If you think poinsettias are pretty, but too traditional for holiday decorating, consider the cyclamen with its variegated gray-green elliptical leaves and large, colorful blossoms held on a stalk above the foliage. Readily available at most florist shops and greenhouses, it is one of the prettiest, though trickiest, winter potted plants to grow. Because it needs cool temperatures to continue blooming. You need to keep this plant away from heat sources and, preferably, in the coolest part of the house to do well. When nighttime temperatures climb above 60 degrees F, cyclamen leaves may turn yellow, and buds may die.
Leaves also drop quickly when lighting is poor.
Under proper conditions, however, the cyclamen's vivid, orchid-like flowers may last up to six weeks. Depending on the variety, the blossoms may be pink, lavender, deep purple, white, or red. To prolong the life of your plant, water the soil as soon as it feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, and do not spill water onto the crown of the plant or the stems may rot. Once your plant stops blooming, reduce watering, and allow it to dry out.