Looking for a house plant that's truly distinctive and will flower profusely on your windowsill? well, then the cyclamen is the choice for you.

     A native of the eastern Mediterranean, it was introduced to Europe in 1731. The cyclamen has always been a popular blooming plant in Europe. It seems as if almost every home in Germany and Holland has a row of cheery cyclamen in its windowsill.You've probably seen the graceful cyclamen in the greenhouse. Their distinctive flowers are shaped like butterflies that rise on slender stems above a spreading rosette of heart shaped leaves. These elegant flowers come in shades of pink, red, lavender, and white, and are often sweetly scented.

     Cyclamen like bright, indirect sunlight avoiding the direct sun. They do well with a high level of humidity, keeping the soil moist, but not wet. Avoid overwatering! Their preferred daytime temperature is 65 to 70 degrees, with a 10 degree temperature drop at night. Fertilize every two to four weeks while flowers continue to develop.
Individual flowers last two to three weeks, and the plant produces a succession of bloms that will provide color for two to four months.

     As the flowers fade, remove the blossoms by pulling the flower stalks upwards with a sudden snap. This will eliminate stubs remaining on the plant.
When cyclamen stop flowering, allow the soil to dry and withhold fertilizer. Leaves will wither, but don't worry that your plant is dying. It's still very much alive.
Replant the cyclamen in a new pot with soil that's rich in humus and water well. Soon new leaves will appear. When the new leaves are fully expanded, resume a regular fertilizing schedule.

     Cyclamen are wonderful flowering houseplants to brighten your home during the winter months and they make wonderful gifts too. So next time you're invited to a get-together, bring a cyclamen plant. It will delight your hostess and be proot you really appreciate her invitation!