Characteristics of cyclamen
Cultivated varieties come from the Persian cyclamen, which grows in the mountains of Greece and Iran. Persian cyclamen blooms most profusely in winter.
Cyclamen can be recognized at a glance. Its leaves can be rounded or heart-shaped with silver veins, and the flowers are of an unusual shape in different shades: red, white, pink.
The flowers are 1 to 4 cm long and appear at the end of a long peduncle, the petals are slightly spirally twisted.
Note! The flowers and leaves of cyclamen die off naturally in the spring, preparing for the summer dormancy. At this point, many people throw away their plant. It can be prepared to re-bloom the next winter, but only if it is allowed to follow its natural growth cycle.
In summer, keep the plant cool and dry. In September, cyclamen should start growing again. The plant is transferred to the room, if necessary, transplanted and watered again to see new leaf buds.
Cyclamen leaves turn yellow: reason
These exotic plants require special care. The flower has very different requirements than most familiar indoor plants. Cyclamen for shade or partial shade loves neutral or acidic, well-drained soil without excessive moisture.
Note! To feel good, cyclamen needs no direct sunlight, a cool room (ideally 16 ° C) without drafts, away from radiators. The most suitable place is on the east or north window.
Why do cyclamen leaves turn yellow and what to do? Leaves turned yellow – a problem that can often occur.
Yellow leaves are the most common crop disease that can have various causes. These are extremely finicky plants and require special care, making them not particularly suitable for beginner growers.
Note! Yellow leaves are a sign of many maintenance errors that can occur even with the wrong amount of water. This plant reacts very badly to overheating of the air in the apartment, low air humidity to the bright rays of the sun.
Why does cyclamen turn yellow in winter? The reason why cyclamen blooms only for a short time is:
- the room temperature is too high;
- cyclamens love a bright and cool place;
- be sure to protect them from direct sunlight;
- overheating of the air should be avoided all year round, fresh air is needed even in winter.
Why do cyclamen leaves turn yellow? The reason is simple – very dry and warm air. High air temperatures and poor watering can cause yellow leaves. If you keep cyclamen in a warm room, the leaves will turn yellow, the flowers will quickly fade and the plant will go into early dormancy.
It is possible that the plant does not have enough water or is exposed to direct sunlight. Rotting flower stems and leaves can cause cyclamen to simply die.
The room temperature should not exceed 15-18°C. If the room is hot, already formed buds fall off. Then the leaves turn yellow and die. Gradually, the tuber stops feeding them, and they fall off. The tuber remains alive and will awaken when the right conditions are created.
In the initial stages of wilting, the process can be stopped and even reversed. Cyclamen restores its flowers and leaves and blooms until the end of April and the beginning of May, when it is time to rest.
Additional Information! Cyclamen feels comfortable at daytime temperatures of 15-18 ° C and at night about 10 ° C. Flowers live longer when they are cool.
The wrong climate can seriously affect the health of the flower and even lead to spider mite infestation, which likes to attack weak leaves. If the temperature is between 20°C and 30°C, the plant reacts to stress by producing yellow leaves.
Cyclamen needs water, but it should not stagnate in the dishes to avoid rotting. Water only when necessary, after the soil begins to dry out.
Watering should be carried out moderately around the edge of the pot or soak the pot for a few minutes. The bottom of the pot should not touch the water.
Yellow leaves may occur due to errors in watering. Although cyclamen needs a lot of water, too much is also harmful. Cyclamen likes medium moist soil. It should be damp to the touch, but never wet. If water accumulates in the substrate for a long time, cyclamen reacts with yellow, twisted foliage. In most cases, the process is irreversible.
Moisture should not get between the leaves and peduncles. After flowering, when the leaves begin to fade, reduce watering, and then stop, and leave the plant in the shade for 2-3 months (spring and summer).
Important! To prevent rotting, it is necessary to drain excess water from the pan within 20 minutes. It is very important that the water for irrigation is at room temperature, with a low chlorine content. Too little water can also result in yellow leaves.
The air humidity in the house where the flower grows should not be too low, otherwise it will react with yellow leaves. To humidify the air, you can place any container of water next to the plant.
A cyclamen flower at home can bloom a lot and for a long time, but for this it needs to be fed. The flower will immediately respond with yellow foliage if the required amount of fertilizer is not applied. A thick tuber needs a lot of nutrients to form numerous flowers and leaves. Fertilize it only during the flowering period,
He does not need abundant fertilizing with fertilizers. This may encourage the development of more foliage rather than flowers. Feed every month with fertilizer for flowering houseplants, and he does not need any special fertilizers. Fertilizers with a low nitrogen content and a high content of phosphorus and potassium are suitable. When buying an indoor flower, the first feeding should be at least 2 weeks later.
Pests and diseases
Insect pests may also be to blame for why cyclamen leaves turn yellow. Cyclamen is susceptible to plant insects which can cause yellowing. Most often affected by ticks. They attack in conditions of low humidity and high temperature.
Cyclamen mites are difficult to get rid of. They are very small and invisible, causing extensive damage to the leaves. Symptoms are curling and yellowing.
It is difficult to deal with ticks and it is easier to avoid their appearance than to destroy them, especially if the infestation is large. Infected plants are discarded to prevent insects from appearing on other plants.
In humid conditions, gray mold can develop on stems or flowers. Timely removal of dead leaves or flowers by carefully tearing them off can help prevent mold growth.
rest period
Why does cyclamen dry up after flowering? Yellow leaves in cyclamen are normal if they appear immediately after it has faded. Cyclamen comes from the Mediterranean countries, where winters are mild and summers are very dry. Many Mediterranean plants flower in the winter and rest in the summer so they don’t have to survive in dry conditions. Cyclamen’s leaves turn yellow when summer approaches, and this may simply mean that the plant is getting ready for summer vacation.
Cyclamen withered. The owners of an indoor flower often perceive it as an annual plant, and throw it away after flowering, and it can be grown at home for several years. Only experienced flower growers can grow cyclamen for several years. After a long summer break, it is not easy to return cyclamen to growth.
To save the plant, the leaves must remain in place during the summer until they wither on their own. This allows the tuber to absorb nutrients from the wilting leaves. A flower with withering leaves is placed for the summer months in a cool, dark place in the house. Cyclamen transplantation is carried out in the fall, the tubers are transplanted into fresh soil. Water lightly until leaves begin to appear, and then keep the soil slightly moist.
Flower care tips
Cyclamen at home is not easy to grow.
This is mainly due to the need for a lower temperature, and this is precisely the condition that is difficult to fulfill.
- Never water on leaves and flowers, as they quickly rot.
- Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so place it in a shady spot.
- They do not tolerate dry and too warm air.
- Cyclamen do not like drafts.
- Do not use top dressing during dormancy, the flower needs to rest.
If you follow these simple rules, you can grow this beautiful flower that attracts attention in the house.
