Cyclamen: Cool Plants for Indoor Enjoyment

Think cool, think cyclamen! Cyclamen or Florist’s Cyclamen, formally known as Cyclamen persicum, provides long periods of indoor bloom during the cooler months of the year.

Cyclamens, adored for their incredible flowers and interesting heart-shaped patterned leaves, are must-have plants for the home. Cyclamen flowers, thought to mimic the grace of swans, come in beautiful shades of pinks, reds, and white. Some flowers are spotted with color; others are two-toned with a defined edge of a contrasting color along the margin of the flower petals. All are beautiful!

Growing tips:

• Cyclamens prefer bright light areas, so look for an eastern or western exposure in the home.
• Keep them cool – day and night. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees F. (Avoid temperatures lower than that; they are not hardy on Long Island.) Do not use in warm locations – especially around heaters or fireplaces.
• It’s best to let the soil dry ever so slightly between waterings. If you can, water from the bottom – like the way many people water African violets. Set the potted cyclamen in a saucer of water for 5-10 minutes. Empty saucer to drain excess water.
• Remove spent flowers and any yellow leaves when noticed.

Did you know? Cyclamens grow from corms. Sneak a peek at the soil in the pot, you should see the top of corm with its many leaves and flowers growing out of it.