Calcium deficiency in Cyclamen
Calcium (Ca) deficiency is easily mistaken for Cyclamen mite damage. The symptoms are very similar to each other. This common confusion can lead to the wrong treatment and ongoing crop issues. In this article you can read how to spot the difference to take the right actions?
Calcium deficiency or Cyclamen mite infestation?
Calcium deficiency in Cyclamen is often misdiagnosed as Cyclamen mite infestation. Symptoms can appear quite similar. The brown spots caused by calcium deficiency may resemble feeding damage from mites. The misshapen leaves also mimic mite damage.
Because growers typically supply sufficient calcium through fertilization, they often don’t suspect a deficiency. However, the issue is usually related to poor uptake rather than insufficient supply. Factors such as low pH, high EC or incorrect fertilization in the substrate can reduce calcium availability. Making it inaccessible to the plant.
Key differences
- Difference is in the appearance of spots:
- Calcium deficiency consistently causes brown necrotic spots.
- Cyclamen mite damage typically starts as pale or whitish spots.
- Look under leaves with a magnifying glass:
- With calcium deficiency, you will not find eggs, webbing or mites.
- With Cyclamen mites, signs of eggs, webbing or mites are usually present.
The role of calcium in Cyclamen
In most cases, only the major elements are closely monitored (NPK: nitrogen, phosphate and potassium). However, other vital elements like calcium are often underestimated. Calcium plays a vital role in the growth and structural integrity of Cyclamen. It stabilizes cell walls, binding them together. Which results in stronger plants with better shelf life and overall quality. Additionally, calcium contributes in the development and functioning of the root system.
A sufficient calcium supply improves Cyclamen tolerance to diseases and pests. Like fungi, bacteria, aphids and thrips. It also helps with abiotic stress in both heat and cold tolerance. Without enough available calcium, the risk of calcium deficiency increases. This will lead to weakened growth and plant health.
Causes of calcium deficiency in Cyclamen
Several factors reduce calcium uptake which can lead to calcium deficiency in Cyclamen persicum:
- Low pH levels in the substrate
- High EC levels in the substrate
- Incorrect or insufficient fertilization
- Excessive potassium or magnesium levels competing with calcium
- High evaporation and low root pressure
- Salt or drought stress
How to recognize calcium deficiency
Symptoms of calcium deficiency in Cyclamen include:
- Leaves: Symptoms start on young leaves. Leaves may curl, become misshapen, and develop brown spots
- Growth: Reduced growth speed
- Plant Size: Smaller plants overall
- Buds: Buds can appear malformed
- Roots: Poor Cyclamen root development
Calcium availability in Cyclamen
Calcium is an immobile element in plants. Once calcium is absorbed into a part of the Cyclamen, it remains there. This means calcium must be continuously available throughout the entire growth cycle. Especially during cell division and rapid growth phases. During the vegetative stage of Cyclamen persicum, maintaining adequate calcium levels in the root zone is essential to avoid calcium deficiency.
Consequences of Calcium Deficiency in Cyclamen
When calcium deficiency occurs in Cyclamen, plants tend to remain small with deformed buds and leaves. Weakened cell walls due to calcium deficiency make the plant more susceptible to pathogens and diseases. For example, Pythium (root rot) can damage the roots easier when calcium levels are too low.
Prevent calcium deficiency
Symptoms of calcium deficiency in Cyclamen aren’t always immediately visible. Prevention is crucial. Here's how to avoid it:
- Use a balanced fertilizer with adequate calcium
- Water management: Maintain consistent soil moisture to support calcium uptake
- Avoid over-fertilization: Keep nutrient levels balanced
- Conduct regular substrate tests to monitor calcium levels and detect potential shortages early
Treating calcium deficiency in Cyclamen
First identify the cause to correct Cyclamen calcium deficiency. Here are several suggestions to solve calcium defiency:
- Are pH levels too low? Adjust it within the optimal range. Find optimal pH levels in our Cyclamen growing description on the support portal.
- Are EC levels too high, flush the substrate with clean water. Adjust it within the optimal EC range. Find optimal EC levels in our Cyclamen growing description on the support portal.
- Incorrect or insufficient fertilization? Use a balanced fertilizer
- Are excessive potassium or magnesium levels competing with calcium ratio? Ensure you keep a balanced ratio between these elements and don’t oversupply.
With proper diagnosis and adjustments, Cyclamen calcium deficiency can be effectively managed and reversed.
Questions?
Do you have questions about calcium deficiency or would you like to know more?