The Flower You Can Plant Now For Stunning White Blooms By Christmas

The holidays will be here before you know it, and florist's cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is the secret to getting fresh blooms right in time for Christmas. These compact plants start their growth cycle in fall, so bringing one home now sets the stage for a burst of flowers just as the season arrives. Their small size makes them perfect for growing in mini plant pots, adding a whimsical touch to your windowsill or holiday display. The timing couldn't be better. While most plants are winding down for the season, indoors or out, cyclamen are waking up and getting ready to put on a show.

Native to Algeria and across the East Mediterranean, florist's cyclamen does best indoors, where the conditions are just right. They love bright, indirect sunlight and cool spots but can't handle frost. Outdoors, they'll only survive year-round in USDA Hardiness zones 9 through 11, but inside, their natural rhythm fits right into the season. This makes them a reliable holiday flower, ready to bloom when you need it most.

When choosing a florist's cyclamen, look for one with many buds just beginning to open and healthy, fleshy leaves. The foliage is rounded or heart-shaped, and can be solid dark green or patterned with white or silver marbling. Available in red, pink, purple, and white flowers, cyclamen let you pick the shades that best complement your seasonal décor. If you're looking for houseplants that will spice up your holiday decor, this one will easily do the trick.

Florist's cyclamen are fairly low-maintenance perennials, but a few key steps will help them thrive through the holiday season and beyond. Well-draining soil is crucial; a peat-based or general-purpose potting mix works fine, just make sure water doesn't sit at the base of the pot. Water at the base of the plant and steer clear of the crown; too much moisture there can make the tubers rot. Only give it a drink when the soil feels dry to the touch. Keep your cyclamen away from heat sources above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much warmth can trick it into dormancy, making leaves drop and blooms disappear just when you want them shining for the holidays.

During their active growth and flowering period, florist's cyclamen benefit from a low-nitrogen, liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. Remove yellowing leaves and faded flower stalks promptly to encourage more blooms. If you're using a tray with pebbles to boost humidity, keep the pot slightly above the water rather than sitting in it constantly, which can lead to rot. These plants go dormant in summer, so once the leaves start to fade and drop, let the soil dry completely in between waterings. Allow the tubers to rest in a cool, dark spot until new growth begins in fall.

Cyclamen don't usually have pest problems, but every now and then spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids can show up. Most of these can be managed with insecticidal soap or houseplant-safe pesticides. Cyclamen mites, though, are a nightmare. If your plant gets hit hard, it's usually best to toss it and start fresh. If you take care of your cyclamen, it will reward you with fresh blooms well after Santa has returned to the North Pole.