[Optimistic Gardener]

Hi
I've got a north facing porch and in it I have a small wire rack which I plant up with three pots of seasonal plants depending on the time of year.  Only a month ago I put in 2 red and 1 pink cyclamen.  Already they've gone mouldy and seem to be dying.  Does anyone know why this might be?  Also, could anyone suggest alternatives that might survive instead?
Thanks very much

[New shoot]

Cyclamen are a bit prone to rotting in the centre unless you deadhead thoroughly and check for manky leaves at the base.  When you deadhead, put a finger onto the corm at the base and pull the flower stalk right out with your other hand.

Got a bedding department full of them at work, so spend many a happy hour cleaning and deadheading them.  It is seriously one of my favourite daydreaming away in my own little world jobs 

They are also much better watered from the base and kept on the dry side 

You could try pot primroses, which are a bit hardier.  Still have to watch for dead flowers though as they fall into the middle and start the leaves going nasty 

[Optimistic Gardener]

Thanks New Shoot.  If they've already started going mouldy is it worth saving them or shall I just ditch them and try the primroses you suggest?

[New shoot]

I would give then a really good clean and see what happens.  They do prefer cooler conditions, so now temperatures have dropped, they may rally round once the dead leaves and flowers are cleared away

If the corms are soft or they are riddled with mould through the centres, they have had it I'm afraid.