All hail the houseplant

FESTIVE cheer is quietly gathering so it's the ideal time to brighten your interiors.

- DAVID DOMONEY

A handful of well-chosen houseplants can bring colour, texture and calm as we move into December.

Begin with Cyclamen persicum. Water when the surface of the compost dries, then let excess drain so the tuber never sits in water. Twist off faded stems to keep buds coming.

As days shorten and nights cool, these easy houseplants set buds happily on a bright, cool windowsill. Keep compost moist, letting the top dry before watering, and mist occasionally. Avoid moving the plant once buds form as they can drop. After flowering, let it rest, then resume light feeding in spring.