Watering

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Author Message   Terryk  My Weather My Time Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 07:16 am EST :    It seems to be a very important issue, and the cause of a good deal of loss from what I read. Does anyone have a general rule of thumb that works for them to advise us new cyclamen nuts. I have kept mine in an area that is as David_b suggested-on the cool side. The seedlings are growing in a professional mix which I have amended with perlite (two part growing mix to one perlite) and all topped off with grit. I am currently trying to water about once a week. This seems to be when the pots feel lighter and the grit turns from a grey to almost white color (indicating dryness?). Do you seasoned growers have any advice? Terryk - NY, Zone "6"   Hydrangea  Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 08:15 am EST :    I'm with you Terry on that question. My indoor/florist cyclamen is starting to yellow. I have been watering from underneath about every 10 days! I've also given it fertilizer while in bloom. Now the blooms are fading. Since I've never had one, don't know if this is normal. Hydrangea - Ontario, Zone "Canada 5b USA 4"   Carol23  Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 01:26 pm EST :    I think the problem with Cyclamen persicum, florist cyclamen, as well as other species, is they like it COOL! They are most miserable plants for hospitals or other places where the air is warm. Flowers and foliage just melt down. I've placed my plants in an unheated porch where they flower for a long time. A cold window sill might help. Carol23 - Southeastern PA, Zone "6B"   David_b  My Weather Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 03:11 pm EST :    I also think that cool temperatures are critical for most species. I keep my greenhouse between 35 and 55 degrees, and that is what the plants seem to like. I have a C. elegans that has been in bloom for at least 2 months, and individual flowers seem to last and last. I had been overwatering my plants too, up till last year, when visiting Carol and her collection, and another friend, convinced me I was overwatering. I now use a coarser mix, and use the weight and color of the pot to judge, also the condition of the leaves. I water less than once a week, maybe every 10 days to 2 weeks. When in doubt, don't water. David Michigan zone 5b-6a   Hydrangea  Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 03:42 pm EST :    Thanks! Will try that! Hydrangea - Ontario, Zone "Canada 5b USA 4"   Terryk  My Weather My Time Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 03:51 pm EST :    So David_b, does my mix sound course enough? I have more cyclamen to transplant after the holidays. Would you add more perlite or some grit also? Terryk - NY, Zone "6"   David_b  My Weather Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 07:59 pm EST :    I actually use coarse sand in my mix, it is heavier by weight than perlite, and adds the drainage quality. I have been using 50% composted bark or 50% Biocomp (do an online search, Carol and I have a friend who clued us into this) and 50% sharp sand. The plants seem to like that, and I think overwatering is less of an issue. I also found the plants "oversummered" well with a mix of sharp dand and bark/Biocomp. David Michigan zone 5b-6a   Terryk  My Weather My Time Posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 02:21 pm EST :    Thanks David. Will do some research in the next few days. Terryk - NY, Zone "6"

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