Cyclamen and gray mold, a common problem in autumn and winter: Botrytis often strikes just when we least expect it. But is there a truly effective natural remedy?
Cyclamens, with their flowers that look like small colored flames, bring a little cheer to the windowsill even on the coldest days. Yet, all it takes is one rainy afternoon or some watering oversight to find yourself fighting the dreaded gray mould. It happens often, between the end of October and March. Maybe you go home, put down your bags and, without even thinking about it, take a quick look at the plants: there, among the lower leaves of the cyclamen, that dusty, almost silvery patina appears. A sign that Botrytis has found the right environment, that is, humid and poorly ventilated.
It’s not a tragedy, though. Indeed, there are solutions that work even without resorting to the usual chemical products. The important thing, in these cases, is to act calmly and consistently. There’s no need to take immediate action, just pay a little more attention.
Cyclamen gray mold: how to really recognize it
The first sign of gray mold on cyclamen? A fine, light gray powder that settles on older leaves or directly on the flowers. Sometimes it almost looks like ash. To the touch, everything feels softer than usual, almost mushy. Often the affected parts bend or yellow, especially if it is cold and the air remains still. A detail to note: mold usually appears after a few days of continuous rain, or when the plant is watered too frequently.
Botrytis loves cold air currents but also dimly lit corners. If you notice drops of water on the leaves, or soil that stays wet for days, mold is more likely to appear. Strange, but very little is enough.
Natural remedy: what to use (and how)
For those who want to avoid chemical products, the most effective natural remedy against gray mold on cyclamen remains the classic mix of water and bicarbonate. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of bicarbonate in half a liter of warm water, mix well and spray on the affected leaves, preferably in the morning.
Another handy trick? The garlic infusion, easy to prepare even in the kitchen: a few peeled cloves, placed in hot water for about ten minutes, then filtered and sprayed directly on the affected areas.
Be careful though: if the mold is very extensive, it is better to cut the most damaged parts with clean scissors. In any case, it is always advisable to ventilate the environment and reduce watering, especially in the cold months. Small gestures, in short.
How to prevent gray mold on cyclamen
Prevention often really makes the difference. Keeping the cyclamen in a bright place, avoiding water stagnation in the saucer, and moving the plant when it rains a lot may be enough to avoid the problem.
Sometimes it is better to lift the leaves to check that there are no areas that are too humid, or simply move the vase if you notice too much condensation on the glass.
You don’t need much else: just a little extra attention during the winter, and the cyclamen remains beautiful and healthy until spring. In the end, we realize that certain treatments, almost invisible, make the difference. Even a plant can surprise you, silently, when you least expect it.
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