Winter brings cold and snow to Minnesota, but
it also brings the cyclamen season into full
bloom. Cyclamen produce a succession of
uniquely delicate flowers held well above the
foliage. Their bright colors take the chill off a
winter’s day and best of all the flowers last a
long time as new buds grow out of a thick
canopy of leaves. Their leaves are interesting
as well, being heart-shaped with distinctive markings. Cyclamen really are among the nicest indoor blooming plants. Originally rather unimposing plants from the Mediterranean basin, cyclamen are now available in many shades of white, pink, red and purple as well as many bi-colors. The nodding blooms have five petals that reflex backward. The throats of the flowers are often a darker color.
In
addition to the regular, bold flowering Cyclamen, there are now some wonderful miniatures that offer the same blooms and striking leaves, but on a smaller and more delicate scale. These miniature cyclamen often have a strong sweet perfume that most people find irresistible. To select a healthy cyclamen, look for a plant with lots of foliage, strong stems and flower buds. The plants should have open flowers and buds emerging from under the leaves in the center of the plant. Leaves should be stiff and glossy. Cyclamen that you purchase have been grown in Bachman’s greenhouses and are at their prime.
Kept the plant cool, they should continue to bloom for months.
Tips for Growing Healthy Cyclamen
Give them lots of light. With winter in Minnesota, cyclamen can take all the light you can give them. Keep the soil moist but don’t let water remain in the saucer. Use cool water when the plants feel dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves, blooms, or crown of the plant. They will need less water after they bloom. Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures, ideally no warmer than 70ºF, especially while in bloom. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 45ºF.
Too Much Water?
On the whole, plants are very resilient, tenacious
organisms. Response to excessive moisture varies
greatly from species to species. It can also be
influenced by the age and general health of a plant. So,
with all these factors working together, predicting how a
plant will be affected is a guessing game. But there are some
things we can expect, especially with certain types of plants.
First, What Actually Happens
The vast majority of plants need to grow in soil that has room for
air between the particles of soil. Plants can be just like people. If their roots can’t breathe, they die of anoxia, a lack of oxygen.
Working leaves give off oxygen as a waste product, roots use oxygen as we do. When soil is waterlogged, roots and soil organisms use all available oxygen, giving off carbon dioxide. If the situation persists, some minerals in the soil are changed into soluble forms that are toxic. Other substances begin to build to toxic levels, too.
On thewhole, plants can “hold their breath” for a short while when the
situation is temporary. Plants also have several adaptive mechanisms to help get them through a crisis, but they are not the most
efficient ways of functioning and create other side effects.
In addition to affecting the root system of plants, excessive
moisture leads to a number of foliage diseases caused by fungi
that thrive in humid conditions.
Lasting Effects on Plants
Some plants simply adapt temporarily and go right on without any long-term effects when the excess water situation is resolved. But many plants are damaged whether it shows or not. Roots can lose their ability to take up moisture and minerals even when moisture levels return to normal. In that case, a plant can die of drought immediately after the excess water is gone just because it can no longer absorb the water that is available. Roots can also be so
damaged that decay sets in. When soil has been saturated for very long, many of the necessary micro-organisms that help create a hospitable environment for plant roots are wiped out. When this
happens, plants tend to be more susceptible to fungal diseases.
This is because roots have been damaged and because the excess water physically spreads disease pathogens throughout the soil.
It may be months before a plant regains its natural resistance.
Watering Tips
• For almost all plants, a deep soaking followed by enough
time for the soil to dry out slightly is ideal.
• Frequent light watering is not good for plants. It
encourages shallow root growth.
• The outward signs of too much water are wilting and yellowing leaves, especially those in the inner areas of the plant. Signs of
underwatering and overwatering are similar, so check carefully.
• Whenever possible, plants should be watered early in the day.
• Healthy plants need less water than stressed plants.
Faraway Gardens to Visit this Winter -
Part I (Hawaii) Waimea Valley
Located inland from Waimea Beach Park on the
North Shore, Waimea Valley contains 36 major
botanical collections situated in a narrow valley
extending from sea level to 1,000 feet. The plant
collections focus on native Hawaiian plants,
Polynesian introductions, and plants of island
ecosystems. The Center also emphasizes the
cultural and ecological resources of Waimea Valley.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
