82 HOUSE PLANTS 



applying beefsteak and castor oil to the roots, 

 to coating the leaves of such plants as rubber 

 trees and palms with milk or olive oil. 



I never could understand why plants 

 should need castor oil; in fact, it is a decided 

 detriment, for it will clog the soil. When 

 the plant begins to look sickly, look at once 

 for the conditions which have caused it; it 

 may be one of the causes mentioned in this 

 chapter. There is a popular fallacy that if 

 iron filings are put in the soil in which sickly 

 plants are growing, their youth will be re- 

 newed. There is sufficient iron in any soil 

 for plants, and any addition to the soil will 

 be only a waste of time and money. 



I can readily understand why wiping off 

 the leaves with milk or other oily substance is 

 resorted to; it makes the surfaces of the leaves 

 shine. Every time this is done it is at the 

 expense of the plant's health, for the fatty 

 substance will surely clog the pores of the 

 leaves, retarding or completely stopping 

 the transpiration. The leaf of a healthy 

 rubber plant or palm will shine if the dust 

 is wiped off each day. This should 

 always be part of the daily routine in the 

 care of house plants. 



