Question
I have a beauty.  I live in Indiana in an apt. can't leave it in it's container outside below 45 degrees.  Have brought it inside but read that it needs to be kept at this temp. with floresant lighting 14 hours a day.  I thought maybe to take wood cuttings to propogate several plants for spring.  Can you tell me how?  Or do you have info on keeping it in the container in house?  My bedroom is always cold but not as cold as 45 degrees.  It has been in 1 week and is dropping leaves like crazy and all the blooms.  Just can't get enough sun in this apt.  Suggestions please???

Answer
Linda,

It is not necessary to keep it right at 45 degrees. Your cool bedroom should be just fine. It is necessary to give it as much light as possible. You need to keep it next to a south or west facing window with the drapes and blinds open all day long and a flourescent light fixture no more than 12 inches above the top of the plant and on for 14 hours a day (7 am to 9 pm). It is light that it needs the most, not cold temperatures. It also needs to be kept on the dry side. Not totally dry but watered at least less than half of what you gave it during the summer. I suggest that you get a water meter, they are around $10.00- $15.00 at most garden centers. Give it enough water to raise it to nor more than moderate water and do not water it until the meter says it is dry. I am also in Indiana, just north of Fort Wayne. Where are you?

If you have more questions feel free to write me again. Good luck.

Darlene Kittle
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