As a cyclamen plant, I thrive in cool, humid environments with well-draining soil. However, I am susceptible to various diseases that can hinder my growth and beauty. Understanding these issues from my perspective helps gardeners address them effectively. Below, I describe common diseases, their symptoms, and treatments to keep me healthy.
Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen, often attacks me when conditions are too damp or poorly ventilated. You’ll notice grayish-brown fuzzy mold on my leaves, flowers, or stems. My foliage may wilt, and infected petals turn mushy. This disease spreads quickly, especially in crowded spaces.
Fusarium oxysporum invades my roots, blocking water and nutrient flow. My lower leaves yellow and wilt, while my stems may darken at the base. If you cut open an affected stem, you might see brown streaks. This soil-borne fungus is persistent and thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Tiny cyclamen mites (Phytonemus pallidus) feed on my tender shoots and buds. My leaves curl, twist, or become stunted, and my flowers may deform or fail to open. These pests are nearly invisible to the naked eye but cause severe distortion.
Overwatering or poor drainage invites Pythium or Phytophthora fungi to attack my roots. My leaves turn yellow, and my growth slows. Roots become soft, brown, and mushy. Without intervention, I may collapse entirely.
Remove infected parts immediately and improve air circulation around me. Avoid wetting my leaves when watering. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil or copper can help, but prevention is key—keep my environment dry and clean.
There’s no cure once I’m infected, so prevention is critical. Use sterile soil and avoid overwatering. If Fusarium is suspected, remove me to prevent spreading. Resistant cultivars are a safer choice for replanting.
Isolate me from other plants to prevent mite spread. Apply miticides or insecticidal soaps, ensuring thorough coverage. Prune heavily infested areas. High humidity discourages mites, so misting may help.
Repot me in fresh, well-draining soil and trim away rotten roots. Reduce watering frequency and ensure my pot has drainage holes. Fungicides like thiophanate-methyl can aid recovery if applied early.
To keep me healthy, water me from below to avoid wetting my leaves. Maintain temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C) and provide bright, indirect light. Sterilize tools and pots to prevent pathogen spread. Regularly inspect me for early signs of trouble—quick action saves my life!
