Cyclamen

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February 26, 2013
Cyclamen is a fantastic indoor plant for the winter season. It has a long blooming period and produces loads of colorful flowers. Cyclamen is certainly a colorful plant. There is a wide variety of flower colors ranging from soft pastels of pink, white and purple. The flower buds nod on straight tall stems above the foliage. Once the petals open they are swept back. Having varying patterns of silver and gray, the heart-shaped leaves are a highly attractive feature of cyclamen. This plant like lots of bright, indirect light, and keep the plant containers away from heating ducts. Low humidity can be a problem growing cyclamen indoors during the winter months. Place the cyclamen container on a layer of pebbles in a tray filled with water. Cyclamen like temperatures that are in the 40F to 60F range and for much of the winter the plants can be outdoors. During colder weather move the cyclamen containers inside; they are quite at home enjoying and brightening the interior. Watering is the biggest problem for the home gardener with cyclamen. Overwatering is to be avoided. Always wait for the potting mix to feel dry to the touch and water thoroughly around the outside of the container. Never water directly on the crown as this can encourage crown rot. Place in the sink to allow the container to drain completely. When choosing a cyclamen to take home from the garden center, make sure the flower stems are standing straight with lots of flowers buds hiding under the foliage. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

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