Cyclamen C. persicum Sometimes called the poor man's orchid or Persian violet, this tuberous plant has heart-shaped, dark green leaves and upright stems bearing waxy flowers with deeper shading around the eye. Flowers appear midfall through winter, in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and salmon. Growing Guide Soil: Mix 2 parts standard potting soil and 1 part vermiculite. Temperature: Keep cool, especially during flowering, around 60° F Light: Bright light, no direct sun. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during flowering. Mist daily, not directly on flowers. Fertilizing: Every 2 weeks during flowering with mild liquid fertilizer. Special hint: Propogate by seperation of tubers or seeds. Pest & Disease Watch Check for cyclamen mites, mealy bugs, whiteflies. Continuing Care When flowering stops in spring, move to cool, dark location. Allow leaves to die back, then remove all dead leaves and flowers. Keep barely moist, never allowing soil to dry out completely. Repot in late summer when corm begins to send up new shoots.