T
The Daily Insight

What has eaten my cyclamen

Author

Sophia Edwards

Published Apr 05, 2026

sulcatus and the Cyclamen Weevil O. rugosostriatus are the worst pests on cyclamen. The damage is done partly by the leaf-eating adult, brown to black in colour and some 6 mm long, and partly by the larvae which feed on the rootlets and main roots at the base of the cyclamen bulb.

How do I get rid of bugs on my cyclamen?

3. Heat treatment. Cyclamen and broad mites are heat sensitive and can be killed if immersed in 110 degree F water for 30 minutes. These temperatures are generally low enough to cause little damage to most plants but water temperature must be maintained properly and the whole plant, pot and all, needs to be immersed.

What does a cyclamen mite look like?

Biology. Adult cyclamen mites are minute, elliptical, semi-transparent, orange-pink and shiny, with eight legs. They are about 1/100 inch long and cannot be seen without magnification. The hind pair of legs in the female is threadlike, and those of the male are pincer-like.

What animal eats cyclamen?

Mice and grey squirrels– These animals tend to dig up tubers and eat them. Fungal diseases- Various fungal diseases can affect cyclamens. These include cyclamen gray mold and damping off of seedlings. Caterpillars- Some caterpillars eat the leaves of cyclamen plants, especially the caterpillars of the Gothic moth.

What is the best vine weevil killer?

Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer is both safe and highly effective in the control of vine weevil grubs. The treatment consists of natural nematodes, a tiny parasitic worm that feeds on the vine weevil larvae. Using a basic watering can, the nematodes can be applied to the soil between March and October.

How do you keep cyclamen mites away?

The most unusual treatment for cyclamen mites was not particularly directed toward African violets. The treatment is to submerge the infested plants in warm (110 degree) water for 15 to 30 minutes. All parts of the plants and the pots must remain submerged and the temperature maintained for the entire time.

Do Deers eat cyclamen?

Common NameScientific NameHardy CyclamenHardy Geraniumsespecially Geranium macrorrhizumHeatherEricaHelleboresHelleborus

How do I get rid of aphids on my cyclamen?

  1. Wash the Aphids Away. Remove the aphids with your fingers or a cotton swab. …
  2. Use Water to Remove Them. Use a strong stream of water to blast aphids from your plants. …
  3. Try Insecticidal Soap. …
  4. Use Neem Oil. …
  5. Use a Homemade Spray. …
  6. Apply Rubbing Alcohol. …
  7. Cut Away Infested Areas. …
  8. Use Sticky Traps.

How do you identify cyclamen mites?

The symptoms of cyclamen mite infestation may include discoloration of the foliage, withering flowers, distorted and stunted growth and premature fruit drop. The damage to the leaves is most prominent as they become dull and blotchy. Leaves develop streaks and wrinkles on their surface.

Do cyclamens like sun?

Most often grown in pots indoors, cyclamen like plenty of natural light. Put in a well-lit, cool but draught- free spot – preferably with an hour or two of sunlight each morning, although no strong sunlight. This also applies to plants on patios, decks and verandahs.

Article first time published on

Can cats eat cyclamen?

It is also called the Persian violet and Sowbread. Cyclamen contains irritating saponins, and when any part of the plant (especially the tubers or roots) are chewed or ingested by dogs and cats, it can result in clinical signs of drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.

Can I eat cyclamen?

Please note, only the leaves of cyclamen persicum can be eaten, the roots of all cyclamen are harmful if eaten. All dahlia flowers and tubers are edible. The flavours and textures can vary greatly depending on the soil and conditions in which they were grown.

What do you do with outdoor cyclamen after flowering UK?

As soon as you see new growth sometime between September and December, move the cyclamen into bright sunlight and water the plant thoroughly. Keep the cyclamen in a cool room with daytime temperatures between 60 and 65 F.

Why do cyclamen flowers turn brown?

Too much sunlight will lead to sun scorch, with typical signs including browning or crispy leaves, dry leaf-edges, sunken leaves or stunted growth. Although too little light will cause over-watering issues, too much sunlight will negatively affect the plant as well.

What causes cyclamen leaves to curl?

It is likely that your cyclamen has some cyclamen mite damage. The mites feed on the under surface of the leaf and can cause the leaf to curl. … Ensure that you spray underneath the leaf for good control. Monitor your plants closely and re-apply either product to prevent re-infestation.

What plants do vine weevils not like?

