Cyclamen is a popular ornamental plant that has won over the masses for its unique form and vibrant colours. It is also relatively simple to grow, and with the basic steps and techniques, you can easily grow beautiful cyclamen in your own home.
1. Preparation stage.
First, you need to prepare the cyclamen seeds. These seeds can be purchased at the flower market or at a specialist gardener. Make sure the seeds you buy are fresh to improve germination rates.
Next, you need to prepare the container for planting. Cyclamen seeds are small, so choose a small, moderately deep container. Make sure the container has good drainage holes to avoid excessive water accumulation that can damage the seeds.
When it comes to preparing the soil, cyclamen prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. You can choose to buy a special seed planting soil, or mix humus, perlite and vermiculite to make your own soil.
Second, the planting steps.
The bottom of the container is covered with a layer of pebbles or ceramsite to ensure good drainage.
Fill the soil to two-thirds of the container and gently compact.
Spread the cyclamen seeds evenly on the soil surface and gently cover with a thin layer of soil.
Gently spray the soil with a watering can to keep the soil moist.
Keep the container in a warm, bright place, but avoid direct sunlight.
3. Aftercare.
Keep the soil moist: Check the moisture of the soil regularly and spray it with a watering can to keep the soil moist. But avoid overwatering to avoid seed rot.
Temperature control: Cyclamen seeds need the right temperature to germinate. Keeping the temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius is ideal.
Provide light: Place the container in a well-lit place and make sure the seeds receive enough light. If the sunlight is too strong, it can be properly shaded with shade netting.
Observe germination: Under the right conditions, cyclamen seeds usually start to germinate within two weeks. During this time, closely observe the germination of the seeds and watch for any possible signs of pests and diseases.
Transplanting: When cyclamen seedlings reach a certain size, they need to be transplanted into larger containers to ensure they have enough space to grow. When transplanting, the roots of the seedlings should be handled carefully to avoid damage.
Fertilization: As seedlings grow, they need more nutrients. Appropriate fertilizers can be selected for fertilization to meet their growth needs. But avoid over-fertilizing to avoid seedling burns.
Pest control: Regularly check the growth of cyclamen seedlings and watch for any possible signs of pests and diseases. If pests and diseases are found, take timely measures to prevent and control them.
With the above steps and care methods, you can successfully grow beautiful cyclamen plants. Patience and care are key, and with enough love and effort, your cyclamen is sure to thrive and bloom into a charming flower.