Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1914 — TO PROLONG LIFE OF PLANTS [ARTICLE]

TO PROLONG LIFE OF PLANTS

Abundance of Fresh Air Is the First Necessity for Those Kept for indoor Adornment.

Many persons are unsuccessful with house plants because they do not give them enough fresh air. The atmosphere of the ordinary living room is both too dry and too warm for the average potted plant, and the room is usually kept so tightly closed during the cold months that the air is seldom pure.

Plants of all sorts, whether they are raised Indoors or outside, must hqgre an abundance of fresh air. Two or three times a day open some of the windows and allow new air to enter the room. Lower one or two windows an inch or more every day when the outside temperature is not very low. On all mild days in winter throw open all of toe doors and windows. You will be surprised at the difference it will make in the vigor, color and growth of the plants when they do have all the good air they need. Good air, good light, good soil and plenty of moisture are the living requirements of all plants.

,Keep a box of rich earth in the house for repotting plants during the winter. Fresh earth added is always beneficial to plant life. When preparing, heat the earth to kill worms. If you want sturdy house plants give them plant food. Ammoniated bone meal is a good fertilizer for house plants. Beware of the fancy jardiniere. It Is responsible for many decayed roots. All plants with shiny surfaces can be washed with soapsuds containing a little olive oil,

Instead of carrying potted ferns through winter after winter, so that they get worn out, give them an occasional rest. Cut them down close and you will be surprised to see how they will reward you in the spring by leafing out with renewed vigor. To keep a rubber plant in condition, it must have plenty of earth, plenty of water and a shower bath once a week. When it has dried, after the bath, wipe the leaves and sponge them with milk. If your palm is infested with scales, wash the in a weak solution of soapsuds. Aftvr several washings,’ at intervals of a few>jays apart, you will find that the scales will disappear, the palm will look fresh and-green, and make a new growth. An ocuasional bath of this sort will keep it in fine condition.