What is the best way to water my Purple cyclamen?
When watering the Purple cyclamen, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Purple cyclamen comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.
What should I do if I water my Purple cyclamen too much or too little?
Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Purple cyclamen, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Purple cyclamen, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Purple cyclamen have become brittle and brown. It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Purple cyclamen. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Purple cyclamen grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Purple cyclamen is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.
How often should I water my Purple cyclamen?
If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Purple cyclamen needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water. If you grow your Purple cyclamen outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Purple cyclamen can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.
How much water does my Purple cyclamen need?
When it comes time to water your Purple cyclamen, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.
How should I water my Purple cyclamen at different growth stages?
The water needs of the Purple cyclamen can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Purple cyclamen is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Purple cyclamen will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Purple cyclamen will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Purple cyclamen more water at this time.
How should I water my Purple cyclamen through the seasons?
The Purple cyclamen will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Purple cyclamen will contract a disease.
What's the difference between watering my Purple cyclamen indoors and outdoors?
It is most common to grow the Purple cyclamen indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Purple cyclamen to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Purple cyclamen very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.
Does my Purple cyclamen need to be pruned?
The usual goal for the Purple cyclamen is to have it grow as big and full as possible. While the plant doesn’t require consistent trimming, it can benefit by removing old flowers and any damaged, dead, or diseased leaves. You can also trim back the leaves if it is starting to get too big for the pot and space you are keeping it.
When is the best time to prune my Purple cyclamen?
Purple cyclamen don’t have a winter dormancy cycle at the suitable temperature. With that said, their growth does slow down as the days get shorter, however the leaves don’t die. What does that mean for pruning? It means there’s no specific season where it’s better to prune. Ideally, you will want to wait until the flower blooms before pruning it, which can take about a month after the appearance of the blossom. With deadheading, you’ll want to do this around late spring or when only a few of the blossoms have faded. You should always prune brown or yellow leaves when you notice them. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
What should I do after pruning my Purple cyclamen?
Once you’ve pruned your plant, you should dispose of the stems and leaves either by composting the healthy ones or throwing out the diseased parts. You can also fertilize just before or after pruning, which gives Purple cyclamen a little vitamin boost that can provide it the nutrients needed to better protect itself from any nearby pathogens or diseases. You don’t need much after care when you’re done pruning. It might benefit from light watering and some liquid plant food to encourage new blooms and growth.
How can I prune my Purple cyclamen during different growth stages?
Chances are you’re not getting the Purple cyclamen from seed, which means you’re already getting a mature plant. Since the plant doesn’t have a true dormancy cycle, there are really only two phases: blooming and non-blooming. While the plant is blooming, you should only remove yellow or dead leaves and cut off any brown tips on the leaves. Avoid doing too much pruning during this time as it can stress the plant. Still, you should remove any diseased or dead leaves to keep your plant presentable. The best time to prune is after the blossoms have already wilted. You can remove both the spent blossoms and any old and yellowed leaves at the same time. If you’re noticing a large amount of yellow leaves, you might be overwatering your plant or not giving it enough nutrients. While yellow or brown leaves don’t always mean there’s an issue, if you notice a large amount of leaves shifting colors, it usually means there’s a problem with the plant.
How can I prune my Purple cyclamen during different seasons?
As an evergreen plant, Purple cyclamen doesn’t have the same cycles as those found in colder areas. The leaves will remain green throughout the year, which is one of the many reasons it is a popular houseplant. If you want to deadhead, you should do so after the blossoms have already wilted. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
Are there any instructions for pruning my Purple cyclamen?
How you prune the Purple cyclamen will depend on whether you’re performing general care or deadheading. For general care, simply cut off the blossoms that have already died. Make sure to get as close to the base as possible and snip at a 45-degree angle. Repeat this for all stalks with wilting blooms. After that, trim back any outer leaves that are old and yellowing. If you simply want to thin the plant out, start with the outermost leaf and work your way in. Avoid removing more than 30 percent of the leaves at once. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.
How many hours of sunlight does Purple cyclamen need to grow?
Purple cyclamen requires about 3-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. However, it also needs some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sun damage. Morning sunlight is ideal for Purple cyclamen, but it can also tolerate some afternoon sun if the temperature is not too hot. To provide the perfect balance of sunlight, try planting Purple cyclamen in an area that gets partial sun, such as under a tree or on the east side of a building.
What will happen if Purple cyclamen doesn’t get enough sunlight?
If Purple cyclamen is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves may turn yellow, dry out, or even burn. You may also notice that the plant wilts or becomes stunted. To prevent sun damage, make sure to give Purple cyclamen some shade during the hottest parts of the day. You can use a shade cloth or plant Purple cyclamen near taller plants that can provide some natural shade.
