When the days covered with winter gray are the shortest of the year, the hour of cyclamen, colloquially known as alpine violets, strikes.Delicate plants are perfect for embellishing Advent decorations.Characteristic "winged" flowers delight with their colors and nicely arranged, they make a greater impression than many rich bouquets.
Today's varieties are derived from the Persian cyclamen. Cyclamenum persicum lives in the wild in the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean Sea.The plant has given rise to many forms with beautiful flowers in pastel shades of salmon and pink, as well as white, dark red and purple.
Varieties with flowers with a dark center, two-colored petals or with jagged edges are full of charm. The elegance of a dense cluster of flowers on long stems is emphasized by a border of heart-shaped leaves covered with a silvery marbled pattern.
Delightful delicacy flowers are very durable, and the flowering period can last up to 5 months. Properly cared for plants can live up to 20 years.Cyclamen flowers are also durable after cutting and remain fresh for 2-3 weeks.In winter, we buy flowers for a vase in a flower shop or "rob" a blooming pot specimen.
Losing a few flowers will not hurt his appearance. We tear the flower stalks off the tuber by twisting it with our fingers, and just before putting them in the water, trim their ends with a sharp knife.A bouquet of cyclamens looks best in a glass or silvery vessel.
Cyclamen care
Flowering tubers in winter feel best in cool places with a temperature of 15-20 ° C, bright, but not directly exposed to sunlight . Their tubers, as well as fleshy leaves and flower stalks, are sensitive to excess moisture.
To prevent putrefactive processes, it is best to pour water on the base or the pot cover. After 30 minutes, pour out the remaining water that has not been absorbed.Water when the top soil is dry, about 2-3 times a week.Don't forget to fertilize regularly. We tear wilting flowers and leaves from the tuber and twist them with our fingers.
After flowering, cyclamens dormant, gradually losing their yellowing leaves. During this time, we reduce the doses of water until watering is completely stopped.The pot with the tuber should be moved to a cooler and more shaded place.In May, the plant will resume vegetation. When leaf buds appear on the tuber, we return to normal care procedures.
