Christmas cyclamen

With the exception of poinsettias, the most popular Christmas potplant is unquestionably the cyclamen.

I always think that cyclamen are slightly old-fashioned but that could be because my nan always had one on the table in the bay window of the front room – the one that was only used on special occasions. And in summer it went in to the lean-to out the back, for a rest. Cyclamen are easy to keep for many years and I am sure you know someone who has proudly kept theirs for many years.

The Christmas cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) must not be confused with the many other species, many of which are hardy, but it does have similar origins, in rocky, dry places around the Med. As such, our festive houseplant loves to feel the breeze around its ankles and hates water around its feet. That is the key to success with them – a bright, airy spot and not extreme heat. These cyclamen grow in the winter where, even around the Med, it is relatively cool compared to summer, when these plants are naturally dormant.

In the ‘old days’ pot cyclamen were bred for their large flowers and bright colours but the most popular today are the ‘hardy’ outdoor cyclamen. I hate to describe them as such because, though they are fine for outdoor pots in autumn and winter they are not really hardy at all – and can be confused with true hardy cyclamen such as C. coum and C. hederifolium. I do use them in pots by the front door but accept that they will dissolve into mouldy masses by spring, as much because of winter wet as cold.

Mould is the biggest enemy of all cyclamen. That is why it is often said that they must be watered from below and not from above. It is certainly important to make sure that you do not get water among the leaf bases when watering. Pouring water into the pot cover is safer, but do not let the plant sit in a puddle. Always be cautious when watering – it is far better to let the plant wilt a little first and then give a good soak. Avoid the constant drip or two each day which keeps the compost always wet and is not good.

Buying tips

Never buy a plant that is in a plastic sleeve. This will cause the lower leaves and flower buds to go mouldy. Avoid plants with yellow leaves too. It is fine to buy a plant with lots of flowers open but look under the leaves for more buds to come too. Avoid plants with new flowers that are paler than the old ones – a sign it has been kept too dark and warm.

Caring for your cyclamen

Keep the plant in a cool, bright spot. A sunny window sill is perfect – but not above a radiator. Yellow leaves and pale flowers is a sign it is too hot and the spot is too dark.

Remove old flowers and yellowing leaves by twisting and tugging them so they come off the corm neatly. Do not simply cut them off or the remaining part will go mouldy.

Water as much as the plant needs to keep it nice and sturdy. Feeding once a fortnight will keep it strong and help it develop all the potential flowers.

If all goes well, eventually your plant will stop flowering and will look a bit the worse for wear. In theory you can then stop watering and dry the corm off for a summer rest. In late summer you can repot it and start it into growth again. In practice, many modern cyclamen don’t feel the need for a rest and carry on growing well into summer. Be guided by what your plant is telling you and keep watering and feeding as much as it needs.

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