The Charming Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

The topsy turvy double delight cyclamen is a beautiful and unique type of flowering plant that makes a wonderful addition to any home or garden In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at this plant – its origins, characteristics, care requirements, and why it has become so popular

What is the Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen?

The topsy turvy double delight cyclamen is a cultivar of the persian cyclamen plant, scientifically known as Cyclamen persicum. It is a tuberous perennial with sweet-scented small blooms on long arching stems that rise up from heart-shaped silver-green leaves.

The ‘double delight’ refers to the fact that this cyclamen has fully double flowers rather than the typical single cyclamen bloom. The frilly double blooms look almost like carnations or miniature roses coming up from the base of the plant.

The ‘topsy turvy’ name comes from the plant’s unique growth habit. Unlike regular cyclamen whose blooms sprout straight up, this variety has wavy stems that make the flowers appear upside-down or topsy turvy.

This unusual growth pattern and the fancy double blooms give this type of cyclamen a whimsical charming appearance unlike any other!

Origins of the Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

The topsy turvy double delight cyclamen is a cultivated variety of Cyclamen persicum, which is native to the Mediterranean region. Persican cyclamen have been popular houseplants since Victorian times and have been extensively hybridized over the years.

The exact origins of the topsy turvy double delight variety are unknown, but it likely first appeared sometime in the 20th century. Double flowered cyclamen mutants have arisen spontaneously many times, and the tangled growth habit may have also occurred naturally or been intentionally selected.

Whatever its exact origins, this variety combines the uniqueness of double blooms and a topsy turvy growth pattern to create a one-of-a-kind cyclamen.

Appearance and Characteristics

The topsy turvy double delight cyclamen has the following defining features:

• Tuberous roots – Like all cyclamen, this plant goes dormant in summer, storing energy in its round corm-like tubers.

• Heart-shaped foliage – The leaves are silver-green with pretty marbled variegation. They sprout from the tuber and spread out low to the ground.

• Topsy turvy stems – Flower stems twist and arch in wavy patterns, making the blooms appear upside-down.

• Double flowers – Each bloom is packed full of extra petals for a rose-like pompom shape. Colors range from white to pink to red.

• Delightful fragrance – The flowers have a sweet, pleasant scent.

• Long bloom period – Flowers keep coming for up to 2 months in winter.

• Compact size – Plants stay under 8 inches tall and wide, ideal for containers.

The topsy turvy growth combined with abundant double blooms give this cyclamen variety a playful, whimsical look. The long bloom season provides months of enjoyment.

Growing Conditions for Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

Though they look delicate, topsy turvy double delight cyclamen are surprisingly easy to grow indoors or outdoors in the right conditions:

• Cool temperatures – They thrive in temperatures between 40-50 °F at night and 60-70 °F during the day. Protect from frost and temperatures above 80 °F.

• Indirect sunlight – They prefer bright, filtered light rather than direct hot sunlight. A north or east window is ideal indoors.

• Humid conditions – Average home humidity is often too low, so increase levels around the plant by using a pebble tray.

• Well-drained soil – Use porous potting mix and avoid letting the plant sit in water.

• Even moisture – Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out, but don’t let pots get soggy.

Give them cool, bright, humid conditions and they will reward you with months of blooms!

How to Grow Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

Follow these tips for successfully growing this charming plant:

• Plant tubers in late summer, in pots just larger than the tuber. Barely cover with soil.

• Place in a sunny east or north window and maintain indoor temperatures around 60-70°F.

• Keep the soil lightly moist but not saturated. Water by soaking the potting mix from the bottom.

• Mist the leaves frequently and place the pot on a pebble tray for humidity.

• Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage more flowering.

• In spring, allow the plant to dry out and go dormant for the summer. Store the tuber in a cool, dry spot until fall.

• When growth resumes in fall, repot in fresh soil if needed and return to bright, cool conditions indoors.

Follow this seasonal care and your cyclamen should rebloom every winter for years to come!

Tips for Growing Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

Here are some additional pointers to help your topsy turvy cyclamen thrive:

• Avoid drafts and heating vents which can damage the foliage.

• Use distilled or rainwater rather than tap water which may contain salts.

• Add peat moss or compost to the potting mix to maintain the needed acidity.

• Fertilize monthly during bloom season with a houseplant or flowering plant fertilizer.

• Propagate by carefully dividing the tubers during dormancy.

• Watch for pests like aphids and mites which can distort growth.

• Don’t let temperatures drop below 40°F which can trigger dormancy.

Follow these tips to keep your cyclamen flowering and growing strongly in your indoor garden!

Why Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen are So Popular

The topsy turvy double delight cyclamen offers several qualities that make it a stand-out houseplant:

• Unique appearance – The frilly, upside-down flowers are unlike any other houseplant.

• Long bloom period – Up to 2 months of flowers in dreary winter weather.

• Compact size – Fits anywhere and great for tabletops and small spaces.

• Lovely fragrance – Sweet scent fills a room.

• Low maintenance – Easy indoor care compared to many flowering plants.

• Charm and whimsy – Brings a sense of playfulness to any space.

• Stress relief – Caring for plants reduces anxiety and improves mood.

The combination of an unusual look and optimistic blooms makes this a top choice for many gardeners and plant lovers. It brings joy and relaxation to indoor spaces during cold winter months.

Where to Buy Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

You can find these special cyclamen at many retail and online outlets:

• Local nurseries and garden centers, usually in the houseplant section. Look for blooming plants in fall and winter.

• National chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart typically carry them seasonally.

• Online at Amazon, ProFlowers, 1800Flowers, and specialty nursery sites.

• Local farmers markets often have vendors selling seasonal flowering houseplants.

• Ask your local greenhouse if they can special order them for you.

Supplies are limited to the flowering season, so shop early for the best selection. Buying from a reputable grower ensures you get a healthy plant that will flower beautifully.

Enjoy the Unique Charm of Topsy Turvy Double Delight Cyclamen

With its fanciful flowers and easygoing nature, the topsy turvy double delight cyclamen is an ideal flowering houseplant to brighten up your winter. Add one to your collection and enjoy its playful presence indoors. Just provide the basic care it needs, and this charmer will reward you with months of delight.

Warning: Cyclamen can be toxic to pets if ingested. You know your pet better than I do, so if they like to eat plants, either don’t give them this one or keep the plants away from them.