A wonderful, small blooming plant for indoors, cyclamen produce a succession of uniquely shaped, delicate flowers that are held well above their foliage. Their colors are great and the flowers last. Even the leaves are interesting, with their heart shapes and distinctive markings. Cyclamen really are one of the nicest indoor blooming plants around. Cyclamen are now available in lots of shades of white, pink, red and purple. The nodding blooms have 5 petals that reflex backward. The throats of the flowers are often a darker color. In addition to the regular size bold flowering cyclamen, there are now some wonderful miniatures that offer the same delicate blooms and striking leaves, only smaller and more delicate. 

To select a healthy cyclamen, look for a plant with lots of foliage, strong stems and flower buds. The plants should have open flowers and buds emerging from under the leaves in the center of the plant. Leaves should be stiff and glossy. Cyclamen that you purchase have been forced into bloom and are at their prime. Kept cool, they should continue to bloom for a couple months. They need lots of light to bloom.  Keep the soil moist but don't let water remain in the saucer. Use room temperature water. Avoid getting water on the leaves or blooms or the crown of the plant. They will need less water after they bloom and none while they are dormant.

In winter they can take all the light you can give them.  Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures, ideally no warmer than 70º, especially while in bloom. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50º. They like relatively high humidity. Using a humidity tray is best, since misting can cause spotting on the leaves, especially in bright light.  While they are in flower, feed them every other week with Miracle Gro Bloom Booster. After blooming, cut back to once a month. While the plants are dormant, don't feed or water.  Any well-drained quality potting soil, such as Miracle Gro is a wonderful potting soil for Cyclamen.