I was given a Cyclemen as a gift in 1992 and up until last year it has flowered well. When its flowers arrived last October the leaves seemed to be coverd in a sticky substence and the flowers started to die. The leaves were also covered with what I can only describe as some kind of mite. My plant is still trying to grow leaves and I keep brushing these "things" off it. Do you know of anything I could use to get rid of these things as I really do not want to loose my plant as it was bought for me by someone who is no longer with us. Thank you

This may well be mites, or could be aphids. Dip the whole above-ground part of the plant in soapy water every three days and it should get rid of the problem. Turn the plant upside down while supporting the soil in the pot, and dunk the leaves and flowers into the soapy water. derek