92 GARDENING INDOORS AND UNDER GLASS 
Cuttings may be rooted in early spring in pots, 
plunged in bottom heat. 
The Ivys—The ivys are the most graceful of all 
the vines, and with them the most artistic effects in 
decoration may be produced. I have always won- 
dered why they are not more frequently used, for 
they are in many respects ideal as house plants; they 
produce more growth to a given size pot than any 
other plants, they thrive in the shade, they withstand 
the uncongenial conditions usually found in the 
house, and are among the hardiest of plants suitable 
for house culture. And yet how many women will 
fret and fume over a Lorraine begonia or some other 
refractory plant, not adapted at all to growing in- 
doors, when half the amount of care spent on a few 
ivys would grace their windows with frames of 
living green, giving a setting to all their other 
plants which would enhance their beauty a hundred 
percent. 
The English ivy (Hedera helix) is the best for 
house culture. A form with small leaves, H. Don- 
erailensis, is better for many purposes. And then 
there is a variegated form, which is very beautiful. 
Large cuttings, rooted in the fall, will make good 
plants. Hedera helix arborescens is known as the 
Irish ivy and is a very rapid grower. 
The German ivy (Senecio scandens) has leaves 
the shape of the English ivy, and is a wonderfully 
rapid grower and a great climber. It lacks, how- 
