Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
This species of cyclamen is a popular plant with florists, and often is called the “Florist’s cyclamen.” The plant is a tuberous perennial with heart-shaped leaves, 1 to 5-1/2 inches long, deep green in color. The leaves often have a silver-marbled tint on top of the leaf and pale or purplish green on the bottom of the leaf. It produces sweet-scented pink, red, or white flowers, 1/2 to 3/4 inches or more long on tall, slender stems, from early winter to early spring.
Select plants with rich, succulent foliage and buds at all stages of development. Provide as much light as possible and keep in a room where the temperature is less than 68ºF during the day and cooler at night. Water thoroughly from below.
Once flowering ceases, allow the plant to dry out and then let the corm rest for at least a month before resuming watering. Plant the pot outdoors during the summer in a shady spot, then repot it in acid soil and bring it indoors for the winter.