Five tips for keeping cyclamens

Cyclamens are among the most popular houseplants during the cold winter months, but they may also be among the least understood.

They seem hearty, and given the right conditions, the blooms may last a long time. Putting the plants in the right spot, and caring for them in the correct way will keep them healthy.

Floral designer Jeffrey Dendy, owner of Jeffrey's Floral and Event Design in Riverview, said cyclamens are a good plant for the dreary days of winter. "They're colorful and their blooms last a long time," he said.

Here are five tips Mr. Dendy offers for keeping cyclamen.

1 If you are planting a cyclamen, make sure it's in soil with no peat moss or other additives, then water only the soil itself, not the plant. The best way to do this is put the pot on a tray filled with a layer of pebbles. Pour water over the rocks, but not so much that the plant is sitting in the water.

2 The top of the tuber should be slightly above the soil line when planted.

3 Keep cyclamens in a bright place with indirect light.

4 Cyclamens do not like to be around heat, so do not place around heat source such as furnace vent. They don't like extreme cold, so do not place them in a drafty area.

5 Cyclamens love humidity, the more the better. Place them in bathrooms and anywhere else in the house that's not too dry.