Using the therapeutic properties of the European cyclamen
The magical properties of the European cyclamen
If you believe the old legend, in the form of a flower cyclamen he decided to make his crown King Solomon. Cyclamen king liked his understated beauty and became for him a reminder that modesty - as true wise ruler. Cyclamen flower does resemble a crown - delicate petals grow on long, graceful stalk. Not surprisingly, this charming touching the plant has won the sympathy of professional growers and amateur gardeners.
Very often the different types of cyclamen (a total of about twenty), also called "Alpine Violet." This is not entirely correct, as the alpine violet - it is only the European cyclamen cyclamen or blushing (magenta). In the wild, as the name suggests, it is found in the Alps. But in this type of room culture Cyclamen - a rarity. Only the most experienced florists will prompt you where to buy the seeds and tubers European cyclamen.
Cyclamen Europe is often confused with the so-called Persian cyclamen - a large plant with a relatively early flowering period. Meanwhile, the "European" is a characteristic unique to him especially. Firstly, it is - is not the only kind of deciduous cyclamen. When there is a period of rest, it stops growing, but does not drop leaves. Secondly, the European cyclamen smaller leaves and flowers. The leaves are rounded, slightly elongated towards the tip. The edges of the leaves are smooth. Thirdly, the European cyclamen flowers are usually bright pink hue. There are very rare, so-called "Alba-form" - a white flowers or white with crimson eye.
Finally, the European cyclamen flowers very pleasant smell; as they say themselves the owners of "European" flavor varies from "just nice" to "fragrance of expensive perfume," and even "divine". The intensity of flavor depends on the intensity of the color of the flower: the flower is lighter, more subtle flavor. Interestingly, on the day of the disclosure of the flowers can not smell, and they rose initially very thin and pale. Over time, the flavor is enhanced, and the petals are gaining color, straighten and thicken.
We have already mentioned that as the flower room "European" is now quite rare. So you are lucky if you have a window sill lives really true alpine violet!
Caring for cyclamen
It is believed that Cyclamen - a very demanding and whimsical flower. Indeed, it will not carry to undemanding plant. It requires attention and care, but if you follow all the rules of caring for him, he will long to please you with wonderful flowers. It is important to remember that the flower does not tolerate direct sunlight, heat and drafts. It is best to grow cyclamen in a shady and cool place. According to experienced gardeners, to achieve an abundant flowering is possible, if the winter to keep the pots of cyclamen between the double glazing of windows, and in the hottest time of the year - on the balcony.
But the shape of the pot, as well as the material from which it is made, the European cyclamen indifferent. Put you in its round or square, plastic or ceramic pot - cyclamen take root anywhere. It is important to consider the following: if the tuber is the "kids" have to pick up the pot this size, to grow up, "kids" came upon a wall of the pot, otherwise it can slow down their development. The average distance from the tuber to the wall of the pot should be two to three centimeters.
Although the nature of the European cyclamen growing in the mountains, and under the pine trees and in open terrain - that is, the different types of soil - as indoor plants, they "agree" on a standard substrate for cyclamen (humus, sand, ground sheet and peat). At the bottom of the pot, pour a thin layer of drainage (small concrete block or small ceramic shards). The substrate in which you land cyclamen tuber should be almost dry - too wet substrate can lead to loss of leaves. You can fill topsoil stones, though not necessarily, because the European cyclamen tuber is buried in the substrate is So bury the tuber, cover the pot with cling film and place it in a shady place not very hot. Watering - minimum.
In the future, when watering stick to one simple rules: prior to each subsequent watering the top layer of the substrate should dry out. If you do not comply with this rule stems from the buds may soften and rot.
It may seem surprising, but experts do not recommend to feed the European cyclamen fertilizers. It is believed that if the dirt, it can be lost, as it becomes too susceptible to disease. Simply change the substrate every year or two.
Reproduction of the European cyclamen
Cyclamen Europe propagates in two ways: either by dividing the tubers or seeds.
The division of the tuber
European cyclamen tubers produce sprouts elongated shape, the so-called "fingers". They are the same color with the club. If processes are thin, do not worry, over time they will become thicker. Thin processes produce very small leaves, which open directly onto the surface of the substrate. "Fingers" cut and planted in a separate pot. This can be done only during the period of rest.
Breeding seeds
Reproduction of the European cyclamen seeds - a time-consuming process. If the tubers of cyclamen can be purchased at the store, the seeds obtained by artificially pollinating the flowers. If pollination is successful, there plody- "boxes" with small seeds. Experts believe that cyclamen should be throughout the winter to be in a room with a temperature of five degrees, only seeds ripen. In no case can not be touched, let alone attempt to open the box with seeds. If you experience that, when mature, the seeds can be poured into the pot, just enclose a piece of fabric under the box.
