Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 February 1911 — CARE OF HOUSE PLANT [ARTICLE]

CARE OF HOUSE PLANT

PROPER WATERING THE MOST 1 IMPORTANT DUTY. „ ______ Water Should Be of Same Temperature as Room and Not Admlnistered Haphazard—How to Spray the Foliage. Watering is by far the most Important duty In taking care of the indoor garden. Sickly plants, In six cases out of ten, are the result of being watered just whenever the owner happens to think of It. A good percentage of the remainder are caused by an excess of water. Too much is as bad as too little. When over-wa-tered the roots are unable to absorb all the moisture. This causes the soil to become soaked, thus excluding the air. Then the earth becomes sour, the roots decay, and the leaves of the plant turn yellow and fall off. When under-watered, the roots dry up with similar results. All potted plants should be watched. Rub a pinch of the soli between the fingers. If it crumbles up without caking, then you know It Is time to administer water; if it cakes, then there is still enough moisture unabsorbed. The water should be of the same temperature as the room in which the plants are kept and should be clear. People who pour the hot water left the bottom of the tea kettle on their flowers must not be surprised if the roots are scalded to death. The plant should be allowed to stand and drain for some time. Then the excess in the saucer or Jardiniere must be emptied out. When the flowers are in window boxes, by the way, holes should be drilled in the bottoms of the boxes in order to allow the excess moisture to drain off. Syringing is also Important. All plants should be so treated except those whose leaves are covered with hairs. The value of syringing is that it helps to keep the foliage clean, the breathing pores of the plants open and the leaves and stems free from Insects. On warm days this syringing should be done outside, putting the plants where they can get the sun while taking their bath. It is better not to us? a nozzle, but place the thumb over the opening of the hose and spray ttye water so that it may fall on the leaves like rain. In cold weather this should be done in the bathroom. Plants with large and tough leaves, such as palms and rubber plants, need to be sponged from time to time. Do this lightly and don’t rub the leaves.