Indoor gardening expert Esther Filson explains what cyclamen and lady palm (Rhapis) need to grow and prosper as houseplants. With a room that stays between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, you can grow a variety of plants. Cyclamen, a tuberous-rooted perennial, requires bright light and cool temperatures. Soil should be rich in humus and fast draining and must remain moist during the plant's active growth period. These plants are best watered from the bottom. To do so, set the plant in a basin of water for 15 to 20 minutes when the soil is just beginning to feel dry to the touch. Add water-soluble fertilizer to the soaking solution to prolong the bloom period. Allow the plant to drain before placing it back on its saucer. Provide additional humidity by placing gravel in the saucer. Rhapis (lady palms) are very slow growing and may live more than 100 years with proper care. They require indirect bright light. Apply a balanced fertilizer regularly May through August. Lady palms are expensive, but they're tough and pest-resistant.
| 
)
)
