A Frilly Hybrid for Christmas

The cyclamen has become a traditional Christmas houseplant. Its abundance of blooms in wintertime are suited perfectly for the holidays. Last year was the first time I ever saw a hybrid of this very lovely plant and I was delighted. Its flowers appear fluffier and its heart shaped leaves are more frilly around the edge than the original plant. With the right care, it should continue blooming through the winter.
 
I saw this splendid plant when stopping by a great florist in McLean, VA. You can order plants and flowers from them and send them almost anywhere in the world.

  Flowers and Plants Etc

 

Full Care Instructions--

• It requires direct sun to do its very best. It will tolerate less than that for a week or so, if you have a special place that you would like to show it off, during the holidays. 
• Water it as soon as the top feel dry. If it is in a 6"(15cm) diameter pot it should take about 2 cups (about 1/2 liter) of water. If it wilts on you ,don't worry, just put it in the sink and thoroughly soak it, then let it drain for a few minutes. It will perk back up. 
• It does seem to appreciate some humidity which a daily misting can help provide, especially if your place is quite warm. 
• After it stops blooming,fertilize it regularly until the end of April. 
• As the weather becomes warmer, it should start looking forward to a dormancy period. he hot weather is a signal to the cyclamen, that it is time for a rest. You can water it less and less and let it "die" back by until the end of June or so. 
• The pot can then be stored in a dark, cool place such as the basement or even the refrigerator, for a few months.
• Do give it a little water from time to time.
• Around the end of September you can bring it out, then soak it thoroughly, put it in a sunny window and it should start growing again. Fertilize it regularly and you should have a lovely blooming cyclamen by Christmastime. 

 ~~~~~

**To see other plants on this blog click here:   The Indoor Garden blog

***For a variety of  video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, click here:
The Indoor Garden TV show