1o2 GARDENING INDOORS AND UNDER GLASS 
The plants can be grown as pot plants, or as vines. 
If wanted for the former purpose, keep the sprays 
pinched back at twelve inches, and the roots rather 
restricted. For vines, keep in large pots or boxes 
— always well drained — and keep well fed. 
Asparagus Sprengert in both foliage and habit is 
very distinct from A. plumosus. ‘The leaves re- 
semble small glossy pine needles, borne in long 
sprays, and as it is trailing in habit it makes a unique 
and beautiful plant for stands or baskets. The 
sprays keep well when cut, and make an excellent 
background for flowers. It is now used more uni- 
versally for green by florists than any other plant. 
Either of the above may be started from seed, or 
propagated by dividing old plants, but small young 
plants may be had of the florists at a very low price. 
They need about the same treatment as smilax (see 
page 94), but will do well in a temperature of fifty 
to fifty-five degrees at night. Shower frequently, 
but water only moderately. 
For many years these two varieties have held the 
field to themselves, but recently a new asparagus, 
of each type has put in an appearance. Hatchert re- 
sembles plumosus nanus, but is more compact in 
habit and the leaves are much closer together on the 
stems. If it remains true to type, and is as hardy as 
plumosus, it will replace it, for it certainly is a more 
beautiful plant. A. S. variegata is a very pretty 
“sport”? with the leaves edged white. 
