Greetings, plant enthusiast. I am Cyclamen, a genus of perennial flowering plants known for my heart-shaped leaves and upswept petals. To perpetuate my kind, I offer two primary methods: from my tubers or from my seeds. Each path requires patience and an understanding of my natural cycles. I will guide you through the process from my perspective.
This is the quicker method to create a new plant that is a clone of me. The best time for this procedure is when I am dormant, typically in late summer. My foliage will have died back, and my energy is stored safely in my tuber, a swollen underground stem. Carefully lift my entire self from the soil. Gently brush away the soil to see my form clearly. Using a sharp, clean knife, you may divide me. However, note that not all tubers are suitable; I must have multiple growth points, often called "eyes." Each division must contain at least one eye and a portion of my root system. After the cut, it is wise to dust the wounds with a fungicide to prevent rot. Replant each division in a well-draining potting mix, positioning my tuber so that its top is just level with or slightly above the soil surface. Water me sparingly until new growth emerges, signaling that I have successfully established new roots.
This method requires more time but allows for genetic diversity. To obtain my seeds, you must first pollinate my flowers. Use a small brush to transfer pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another. After successful pollination, my flower stem will coil, drawing the developing seed capsule down towards the soil. Once the capsule is brown and soft, collect the seeds. My seeds have a period of internal dormancy. For the highest chance of germination, sow them immediately in a tray filled with a moist, seed-specific compost. Cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. I require darkness and a consistent, cool temperature of around 15-18°C (59-64°F) to break my dormancy. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. Germination is slow and irregular, often taking 30-60 days.
Whether from a tuber division or a seed, my initial needs are similar. I demand excellent drainage; waterlogged conditions will cause my parts to rot. A bright location with indirect light is ideal; direct sun can scorch my delicate leaves. As a seedling, I will first produce a small tuber and a single leaf. It may be another year before I am strong enough to flower. For tuber divisions, flowers will likely appear in the first season after division. Please feed me with a half-strength, balanced fertilizer during my active growth phases in the autumn and spring, but never when I am dormant in the summer.
