Cyclamen, soft leaves and flowers that bend without warning: behind a vase that suddenly gives way there is often something you can’t imagine. All it takes is a distracted glance, a bad day, and the symptoms go unnoticed.
When it comes to cyclamens which seem to lose life at any moment, the thought immediately goes to water, too little or too much. Yet, the truth is often more subtle, almost invisible to the naked eye. It happens in the middle of winter, while the rain outside beats against the windows and the radiator does its job. Sometimes it’s just an ordinary morning, one of those in which you realize that something is wrong by observing the leaves that fold in on themselves, like tired hands.
There are those who think it’s the cold. Some blame the water being too calcareous or the vessels being too narrow. In reality, behind the classic sudden wilting of cyclamen, lies a silent but rather common enemy in homes: root rot. It seems like a technical term, in fact it is, but in practice it means that the roots are suffering in silence. We don’t always notice right away, on the contrary. Cyclamens know how to be discreet, even when feeling unwell. Then, all of a sudden, the plant collapses.
Cyclamens that sag: true causes and false beliefs
When the cyclamen sagsthe mind races quickly: have I given too much water? Could it be the fault of the position near the window? Or maybe the last repotting done in a hurry. The most obvious causes are often deceiving. Yes, water is essential, but it is almost never the only problem. The real, hidden danger is called root rot. It is a condition that develops slowly, favored by stagnation of water in the saucer or by poorly draining soil. Two too many waterings or a humid week in the living room are enough. And the roots, beneath the surface, begin to suffer. They become soft, dark, come off at the slightest touch.
You don’t need to be an expert to notice the first signs: leaves losing consistency, flowers folded as if they were sleepy, sometimes a slightly unpleasant smell near the ground. A detail, the latter, that many overlook. A practical note: root rot often occurs in winter, when homes are warmer and moisture becomes trapped. It especially happens in apartments, with the radiators on and the windows closed. A familiar context, perhaps too much so.
Root rot: how to recognize it and what to do immediately
It is not always easy to understand that it is actually root rot. Often the cyclamen just seems a little down. The key is observation: is the soil always moist? Do the leaves come off easily? If you try to lift the bulb, are the roots dark and soft? These are signs that should not be ignored.
If you suspect the worst, the first concrete action is to immediately remove the plant from the pot. A simple gesture, almost instinctive. Gently shake the earth, observe the roots: if you find dark, slimy parts, cut them away with clean scissors. Only healthy, white and firm roots should be kept. After this small intervention, change the soil with a fresh and very draining one. Better to also add a little sand or perlite, just to be safe.
And here’s a real detail: in homes with children or animals, it’s best to avoid chemicals. A simple solution, sometimes, is enough on its own. In any case, after repotting, watering must be more rare. Touch the earth with your fingers: it must be just moist, never wet. No water in the saucer, if possible. Small attentions that make the difference.
Preventing sagging: the gestures that really work
A rule of thumb: the cyclamen it loves light but not direct heat. On the windowsill yes, but never above the radiator. And the vase? Always with drainage holes and light soil. Every now and then, just move the plant a few centimeters to change everything.
Some tricks from experienced growers:
- Water only when the surface of the earth is dry
- Always empty the saucer after watering
- Use water that is not too cold, perhaps left to rest overnight
- Never wet the bulb directly
- Add sand or perlite to the soil to avoid waterlogging
In reality, observing the plant every day is the gesture that works the most. It doesn’t take much: a leaf that changes color, a flower that tilts, a small unusual smell. These are details that speak.
In the end, those extra five minutes make the difference, perhaps in the evening, when the lights dim and you realize that the cyclamen, after all, is just asking for attention.
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