With its grayish-brown color, the cyclamen tuber looks about as unspectacular as a flat potato. But the inconspicuous face is deceptive. It has great potential and the entire above-ground plant depends on it.
Why is the cyclamen bulb important?
The cyclamen tuber is essential for the plant as it absorbs, stores and releases nutrients. When planting, the arch should point upwards, roots should point downwards and be planted approx. 5-7 cm deep. Caution: It is poisonous to humans and animals.
Absorb, store and release nutrients
This disc-shaped, flattened tuber with fine roots on the underside has the main task of absorbing and storing nutrients from the roots. These give the cyclamen the opportunity to bloom for several weeks. But in summer the tuber needs a rest period. The cyclamen should not be fertilized at this time.
Planting the tuber correctly
In order to enjoy cyclamen for many years, it is important to plant its tuber correctly. This should be done either in early summer or autumn at a distance of 10cm from other cyclamens.
This should be noted:
- Dig the planting hole generously and loosen the soil
- enrich with compost
- Water the tuber
- Insert the tuber with the curvature facing upwards
- Roots should point downwards
- Plant 5 to 7 cm deep
- Exception: For potted cyclamens, 1/3 of the tuber should be out of the ground
- sludge
The most poisonous part of the cyclamen plant
Be careful when handling the tuber! Even small amounts of it can lead to serious poisoning in the body. It is poisonous to humans and animals. 0.2 g causes mild symptoms of poisoning such as nausea. A dose of 8g is fatal.
Divide the tuber to propagate the cyclamen
How to divide the cyclamen using its tuber:
- only divide large tubers
- lift it out of the ground with a digging fork
- clean and divide with knife
- each section requires at least 1 shoot bud
- plant in a partially shaded place with humus-rich soil
It's better not to water the tuber
Although some say it won't hurt, it's better to be careful and not test your luck. The partially protruding tuber of a potted cyclamen should not be watered. It is better to water the cyclamen from below. This will prevent rot.
Tips & Tricks
Attention: The roots of the autumn cyclamen grow from the upper side.
