Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 January 1875 — Hints to Amateur Florists. [ARTICLE]

Hints to Amateur Florists.

There are many who are investing in plants who have had little or no experience, and to such a few hints may not come amiss. 1. Plants taken from the warm, moist air of a propagating house should be wrapped in thin, soft paper, left open at the top until they have become acclimated to the change. Hie leaves should be sprinkled on the under and upper sides with awisp broom, studiously avoiding cold draughts of air. 2. The best time for watering plants is toward evening, as in the summer time the evaporation is not so rapid during the night ; whereas if watered only in the morning they so soon dry off that they do not get the full benefit of the evaporation process which supplies the place of dew, and they will look more fresh and vigorous. 3. The idea entertained by almost every amateur flower-grower that a large amount of earth is required for the health and vigor of the plant is very erroneous, and is called by experienced florists over-potting, and is< laden many times with serious results to plant life; for the soil in pots, boxes, tubs, etc., does not have the action of the element to neutralize the acid or equalize the chemical compounds that are used up or generated to excess when thus confined, as the soil often becomes sour and sodden, and necessitates the speedy removal of the plant into fresh soil, to prevent decay of the roots. Soil best adapted to nearly every plant grown in pats is good sandy loam. Good garden soil that has been enriched until it is soft -nd mellow will answer every purpose; but if neither of these can be obtained, procure leaf-mold from the woods, swamp muck and sand, equal darts thoroughly mixed, and this will make a most desirable compost. The addition of a small quantity of wood ashes or lime will destroy and prevent worms. 4] 4. In repotting, care should be taken not to injure the roots. To prevent this, set the pan into a pot of water until the ball of earth around the roots is saturated; then place the hand over the top of the pot, turn bottom upward, rap the rim of the pot on the .bench or stand, and the whole will fall out. Have ready another pot, one or two sizes larger, and turn into, it the plant, supplying sufficient soil to fill up again, carefully shaking so that the roots nex't to the sides of the pot will be supplied. This process only needs repeating from once to twice a year; but if you want flowers you must keep your plants root-bound in a measure. This your judgment must decide. 5. Plants kept in a sitting-room where frequent sweeping has to be done should be covered until the dust has settled, as dust upon the foliage injures the plant by retarding its growth and bloom, as leaves are to plant life what lungs are to animal life. 6. Where scale or red spider have accumulated, as they will in warm, dry atmosphere or in dark situations, whaleoil soap suds showered over the leaves, and sponged off on the under side, or turning the bottom up and dipping the whole down into the decoction, will re move the pests. Where plants are crowded into too small space, they will generate the aphis or green fly, and the thrip and mealy bug. Smoking or washing the plants thoroughly will destroy these also. 7. Above all give your plants plenty of fresh air and all the sunshine possible. But few plants will grow in the shade, and this class, is mostly confined to the Begonia family and a few varieties of vines; among them are the smilax and common ivy.— Cor. The Farmer (England).