Cyclamen Facts
A trip through your grocery store’s produce or floral section will most likely reward you with a glimpse of the cyclamen; facts show that this little plant is one of the most popularly sold houseplants in the United States. A great benefit of the cyclamen is to have cheery blooms during the dreariest time of the year; winter.
Cyclamens are unique little houseplants with some very beautiful characteristics. Although many plants are unremarkable without their blossoms, the cyclamen possesses lovely patterned leaves that are a distinguishing feature all on their own. The leaves can be round, kidney shaped or heart shaped, with dark green pigment enhanced with silver etchings that give them the appearance of marble. The cyclamen facts of it being one of the most popular houseplants are most likely due to its lovely blossoms, however. Possessing the unique shape and formation of a flower turned inside out, cyclamen blossoms are lovely to behold in whites, pinks, reds or purples. One of the interesting cyclamen facts is the manner in which the flowers arise from the bed of foliage; growing straight up as though reaching to the sky.
One of the few flowering plants that enjoy cooler temperatures, cyclamen facts of the plant’s temperature preferences generally surprise most people. Many people associate houseplants with plenty of sun and warmth, but the cyclamen actually do best when conditions are the opposite. Indoors, the cyclamen will happily bloom from December until April as long as their preferred environment is provided. As the blooms begin to die away, remove them with a sharp tug. Keeping the cyclamen free of the dying blooms will continue to encourage new blooms on the plant. During the winter months, place the potted cyclamen near or in a window where morning sun shines in daily. Temperatures should be kept below 65° for daytime and around 55° at night. Once a month, feed the cyclamen with a liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants.
After blooming has stopped, the cyclamen facts regarding its growing cycle indicate that will need to go dormant for a period of time. During this time, place the potted cyclamen in a cool, dark spot where it can rest and regenerate. Continue to water the plant, but increasingly sparingly; eventually discontinue watering altogether to allow the root to dry out. In the spring, the cyclamen can be planted outside in the garden in a shady area. Around mid-summer, when tiny leaves begin to reappear, replant into a pot with a sandy potting soil keeping it outside. As fall approaches, the cyclamen should be taken back indoors where it will begin its blooming cycle once again.
Take a closer look the next time you are walking through the floral center of the grocery store; a popular venue for purchasing houseplants such as the cyclamen. Facts of this little beauty’s ability to help deal with the winter doldrums is a definite bonus; cheer your long winter days with the lovely blossoms of the cyclamen.