Florist Cyclamen Plant

Botanical Name: Cyclamen persicum

Rising above heart-shaped, silver-and-green leaves are upright stems bearing beautiful backswept petals in shades of pink, purple, red or white.

Winter-blooming cyclamen plant is usually bought in flower from the florist and treated as an annual, then unfortunately, is tossed out when it begins to deteriorate in spring.

With good care, this cool-season, flowering house plant will last for several months, then can be brought back to bloom the next winter. When flowers die and foliage turns yellow, cut it back. Put the dormant plant in a cool, dark spot for the summer giving it just enough water to prevent its roots from drying out completely. In fall, put the plant back in bright light and resume watering and fertilizing. Blooms should appear in 2-3 months.

Wet soil and poor ventilation may cause botrytis -- a gray, fuzzy fungus that can quickly kill the plant. Yellowing leaves with brown patches are a sign of botrytis. Cut off the affected leaves. If the plant is badly affected, get rid of it. Cutting off spent flowers and any yellow or shriveled leaves will help air circulation around the plant and help prevent the fungus from growing.

Origin: Hybrids with parents from Southern Europe and the Middle East

Height: 6-12 in (15-30 cm)

Light: Bright light, no direct sun.

Water: Keep soil lightly moist. It's best to water plant from below by placing pot in a saucer of tepid water for no more than 20 minutes.

Humidity: Raise humidity by misting leaves or placing it on a saucer of wet pebbles.

Temperature: Cool temperatures 55-65°F, 13-18°C

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with high-phosphorus fertilizer diluted by half only while plant is budding and blooming.

Propagation: Seeds

Potted Cyclamen This lovely cyclamen plant produces a whole succession of flowers over a long period, offering that special someone a whole succession of smiles! Delivered in a complementary terra cotta pot, and perfect for any home or office, the cyclamen's vibrant red hues are a delightful reminder of your sentiment.