I08 HOUSE PLANTS 



These plants are usually flowered in May 

 and June; but by starting them into growth 

 earlier they may be had in flower at Easter 

 time. As soon as the plants have done 

 flowering remove the old flower stalks and 

 set the plants outside in the full sun. Here 

 let them ripen their wood, and gradually 

 withhold water, giving the plants a good rest. 

 In September prune them into shape, cut- 

 ting back as one may fancy, but removing 

 all soft and weak shoots. Then shake the 

 old soil from among the roots, and repot 

 them in a smaller-sized pot than they have 

 been in, one in which you can just get the 

 roots comfortably. Give them a thorough 

 watering, and place them in a deep cold- 

 frame. Here they may be left until late in 

 the fall, so long as they are protected from 

 frosts. In October transfer the plants to 

 the house. In January they will need a 

 shift into the larger pots in which they are 

 to bloom. 



During the midwinter months give only 

 a small amount of water. As they grow, 

 pinch out the shoots, in order to get a well 

 shaped plant; also take out any weak shoots 

 which may start. Discontinue stopping the 



