228 Wisconsin State Horticultural, Society. 



of vigorous growth having heavy, succulent roots, may have 

 at each shift, pots two or three sizes larger; but the kinds 

 ■^vhich naturally grow slowly, and have fine roots, and those 

 perhaps, not very numerous, should be more carefully potted. 

 Only a very little additional soil should be"supplied them at 

 each shift. A large quantity is very liable to become soured 

 by continued watering, and the absence of roots to absorb 

 the moisture, and keep it in circulation. A soured soil is 

 almost certain death to the young roots immediately they 

 enter it. As a safeguard all pots, except the very small ones, 

 should be well drained. In those of four inches and under 

 in diameter, one piece of broken pot or small bunch of moss 

 laid in the bottom will be sufficient; but in larger sizes, a 

 depth of from an inch to three inches of broken pots should 

 be laid in, with a thin layer of moss or fiber from the soil 

 laid over them, to prevent the fine soil from being washed 

 down amongst them, and clogging them. Another mistake, 

 and one frequently the cause of unsuccessful plant culture, 

 is the potting of plants very loosely. All plants, but partic- 

 ularly those having fine roots, should be potted firmly. This 

 is really important, and calls for particular attention. 



Perhaps the most important operation in the house culiure 

 of plants, is the watering of them. This is frequently a 

 great stumbling block to the inexperienced. Some are apt 

 to give too much water, while others are too sparing with 

 it. There is no question relating to plants so frequently put 

 to the fiorist as, "How often shall I water my plants?" and 

 no one better than the experienced plant grower knows how 

 hard it is to reply definitely. It all depends on the kind of 

 plant to be treated, its rapidity of growth, the manner in 

 which it is potted, and the temperature and atmosphere it 

 stands in. Plants in active growth require an abundance 

 of water, the more succulent ones, and particularly aquatics, 

 the most of course; those just starting into growth, and 

 those about to go to rest, should be watered more sparingly; 

 the former should get a gradual increase of the supply, the 

 latter a gradual decrease. What I may term the golden 

 rule in watering plants, is to water them when they actually 

 require it, giving sufficient to thoroughly moisten the soil. 



