cyclamen problem?

Question

I watered my cyclamen, just a bit, and all of the leaves and flowers drooped. Is there anything I can do or should I pitch it.

Answer 1

Cyclamen plants are very susceptible to a disease called "Fusarium Wilt". It attacks the vascular system within the plant--preventing water to be transmitted up into the foilage. I'd suggest you get rid of the plant and make sure you sterilize any infected tools, soil, pots, etc that came into contact with it before using them again.

When/IF you purchase your next cyclamen, try using a natural beneficial fungi that has been proven to be very useful against "Fusarium", "Pythium" and "Rhizoctonia" (all soil-borne diseases that attack most ornamental plants/shrubs).

There is a beneficial fungi called "Trichoderma" and it attacks these diseases and prevents their establishment. You can mix "Trichoderma" into your soil media and then plant your seeds or ornamentals into it. It has no detrimental affect on your desirable plants and will co-exist with them by setting up a protective barrier around the root system. It's also very effective on turf and will last for many, many months in the soil!

I've used "Trichoderma" professionally and at my home and am a firm believer in its use.

Here's a one of many websites that will accept orders online and ship to you;
http://www.liferoses.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LOS&Product_Code=MicroRS&Category_Code=Micro

Hope this information helps you! GOOD LUCK!

(professional crop consultant with a degree in plant science)

Answer 2

There could be a couple of things going on with your cyclamen. First of all cyclamen like cooler draftier areas. If you brought it home recently and its in a warm area it's not happy. If you have had your cyclamen for a while they actually do go through a dormant period. It generally doesn't come on as quickly as you're describing it, but it does happen. If you want to try and save the plant change it's location to a bright drafty area. If it is at all wet, let it dry out completely. Give it about a week to ten days to see if there are any new signs of life. If you don't see anything, pitch it!

Answer 3

Cyclamen prefer to receive a good soaking, and then to be allowed to dry out to some extent, before again receiving a good soaking. Generally, the woodland species require a more constant supply of moisture in order to thrive, although even they will not tolerate becoming waterlogged for any period of time without rot developing. Some growers believe that it is significantly better to always water pots from below, by standing them in water. Certainly this keeps the flowers in better condition and reduces the risk of botrytis, however, it is not a requirement and watering from above can be equally acceptable.

Answer 4

Cyclamen is like an African Violet. They can't have their stems or leaves get wet. If the plant is all "soggy", then chances are you've drowned it and it's dead.

If you only water it from the bottom, and use 1/4 cup of water every 3 days, it should last a long time.

It is just one of those plants that only looks good in the stores....as soon as you bring them home, they turn ugly.

Answer 5

Overwatering gives the results you mentioned. Test for watering by lifting the pot. Light = dry, heavy = wet.