206 HOUSE PLANTS 



good results. For most of the ferns a little 

 leafmould may be added, but I would not 

 add any to the soil in which the sword ferns 

 are to be grown. Pack the soil fairly firm 

 about the roots but do not make it hard. 

 The soil in which ferns are growing must 

 never become dry, neither must it become 

 water-logged. It is a common assumption 

 that, because ferns grow naturally in damp 

 places, they cannot be over-watered, but 

 while the soil in which ferns thrive outdoors 

 may be very damp it is always well drained 

 and aereated. 



Keep the roots cool. This can be easily 

 done by placing the pots in jardinieres or 

 vases and packing damp sphagnum moss 

 about them. If you want to use the plant 

 for table or other decoration it can be 

 removed from the receptacle, used in the 

 decoration, and returned when the occasion 

 is over. 



Keep the leaves of the ferns clean. This 

 is best done by syringing them with clear 

 water on all bright days. If done on dull 

 days, there is some danger of the fronds 

 turning black. 



Thrips, red spider and mealy bug are very 



