With its greyish-brown colour, the cyclamen tuber looks about as unspectacular as a flat potato. But the inconspicuous face is deceptive. There is great potential in it and the entire above-ground plant depends on it.

The tuber is the most poisonous part of the cyclamen plant

absorbing, storing and releasing nutrients

This disc-shaped, flattened tuber with fine roots on the underside has the main task of absorbing and storing nutrients from the roots. They give the cyclamen the opportunity to flower for several weeks. But in summer the tuber needs a rest period. At this time, the cyclamen should not be fertilized.

Plant the tuber properly

In order to be able to enjoy cyclamen for many years, it is important to plant its tuber correctly. This should be done either in early summer or in autumn at a distance of 10 cm from other cyclamen.

This is to be noted:

  • Dig a generous planting hole and loosen the soil
  • enrich with compost
  • water the tuber
  • Insert the tuber with the curve facing upwards
  • Roots should point down
  • Plant 5 to 7 cm deep
  • Exception: In the case of potted cyclamen, 1/3 of the tuber should protrude from 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 severe poisoning in the body. It is poisonous to humans and animals. 0.2 g provide weak symptoms of poisoning such as nausea. A dose of 8 g is lethal.

Divide the tuber to propagate the cyclamen

How to divide the cyclamen using its tuber:

  • share only large tubers
  • lift out of the ground with a digging fork
  • clean and divide with knife
  • each section requires at least 1 shoot bud
  • plant in a semi-shady place with humus rich soil

Better not to water the tuber!

Although some say it won't hurt, it's better to be careful and not try your luck. The sometimes protruding tuber of a potted cyclamen should not be watered. It is better to water the cyclamen from below. This will prevent rot.

tips and tricks

Attention: The roots of the autumn cyclamen grow from the upper side.

Category:

Indoor plants