This plant, known as the florist’s cyclamen, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and is originally from the Mediterranean. The nod cling flowers can be ruffled, twisted, or speckled. They are sometimes scented and may be in shades of pure white to purple, through a range of reds and pinks.

The fleshy leaves can be large or tiny, and usually have silver patterning. Often seen at Christmas, cyclamen flowers should last several weeks, but do not buy plants from an outdoor vendor, because being chilled will shorter! their flowering period.

Size: Height 4—8 in. (10—20 cm)

Light: Cool light.

Temperature: Keep cool; 55—65°I (12-18°C).

Moisture: Keep the soil moist. Always water from below, as the tuber is only half buried in the potting soil and watering from above may cause it to rot.

Feeding: Give standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

Propagation: Small plants can be raised from seed, but these cyclamen are usually bought as mature flowering plants.

Special needs: Hygiene is critical to prevent gray mold, so as flowers fade or leaves die, remove them immediately by twisting them off as close as possible to the base.