DECORATIVE PLANTS 37 



robust habit, and grows rapidly, but the leaves are 

 more easily injured than those of the feather-leaved 

 varieties. Palms make very little growth while they are 

 in the house. They do not need so much water during 

 the winter, but the soil must be kept moist. During the 

 summer they should be kept out of doors in the shade, 

 and they must have an abundant supply of water so 

 that they will form new leaves. 



Palms should be put into comparatively small pots, 

 which may be increased in size as the plants grow, 

 although they may be kept in good condition in the 

 same pots for several years. In repotting use equal parts 

 of fibrous loam and garden soil. Do not tear the roots 

 apart or place much soil above them. If the plants are 

 not to be repotted for several years, they should be given 

 a rich top-dressing of cow or sheep manure or bone meal 

 and dried blood each year, when they are placed out of 

 doors. One inch of manure or a pint of equal parts of 

 bone meal and dried blood is sufficient for a large plant. 

 Place a layer of soil over the dressing. 



Large plants in halls should be kept in oak or cedar 

 tubs with handles, so that they may be carried to a con- 

 venient place where the leaves can be washed with a 

 sprinkler. In order to keep the floor in good condition, 

 an indurated-fiber flowerpot saucer or a zinc pan should 

 be kept under the tub to catch the drainage. 