Before sowing is recommended at the twenty-four hours to soak the seeds in water. They were then planted in a pot at a distance of approximately two centimeters apart and sprinkled sand (the light they do not grow, therefore it is possible to cover even the pots of dark seed film). Earth is necessary to moisturize regularly, but do not pour. If the seeds dry up or fill with water - they will die, and when the races humidity they can "go to sleep", go to rest. The most favorable temperature for germination of seeds - 16-18 degrees.
The seeds should germinate four weeks after sowing, but to wait for flowering, you have to be patient - a cyclamen flowers will give you no earlier than three or four years. But, as if in gratitude for your care and patience, the first European flowering Cyclamen is the most lush.
Diseases of the European cyclamen
Rotting of the tuber
Possible cause of the problem - too much water or the ingress of water on the tuber itself.
If you have found a place on the tuber rot, they can be cleaned and sprinkle (or even gently rub) pounded activated carbon.
The deformation and discoloration of leaves
The cause deformation and discoloration of leaves can become pests (such as cyclamic mite). Infected plants should definitely be isolated from the other colors and process to destroy the pests.
Grey coating on leaves
Grey coating on the leaves of the European cyclamen means that your pet is struck by gray rot - a fungal disease caused by soil moisture, poor ventilation and moisture on the leaves when watering. Affected leaves must be removed, treat with fungicides, and in the future to comply with the rules of care for cyclamen.
Yellowing leaves
European cyclamen leaves turn yellow, if held in a room temperature is too high, the bright sun and provide sufficient irrigation.
Defoliation
European cyclamen leaves may fall off at a sharp start changing lighting.
Pests
The main pests of the European cyclamen - it cyclamic mites, aphids, thrips, weevils and slugs.
With cyclamic mites are very difficult to deal with: they are virtually invisible and are found when the plant has already suffered greatly from their appetite. Spraying chemicals does not always help, because these pests are protected already deformed (twisted) leaves or buds. It can be treated with a mixture of leaves Agravertin (0, 2%) and a solution of liquid soap (0, 1%). The mixture was acidified to do better (e.g., using phosphoric acid) water. Soap is necessary to blend better "stick" to the leaves. Sometimes this mixture may cause burns, so start with the trial process one or two leaves. Do not forget to treat the pot and to destroy the eggs and cyclamic tick. The treatment is necessary to three times at intervals of a week, at a temperature of 18 degrees.
From aphids good fight with the help of the drug "Akhtar". It is poured onto the substrate (divorce is not required), the plant is transferred to the upper watering (not through the tray), and a few days aphids disappear.
Thrips - tiny insects (1 mm), they hit the leaves by sucking out their juices. This leaves lose their color, and the edges are covered by a set of points - traces of the proboscis punctures thrips. To destroy thrips needed triple insecticide treatments. Experts advise to use "Apache" or "konfidor."
With weevils also fighting with the help of "Akhtar", "Apache" or "konfidor." As a rule, cyclamen, affected by weevils, stem separates easily from the tuber. If the problem start, the plant will die.
Slugs, fortunately, most are the problem of the cyclamen, which grow in the open field. In the apartment they come rarely. But if that did happen, they would have to entice the bait and then collect arms. If you use drugs of slugs, cyclamen can be lost.
Remember that with the defeat of any kind of pest infested plants should be sent to "quarantine" - isolated from healthy.
Using the therapeutic properties of the European cyclamen
Cyclamen Europe is used in medicine for a long time. Its juice perfectly helps with colds, sinusitis, colds, diseases of the female reproductive system, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica, liver, intestinal colic.
Treatment for sinusitis
Squeeze the juice of one small cyclamen tuber, mixed with boiled water (1:10), and this solution every day to bury the nose two or three times. Juice cyclamen plant is necessary, otherwise you can get burned nasal mucosa.
Treatment of sciatica
Cyclamen tuber chop, pour vodka (1:10), let stand for a week and filter. Rub the loin.
Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Shredded cyclamen tuber pour hot boiled water (1 tablespoon cyclamen 500 ml of water), to press for about two hours, drain. Take a tablespoon three times daily after meals.
With self-treatment with cyclamen, remember that it is quite toxic and the use of its juice inside requires prior consultation with the doctor.
The magical properties of the European cyclamen
The ancient Romans believed that cyclamen protect from evil and evil forces. It is believed that cyclamen is able to ward off bad dreams, get rid of anxiety and unreasonable fears, self-doubt and creative stagnation, to protect against the evil eye and envy. To cyclamen has not lost its magic power, it should be watered by adding water in a pan.
Keep the cyclamen are best in the bedroom, not far from the bed as it was in a dream a person susceptible to the beneficial effects of this flower. If you believe in omens, cyclamen flowers help to forget unrequited or lost love, drowning feeling of sadness and longing. Flowers cyclamen can also help for infertility.
Of course, cyclamen - plant, which requires careful maintenance. But these delicate, touching flowers will decorate your apartment. This alpine spring on the windowsill - is not it wonderful?
