26 THE CULTURE OF POT-PLANTS 



and so forth. One common mistake should be avoided. 

 A large quantity of food is as bad for a plant crippled by 

 disease as it is for a sick human being. When a plant is 

 making little or no growth it cannot use much food, and, 

 as stated elsewhere, any excess in the soil becomes a poison. 

 Of course, enfeeblement as the result of starvation is a 

 different matter, but it should not be difficult to diagnose ; 

 and even then food should not be given in large amounts 

 any more than it should be to a starving man. There cannot 

 be any definite rule in such matters. The important point 

 is to watch the effect. If a plant responds to food — if it 

 grows all the better for a little — the amount may be slightly 

 increased the next time ; and if there is a further improve- 

 ment, it may be increased again. But it is easy to give 

 too much, and it is safer to give too little, especially to 

 flowering plants. 



