Question
I was given a mini rose in a pot.  After almost killing it by drought, and then almost drowning it, I think I am giving it the proper amount of water.  I have it against a wall of windows in my office.  Everything I've read (in the past day) about growing mini roses indoors says basically "don't".  The only other option I have, however, since I am in an apartment, is a covered porch in a shadowy corner of the apartment complex, and I honestly think the office gets more light than the porch.  (At least fluorescent light augment the window for 9 hours of the day)  I think the temperature inside is realtively cool - I am comfortable generally in a sweater or fleece, and quite cold in short sleeves.  Do I have a shot at this, or should I just find some spot on Rice campus to just plant the thing in the middle of the night or try to give it to someone with a yard?  It was looking pretty sick, and lost it's petals during the first 2 weeks of my adjusting to it, but it looks better now, and has some new growth.  Thanks!

Answer
A little mini rose is really no different than a large garden one and requires the same conditions to grow well. For example it likes full sun for at least 6 hours, being well watered and then let dry out before the next watering, a little rose food (for your mini slow release Osmocote 14-14-14 is ideal and last 6 months) and above all a damp atmosphere. The last is what usually kills any rose grown inside.
To give your rose the "perfect" conditions I would do the following. Makes sure it is in a bigger pot so the roots aren't cramped one that is about 12 inches across is fine.
Place 1 teaspoon of the Osmocote around the base. Water it only once a week then let it dry out. Towards February let it have a 2 month rest( more if the sun doesn't always shine) by just giving it a small amount of water weekly (2 tablespoons) All roses do better with a dormant period. When you think the weather is becoming sunny again, cut the rose back by a third. Simply take a pair of scissors and cut across the plant by a third. Give it more water and top up the fertilizer and it will take off and produce new foliage and flowers for you. If you notice any black spot on the leaves, spray it weekly with 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 quart of water. You can spray more times if necessary. Hope this helps.