Overwintering Miniature Rose

I am wintering a miniature rose indoors.  It does not look very healthy.  What can I do to insure success?

Grow your plant in a sunny window.  An unobstructed southern exposure is usually the best.  Add some artificial light if the leaves are stunted, dropping and pale green. 

Keep the soil moist but not wet.  Water thoroughly and allow the excess to collect in a pebble-filled saucer placed below the pot.  This keeps the plant elevated above the water so you do not need to pour off the excess.  It also improves the growing conditions. As the water evaporates it increases the humidity around the plant. 

Monitor the plant for pests.  Mites and aphids may have caught a ride indoors on your rose.  Use a strong blast of water to dislodge many of these pests.  Follow with insecticidal soap or Neem.  These eco-friendly products kill mites and aphids. Repeat once a week until the problem disappears. 

Once the plant begins to produce new growth you can fertilize with a dilute solution of any flowering houseplant fertilizer.  Use fertilizer sparingly during the short dreary days of winter.

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