House Plants To Grow in a Cool Room

Growing Indoor Plants in a Cool Room.
By Wolfdave
More and more people are discovering that growing indoor plants is a very satisfying and rewarding hobby. And because the homes in which we now live are lighter, warmer and more or less draught free, than they used to be, there is less chance of your plants suffering from dramatic changes in temperature throughout the course of the day, or night. So a whole new range of plants from across the world can now be successfully grown indoors.
Five plants you can grow in a cool, shaded room.
Araucaria excelsa (heterophylla)
Sometimes called Norfolk Island pine, or Christmas Tree Plant. This is an attractive conifer. In the wild it can grow up to 200 feet tall. Indoors it reaches 4 – 6 feet and grows very slowly. This easy to grow plant is a relative of the Monkey Puzzle tree. Its branches are arranged in tiers and support green needle-like leaves. Prefers a cool position out of strong sunshine. During summer months, you can occasionally treat the plant by placing it in a shaded spot, outside. Water well in spring and summer. Keep just moist in winter, but do not allow to dry out.
Cineraria
These are late winter and spring-flowering pot plants. They produce daisy-like flowers 1-3 inches wide. These are supported on large leaves. The flowers come in various pastel shades of blue, red, purple, white or mauve. In a typical daisy pattern. The bouquet can be up to 9 inches across. They will flower for several weeks; the flowering period can be prolonged by removing dead flowers. The plant should then be discarded. Feeding is not necessary but may improve the colour of the flowers. Water well to keep the pot constantly moist, standing the pot on a tray of damp peddles will help. Position in a cool, partly shaded location with a humid atmosphere. Keep a watch out for greenfly.
Ficus Pumila
Or Creeping Fig is a relative of the rubber plant. A fast growing creeping/climbing plant, with its tiny heart shaped leaves, and can look stunning. Likes a cool, shady position. To encourage growth, pinch out the tips. Feed in spring and provide good watering. This plant must never be allowed to dry out.
Pteris Ferns
Another easy plant to grow indoors. They will tolerate some strong light although they prefer mostly shade. They need regular feeding and water well, all year round. The P. cretica varieties are attractive plants and these are the ones usually sold at Garden Centres.
Tolmiea Menziesii
Or Piggy-back plant. This little plant has heart shaped, hairy leaves. The plant grows to around 12 inches high, with a spread of 15 inches. Little plantlets appear on the lower leaves in summer; these can be potted up in little pots surrounding the mother plant. Once they have their own roots established, they can then be severed from the parent plant. They prefer a cool shaded position. Plenty of water and regular feeding. Less water in winter.
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