What will happen if Purple cyclamen gets too much sunlight?
If Purple cyclamen doesn't get enough sunlight, it may grow tall and lanky, with sparse foliage. The leaves may also turn yellow or pale green, indicating that the plant is not producing enough chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight. To remedy this, try moving Purple cyclamen to a sunnier spot, or prune nearby foliage to allow more light to reach the plant.
What is the optimal temperature for Purple cyclamen?
The best temperature for Purple cyclamen depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Purple cyclamen has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Purple cyclamen may be able to survive with some help. During the warmer parts of the year, Purple cyclamen will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Purple cyclamen. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Purple cyclamen to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!
Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Purple cyclamen
If this is the first year of your Purple cyclamen outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Purple cyclamen, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Purple cyclamen inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage. It’s also a good idea to plant Purple cyclamen in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Purple cyclamen should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.
How can I protect Purple cyclamen from extreme temperatures?
If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Purple cyclamen from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Purple cyclamen in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Purple cyclamen is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind. For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Purple cyclamen to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.
Dormant season temperature recommendations for Purple cyclamen
During the cold winter months, Purple cyclamen needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Purple cyclamen, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine. An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Purple cyclamen. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Purple cyclamen will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.
Why do I need to fertilize my Purple cyclamen?
You need to fertilize a Purple cyclamen for a few important reasons. The most obvious of these reasons is that fertilizer will help your Purple cyclamen produce lovely blooms. Fertilizing in early spring is one of the best ways to ensure that your Purple cyclamen has excellent flowers during that season. Fertilizer also gives your Purple cyclamen plenty of energy that it can store in the ground during its dormant growth phases. Giving your Purple cyclamen some extra nutrients during the fall planting process or during the late spring will help your Purple cyclamen hold more energy to use once active growth resumes.
When is the best time to fertilize my Purple cyclamen?
There are a few times during which it is a good idea to fertilize a Purple cyclamen. The main time to fertilize is in early spring when the flowers are forming, at which time, the right fertilizer will encourage better blooms. You can also fertilize your Purple cyclamen later in the spring after the flowers have faded. Feeding at this time will give your Purple cyclamen plenty of energy that it can store and use next year. If you are planting your Purple cyclamen for the first time in the fall you can also provide some fertilizer at that time as well. Fertilizing during the planting process gives your Purple cyclamen the best chance of producing a healthy set of flowers during its first growing season.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Purple cyclamen?
The correct times to fertilize a Purple cyclamen are during the fall planting process, during the early spring bloom period, and during the late spring following the bloom period. Fertilizing during any other part of the year is not necessary and may be harmful to your plant. When caring for a Purple cyclamen, you should know that it has a considerable dormant phase in which it will not need fertilizer and will need far less water as well. As you would guess, your Purple cyclamen will be dormant during winter. However, this plant also enters a dormant phase during the summer. After the flowers fade, the leaves will persist briefly before dying back to the ground. Once the leaves die back, your plant has returned to a dormant phase, and it will not need fertilizer.
What type of fertilizer does my Purple cyclamen need?
Several different types of fertilizer can be beneficial to Purple cyclamen. To keep matters simple, you can always rely on a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer ratios that are equal, such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, will work well. It is also often best to use a granular fertilizer rather than a liquid one. If you are interested in being a bit more specific with your fertilizer choices, you should consider using a fertilizer that is rich overall with the three main nutrients but a bit higher in phosphorus content. Many gardeners stand by the claim that phosphorus will encourage better flowers that last longer. Organic materials, including bonemeal, can help add the phosphorus that may benefit your Purple cyclamen and its blooming abilities.
How do I fertilize my Purple cyclamen?
The first time that you should fertilize your Purple cyclamen is during the planting process, which takes place in the fall. After digging a small hole to plant your bulb, you can add some granular slow-release fertilizer to the hole. During the process, you should water continually to maintain consistent soil moisture. Following planting, you can fertilize once again during the early spring as the plant is emerging from the ground and developing its flowers. Again, you should use a granular fertilizer that has a balanced mix of nutrients and sprinkle it on the ground. As you apply the fertilizer, you should be sure to water the soil gently at the same time.
What happens if I fertilize my Purple cyclamen too much?
While fertilizer can be incredibly helpful to a Purple cyclamen, it can also be equally harmful if you give too much. Overfertilization will not only damage a Purple cyclamen, but it may lead to death in some cases. The best way to avoid this is to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package you buy rather than exceeding the recommended dose in hopes of making a more vigorous plant. Likewise, it is typically less likely that you'll overfertilize your Purple cyclamen if you use a slow-release granular fertilizer. Since these fertilizers release their nutrients slowly, as the name implies, they are less capable of giving your Purple cyclamen too much fertilizer at once.