It isn't hard to have blooming orchids in a bay window, green foliage climbing the poles of room dividers or billowing from hanging planters, herbs on the kitchen windowsill, or hyacinths filling the room with fragrance and the feeling of spring.

Unfortunately, it also isn't hard to have wilting, dying, sad-looking failures.

Much as today's homes need plants, a house can be a hostile environment: low light, desert-like dryness, heat, drafts, and gardeners whose busy schedules lead to infrequent waterings compensated by overwatering.

The conditions you offer your houseplants often mean the difference between their success and failure.