Which plants do vine weevils not like? Plants with fragrant leaves seem to be less frequently attacked by adult weevils. Plant Lavender, Lemon Balm, Geranium macrorrhizum, and Mint. They also seem less attracted to furry leaves such as those of Stachys byzantina.

How do I get rid of weevils in my garden naturally?

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent weevils and other pests in your garden is to add Diatomaceous Earth to the soil around your plants. Diatomaceous Earth is made of diatoms, which are fossilized algae that have been broken down into small white shards that humans shouldn’t inhale.

How do I get rid of vine weevils in my garden?

  1. It is best to physically remove them. Collect them at night by torchlight, whilst they are feeding. …
  2. Use a specially formulated vine weevil chemical control on ornamental plants in pots or containers. Spray the plants with a systemic and contact insecticide* at dusk on mild evenings.

What garden plants do muntjac eat?

They are especially fond of evergreen azaleas, runner beans, beetroot, bluebell foliage, ceanothus, hardy geraniums, grape hyacinth, ivy, modern hybrid roses, pansies, Sedum spectabile, strawberry, Viburnum tinus and yew.

How do I keep deer away from my garden?

  1. Don’t over-stock your garden with tasty plants. …
  2. Keep deer-favorite plants close to the house. …
  3. Plant pungent perennials as a natural barrier. …
  4. Plant thorny, hairy, or prickly foliage. …
  5. Make deer-resistant substitutions. …
  6. Out of sight, out of mind. …
  7. Cleanliness counts. …
  8. Create levels.

What bedding plants do deer not eat?

  • Shade: Hellebores.
  • Full sun: Herbaceous peonies.
  • Vegetable: Rhubarb.
  • Shrub: Skimmia.
  • Climber: Jasmine.

Why are my cyclamen leaves sticky?

Most likely sticky leaves on indoor plants is a sign that you have an infestation of scales, tiny insects that latch onto your plant and suck out its moisture, excreting it as this sticky substance called honeydew.

Where do cyclamen mites live?

Description of the Pest At low numbers, cyclamen mites (Family: Tarsonemidae) are usually found along the midvein of young, unfolded leaves and under the calyx of newly emerged flower buds; when numbers increase, these mites can be found anywhere on nonexpanded plant tissues.

How do you get broad mites?

Broad mites can spread among greenhouse-grown crops via air currents, leaves of adjacent plants contacting each other, and by workers handling infested plant material and then touching non-infested plants.

Do cyclamen get aphids?

Crown has excessive plant hairs growing from the leaves. Leaves curl up on the edge. While this symptom may also be caused by Aphids, Aphids are clearly visible without a magnifying glass (measuring 1/16 to 1/8 inch), and they typically leave honeydew on the leaves, which is absent with Cyclamen Mites.

What temp kills broad mites?

Remember – Temperature fluctuations will KILL this pest. Broad mites do not like the heat. Some growers will try to get rid of them by on small plants or clones by dunking the plants in hot water (105°F / 40°C) for 10-20 minutes.

How do you treat broad mites?

Translaminar systemic miticides are the preferred methods of broad mite control. The miticides, which have translaminar activity, penetrate the leaf and move within the tissue from top to bottom. Foliar spray options include Avid, Kontos, Pylon, Savate and Sirocco.

What are the little green flying bugs?

Adult green lacewings are small, soft-bodied insects that are light green in color. As an adult insect, this beneficial predator has antennae, big eyes, six legs and see-through wings. It resembles a dragonfly and is often mistaken for one. Green lacewing larvae are what farmers and gardeners really love.

How do you get rid of gnats from plants?

  1. Establish an appropriate watering routine. …
  2. Use sticky fly traps. …
  3. Invest in a Katchy machine. …
  4. Get rid of gnats in houseplants with vinegar. …
  5. Use sand or gravel to dress the soil. …
  6. Hydrogen peroxide mix. …
  7. Try a soap and water mixture. …
  8. Neem oil spray.

What do you do with cyclamen in the summer?

Put your plant somewhere cool and dry for the summer – a sheltered, shady spot outdoors is ideal. Keep the compost barely moist. If you live in a wet area, lay the pot on its side so excess rainwater drains away. Your cyclamen should start to regrow in September.

Do cyclamen spread?

All very cunning and exotic, maybe, but cyclamen are easy to grow and when they are happy, they spread and flower and spread and … The leaves follow the flowers and so emerge either as deciduous trees are dropping their own foliage or when they are completely bare.