THE CARE OF PALMS 



tience to make a large plant of it, subject it to 

 a sort of crowding process which brings about 

 results directly the opposite of those aimed at. 

 Instead of developing the plant, we arrest 

 development and make it a sort of dwarf. 

 This we do by our mistaken kindness in treat- 

 ing it to all kinds of fertilizers without taking 

 the trouble to find out whether they suit the 

 needs of the plant or not. We overfeed it and 

 breed a dyspeptic condition, which results in 

 the chronic ill-health that characterizes most 

 of the plants we see. 



Now, the Palm likes a moderately rich soil, 

 but it does not submit kindly to an attempt at 

 forcing its development. It likes to take its own 

 time for that. It likes to grow when it feels 

 like it, and rest when the mood to do so takes 

 possession of it. If you would have fine 

 Palms, you must humor their whims, if whims 

 they are. If they seem inclined to stand still, 

 you make a most serious mistake by trying to 

 force them into activity by the application of 

 rich food. A dormant plant is not in the con- 

 dition to make use of it. Wait until growth 

 sets in, and then apply your fertilizer, but give 

 it in small quantities at first. As development 

 increases, increase the supply of plant food, but 



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