure the plant has all the necessary needs.
An ideal temperature of 70°F (21°C) is great for Cyclamen hederifolium during day, and no lower than 45°F (7°C) at night. Suddenly changing temperatures from warm or cold temperatures can cause its shock and may prove fatal to the indoor plant.
Cyclamen hederifolium thrives in relative humidity of between 40% and 45%. Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves from time to time. This will also help keep pests away. Alternatively, use a home humidifier to increase moisture in the air.
Cyclamen hederifolium prefers a light, well-draining potting soil. Such soil should contain organic materials that can help maintain soil aeration and structure. Commercial potting mixes are also good, but make sure they are rich in organic content.
Fertilization is important for Cyclamen hederifolium and should be done during its active growth season, which is from late fall to winter. Try to apply twice a month. A water-soluble, balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 NPK, should be added to the water for ideal growth. Avoid overfertilizing as it can cause nutrient burn on the foliage.
Some pests can interrupt your Cyclamen hederifolium. Common pests like aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, slugs, and snails might appear. Such pests may cause overall poor plant health, weak or stunted growth, and wilting leaves. To rid your Cyclamen of such pests, spray the plant and the soil with insecticidal soap to kill them and prevent re-entry from the soil. Inspect the plant regularly, checking for any pests.
Cyclamen hederifolium should be re-potted when it has grown too large for its pot. The best time to re-pot it is during late summer or early fall. The root system of Cyclamen should be handled with utmost care. Place them in an appropriate size pot that’s about the size of the plant, and in a rich and well-draining potting soil.
Pruning is not require for Cyclamen hederifolium. Generally speaking, they don’t need’ pruning, if you wish to prune it, then do so only to remove dead or discolored foliage. Prune as soon as you notice brown spots on the leaves.
Mulching is not necessary for Cyclamen hederifolium. mulch has the advantages of more efficient use of fertilizers, prevention of weed growth and disease control, and soil erosion control. That being said, the mulch should be kept away from the crown of the plants to prevent rot.
Cyclamen hederifolium can be propagated through removal of side tubers and/or rooting of seedlings. To propagate, simply remove the side offsets from the main tuber and transplant to new pots filled with a moist potting mix. Tuber propagation should be done in the early spring. For propagation by seed, consider direct sowing from late winter to early spring in a well-draining seed mix.
Cyclamen hederifolium are usually small plants and don’t need any specific kind of support. Due to their light bulbs, they are often placed on higher surfaces, such as shelves or tables. For added support, place sticks around the bulbs to keep them in place.
Cyclamen hederifolium may start to go dormant usually in the summer. As such, you need to water it less and let the soil dry out between watering. This will help keep the plant energized and ready for a burst of growth when the weather begins to cool in late fall and winter.
Cyclamen hederifolium is considered a poisonous plant for pets and animals. This plant contains saponins, a toxic and bitter compound. Eating any part of the Cyclamen could cause burning sensations around the lips, vomiting and diarrhea.
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