Rensselaer Union, Volume 10, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 July 1878 — Watering Pot Plants. [ARTICLE]

Watering Pot Plants.

In the operation of watering potted plants persons not practically familiar with plant culture are apt to make serious mistakes. It may be said that writers are always harping on this theme, but it is one to which attention cannot be too frequently drawn. Our mind reverts to the subiect because only a few days ago we saw a lamentable ease, where some valuable plants had been completely destroyed through injudicious watering. Cultivators find by experience that an excess of water at the roots is very injurious to almost all plants, and hence it is usual to direct that great caution be used in the application of water, especially in the winter. The result is that frequently the opposite extreme is fallen into, to the great injury of the plants. From the moment that the soil becomes so far dried that the fibers of the root cannot absorb moisture from it the plants begin to suffer. Some plants can bear this loss of water with more impunity than others; some again, and the erica family among the rest, are in this way soon destroyed. The object in watering should be to prevent this stage of dryness being reached, at least during the time the plant is growing, and at all times in the case of those of very rigid structure; at the same time excess, which would sodden the soil and gorge the plants, is also avoided. Within these limits the most inexperienced persons may follow sourtd directions for the application of water with safety; but whenever water is given to pot plants, enough should be employed to wet the soil thoroughly, and the difference between plants that require more or less water should be made by watering more or less frequently, and not by giving greater or lesser quantities at one time.— N. T. Herald.