Cyclamen persicum is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Cyclamen, not Cymbidium. It features a round, fleshy tuber with large, heart-shaped leaves that grow from the top center of the tuber. These leaves are typically thick and often display pale or light green markings. The flowers are solitary, emerging from the tip of the stem, and they open upward, resembling rabbit ears in shape.
**Growth Habit**
Cyclamen prefers a sunny, cool, and moist environment. It is half-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C. The ideal growing temperature is between 15°C and 18°C, while the temperature during dormancy should not exceed 30°C to avoid premature growth. The soil should be loose, fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic for optimal development.
**Breeding Methods**
**2.1 Seed Propagation**
In Changchun, sowing cyclamen seeds is best done between January and February. The ideal germination temperature is 18°C to 20°C.
**2.1.1 Seed Preparation**
Select fresh, uniform seeds and wrap them in gauze. Soak them in water at 24°C for 12 to 24 hours to promote germination. After soaking, treat the seeds with a solution of carbendazim or 0.1% copper sulfate for 30 minutes to prevent fungal infection. Dry the seeds before sowing.
**2.1.2 Substrate Selection**
Use a mix of vermiculite and peat in a 55:45 ratio, or a combination of vermiculite and slag in the same proportion.
**2.1.3 Sowing**
Clean the seed coat thoroughly and sow using either the broadcast or drill method. Place the seeds in pots or seed beds, spacing them 1-2 cm apart. Cover them with 0.5–0.7 cm of substrate and water them by immersion to ensure even moisture. Maintain a temperature of 18°C to 20°C for germination.
**2.2 Tubers Division**
After the plant enters dormancy and new buds begin to emerge, carefully cut the tuber into sections, ensuring each section has at least one bud and some tuber tissue. Dust the cut surfaces with wood ash or sulfur powder, then place them in a cool, dry location until the wounds heal. Once dried, these sections can be used for propagation.
**Cultivation Management**
**3.1 Seedling Care**
Roots typically appear within 14 days after sowing, and cotyledons develop 30–45 days later. Gradually introduce light to help the seedlings perform photosynthesis. When the seedlings have 4–5 true leaves, transplant them into pots. Use 10 cm diameter clay pots, with a layer of coarse coal cinder (about 3–4 cm) at the bottom for drainage. Fill the rest with a mix of vermiculite and coal residue. Be careful not to damage the roots when transplanting, and leave about one-third of the tuber exposed. Water with a nutrient solution and repeat the feeding after one week. Increase potassium supply to strengthen the plants and improve their resistance to disease.
**3.2 Dormancy Management**
During July and August, when temperatures rise, cyclamen usually enters dormancy. Leaves may yellow, but in soilless cultivation, the leaves may not fall off—only growth slows. During this time, reduce watering and fertilization, keeping the substrate semi-dry. Before resuming growth, repot the plants into 15 cm pots or plastic containers.
**3.3 Flowering Care**
Once the plant resumes growth, it will begin to produce leaves and eventually flower. When the plant has about 30 leaves, it is ready to bloom.
**3.3.1 Temperature**
For spring-flowering varieties, lower temperatures during the early stages support better flower bud formation. Keep the temperature below 20°C during this period, and maintain a day-night temperature difference of around 10°C.
**3.3.2 Light**
Cyclamen does not require special lighting conditions and thrives in full sun. However, increasing nighttime light exposure 60–70 days before flowering can encourage earlier blooming by up to 12 days. Provide as much light as possible without causing leaf burn.
**3.3.3 Fertilization**
As temperatures drop in September, cyclamen resumes active growth. Apply a nutrient solution once a week and spray 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 10 days. A balanced ratio of nutrients ensures that the energy produced by the leaves supports the development of flowers. A recommended nutrient solution formula (per liter) includes controlled levels of essential minerals.
**3.3.4 Defloration**
Once the plant starts flowering, the bloom speed is rapid. To extend the flowering period and enhance ornamental value, remove spent flowers when they begin to change color. This prevents unnecessary nutrient consumption from natural pollination. If any diseased leaves or flowers are observed, remove them immediately and apply fungicides like mancozeb or carbendazim to prevent further spread.
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