Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

With its delicate, shimmering flowers held elegantly above a mound of heart-shaped, patterned leaves, the cyclamen is truly glorious.

 PLANT DOCTOR

Few flowers
A lack of feeding will cause sparse flowers and small leaves. Make sure you follow instructions on the label, as overfeeding is just as bad.

Brown leaves
Withered brown leaves (below) and dry spots on leaves are due to strong light and air that is too dry. Mist frequently and place in filtered light.

Misshapen leaves
Aphid activity may be the cause of misshapen leaves. Check for pests under leaves and on petals, and spray with a suitable insecticide to eradicate. 
 BUYER'S GUIDE

When to buy
Buy from September to December to get the most from the long flowering period.

What to look for
Choose plants with lots of buds and undamaged leaves. Avoid any that have been standing outside.

Lifespan
A cyclamen will last for years when grown again from the same tuber.

Price
Not too expensive.


These attractive plants are extremely popular and make wonderful gifts. Not only are the flowers exquisite, but the foliage patterns vary greatly from plant to plant, so providing a source of never-ending surprises.

Native to many Mediterranean countries, cyclamens flourish wild in many parts of Turkey and the Greek islands. They grow and flower in the cooler months, then lie dormant during the hot summers. These plants have been in cultivation since the early 18th century, and today many hybrids exist. The name is presumed to come from the Greek word kyclos or ‘circle’, referring to the round tubers or leaves. Although this is a small genus, there are species which flower every month of the year. Some have plain leaves, others delicately patterned ones, while a few have an exquisite marbled effect. The leaves grow in a central rosette or mound and the flowers are held on thin stalks, well above the leaves. Cyclamens bloom profusely from September through to March. Most of the larger hybrids have no fragrance, but the miniature types may have a fine, faint scent.

Size and growth
Larger plants can grow to about 30–38cm (12–15in), while the miniature varieties grow to about 17–20cm (7–8in). Beginners should try the miniatures, which bloom longer. They also tend to be more heat-tolerant than larger cyclamens.

Colours and varieties
The best known and most vigorous varieties are the beautiful F1 hybrids. There are also miniature types. They are available in a number of strains and colours, and their blooms are as dense and profuse as the larger plants.

Caring for your plant
To get the most from your cyclamen you will have to tug off any dead flower stalks and leaves regularly. This removal encourages growth and you will find that new foliage and flowers will shortly replace the old.

Making new plants
You can propagate the cyclamen by dividing the tuber. Do this only during the dormant period. You will need to cut the tuber into two pieces, dip it in a fungicide and replant both halves of the tuber.



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