Mini Cyclamen Trouble

[cecil39]

my mini cyclamen have got a white dust on some of the leaves, it looks like a fine dusting of talc but won't wipe off, there is also tiny brown specks that will wipe off, what is this please? the plants look healthy otherwise and flowered all winter till now, they are in a cool but not to cold porch.

[Chipchopper]

It is likely that your cyclamen is suffering from 'powdery mildew' which is a common problem with indoor cyclamen.
Not sure about the brown specks, possibly another form of mold.

After flowering the plants go through a dormant stage and leaves start turning yellow, which some people may mistake as a dying plant, and add to the problem by over watering. with the correct care it should flower again in a few months. Good drainage is essential and the compost should be just dry to the touch, before the next water is given.
Ideal conditions should be cool and humid, a north or east window is normally good, without too much direct sun. Tempreture 68f in the day and about 50f at night but not below 40f.
They don't like water on the leaves and stems. A liquid feed can be given (as directed) every i-2 months when not dormant. Any dead, dying or diseased looking leaves should be removed.
If the powdery mildew persists it may be worth investing in a fungicidal prey.

[cecil39]

Thank you chips, I reckon I will have to isolate those with the problem till all their leaves are gone off, and hope for the best when the next lot come on, I think you are right about mildew, as there is certainly no sign of pests.

[Chipchopper]

Hi Cecil,
Yes it's probably a good idea to isolate them if you have others there. I would suggest somewhere slightly cooler and darker to induce dormancy.

Not always easy to get the balance just right.
What I forgot to mention before was, : good ventilation but not in a draft.
Fingers crossed
Chip.