IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH 73 



in the bottom and then wonder why the plant 

 is not doing well. 



If by any chance the ball of earth should 

 become very dry, plunge it in a pailful of water 

 and let it stand five or ten minutes — until 

 the whole ball is soaked through. When the 

 air-bubbles cease to rise the ball is gener- 

 ally thoroughly soaked. Pouring water on 

 the top of the soil of a dried-out pot plant is 

 generally useless because the ball contracts in 

 drying and leaves a small space between itself 

 and the pot down which the water will run. 



DUST ON THE LEAVES 



Bathe the leaves frequently to remove 

 dust, which will inevitably settle on them and 

 choke up the pores. When the plant is in the 

 sink or tub a hand syringe can be used to 

 spray the foliage without wetting the floor. 

 If this is inconvenient then carefully rub 

 over the surface of each leaf with a damp 

 sponge. If necessary, a little soap may be 

 used in the water. 



DISTURBING THE ROOT 



Many amateurs do serious injury to their 

 house plants by not leaving well enough alone 



