Free Cyclamen Persicum Hybrids Plants

Despite its popularity, the Cyclamen often presents considerable problems as far as its care is concerned. Usually the plant fails within a very short time, completely collapsing from the inside out, with all of the flowers and leaves flopping over the side of the pot. There are various reasons for this, all of which point to the fact that the plant does not like to be cosseted. It prefers a cool, light and airy position, and positively hates central heating. It also dislikes being watered from above, as the water can easily rest amongst the foliage and the top ofthe corm, causing a fungal rot which rapidly spreads and kills the plant. The Cyclamen should therefore be watered only from below, by adding water to the saucer the plant stands in and pouring the surplus away after a few minutes.

Plant type : Flowering plant with compact habit
Season of interest : Autumn, winter and spring
Size : 15-20cm (6—8in)
Flower : Unusual, swept back, 5-7.5cm (2—3in) petals coloured white, pink, purple or red, on 15-20cm (6—8in) stalks
Leaf : Rounded heart shaped, 5-1 Ocm (2-4in), fleshy, dark green with silvery patterning
Temperature : 13-18°C (55-64'F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation, lightly shaded from direct sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : In growing season add water to saucer pot is standing in, pouring away excess after a few minutes; never water from above; keep almost dry when foliage has died and the plant is resting
Feeding : Flowering plant fertilizer every two to three weeks in growing season
Propagation : Sow in seed and cutting compost at 18-20°C (65—68°F) in late autumn
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Aphid, thrip, botrytis, collapse from warm dry atmosphere
Availability : Very commonly available
Uses indoors : Good windowsill plant or colourful feature plant for most rooms that are too warm