How to Propagate a Cyclamen Plant
There are 20 or more species of flowering cyclamen plants that originate primarily from the Mediterranean. Typically, varieties grow profuse numbers of flowers in several color choices and bloom in late autumn, winter or each spring. Cyclamen plants have green variegated leaves with plants reaching six inches in height. Plants are propagated from seeds or tubers, which are concave in nature. Learning how to propagate a cyclamen plant from tubers is easy.
- Order cyclamen tubers online from gardening websites, home improvement stores or nurseries. A neighbor with established plants may be willing to share tubers with you. Choose tubers that have a minimum of one eye per root.
- Select a location outside that is conducive to growing cyclamen plants. You need an area with some sun exposure and partial shade. Avoid areas with full sun because cyclamen can sun burn. Choosing a spot with mature trees and filtered light is a great location.
- Dig a hole about six inches deep and wide. Cyclamen are one of those plants that really do not tolerate wet roots. It can easily become root rot. Prepare the planting hole carefully using rich soil and plenty of compost. Cyclamen plants prefer slightly acidic soil and well-drained soil.
- Make a shallow opening in the soil within the hole you just prepared. Place the cyclamen tuber in the shallow depression, with the concave side up and barely cover it with soil. No more than one inch of soil should be sufficient. If planting several cyclamen tubers in the same proximity they should be spaced out at least six inches apart.
- Water the tuber in well and keep the area moist, but not water logged. Cyclamen should be allowed to dry out a little in between watering. When the surface is dry to the touch it needs to be watered. Diseases and insect problems are not an issue with cyclamen, but over watering is.
- Fertilize plants monthly until they go dormant.