28 HOUSE PLANTS 



inability to make a new root system rapidly, 

 and so take hold of the new soil. 



FEEDING vs. REPOTTING 



Soft-wooded plants, like geraniums and 

 coleus, I would much rather feed with liquid 

 fertilizer than repot during the winter; 

 although, if the plants are growing, they 

 may be shifted to slightly larger pots without 

 injury. Should you desire to repot the 

 plants, do so before the roots circling about 

 the inside of the pot become woody; after 

 they have matted but while still white and 

 succulent. 



HOW TO "knock out'* 



To remove the plant from its pot, take the 

 pot in the right hand and place the stem of the 

 plant between the index and middle fingers 

 of the left hand; then invert it and strike the 

 edge of the pot sharply against the edge of 

 the bench. The ball of earth and roots will 

 slide out easily, unless the earth is dry; in 

 that case, before attempting to remove the 

 plant, immerse it in water until the earth 

 has become damp. 



Now, with the right hand, disentangle and 



