KUSA – Our homes seem a bit dismal after the poinsettias and Christmas trees
leave. The perfect plant to cure the January blues is the cyclamen. Dazzling and
easy to grow, this petite houseplant blooms most heavily during winter and early
spring.
Cyclamen flowers are unusual because they appear to be upside down. The center
of the flower is at the bottom, with the petals reflexed above. Some people note
their resemblance to butterflies, although I’m reminded of a dog with floppy
ears with his head out the car window. Flowers range from red to pink to white,
with many shades in between. The heart-shaped leaves are almost as lovely as the
flowers. Their deep green background is overlaid with silvery, marbled markings.
Like snowflakes, no two appear to be exactly alike.
Like poodles, the plants come in three basic sizes: standard, miniature and
teacup. I like them all, although the tiny ones need vigilance to keep them from
drying out.
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