Potted cyclamen always popular

Press, 8 June 1979, Page 7

Potted cyclamen always popular

The popularity of potted cyclamen continues undiminished, stocks meeting a steady demand. Fresh young plants in full bud and flower as purchased from the nursery frequently fail to maintain their flourishing condition and specimens with a sickly flacced appearance are unfortunately a common sight, sometimes within a year afterwards. Proper treatment will ensure that these perennials 'ill live to a great age although some exceptional plants have survived the greatest mistreatment, quite contrary

to acceptable culture, and still continue to do well. Corms, from which the roc/ts, leaves and flowers develop, increase in size each year and eventually can attain the size of saucers.

One of the secrets of success immediately leading up to and during flowering is to keep the plant in a position of full light but not on a windowsill. As soon as the buds begin to appear watering should be maintained, sufficiently to keep the soil moist; it should preferably be applied from the side as soaking of the corm could lead to rotting of the crown. Do not use very cold water and remove the surplus which has seeped from the bottom of the pot. Feeding can be helpful providing that it is done regularly and in accordance with instructions on the packet. It is after the plant has given a good display that you are most likely to keep it in the hope that flowering, will be as good, if not better in the following year. In order to achieve annual . continuity Of high flowering, the cyclamen corm should receive progressively less moisture as the last blooms begin to

fade. This recommendation should be closely observed as a sudden complete shut-off of water can even cause the corm to die. Certainly, the corms need drying off but not completely. It is important that sufficient water is given to keep the roots alive, upon which rests the life of the plant. The. potted cyclamen can be buried in a damp spot in the garden for the duration of its so-called dormant period. from when flowering is over in late winter-early spring until early autumn. In autumn, when signs of growth become evident bring in the pot, scrape away the top 20-30 mm of soil and replace with a good potting mix. Check the drain hole in the bottom of the pot to make sure it is not impeded and then thoroughly soak the pctt in water. After initial soaking, water only when the soil begins to dry out. As growth gathers momentum the frequency of watering should be gradually increased.

■ When the plant is well endowed with growth, feeding at fortnightly intervals will be . beneficial, but as already mentioned, it is not essential.