PALMS 139 



To sjrow the Palm well it is essential that we 

 give it sjood soil, good drainage, and proper care. 

 It seems to do best in a soil of loam containing some 

 clay. Its roots are strong and fkshy, and like to 

 feel themselves firmly supported liy the soil in which 

 they grow. These roots have a tendency to run down, 

 instead of spreading out, and the best pot for a Palm 

 is a deep one rather than a broad one. It is a difficult 

 matter, however, to find such pots, but good substitutes 

 for them are furnished by the tubs and boxes sold by 

 leading florists. 



Good drainage is of the greatest importance. If it 

 is not provided, surplus water will be retained about 

 the roots of the plant, and this will lead to souring of 

 the soil. This condition always brings on an unhealthy 

 action of the roots, the result of which is soon seen 

 in the yellowing of the tips of the leaves. By and by 

 the entire leaf turns brown, and has to be cut away. 

 When four or five leaves have been lost in this way, 

 the average plant is past its usefulness for decorative 

 purposes, for most varieties produce leaves so slowly 

 that they can never afford to lose many of them. I 

 find that more trouble in growing this plant satisfac- 

 torily originates from poor drainage than from all 

 other causes. Therefore, the amateur should be sure 

 to see that each pot has at least three inches of broken 

 crockerv, brick or charcoal in the bottom of it, to 

 prevent the soil from washing down and clogging the 

 hole in it. A layer of sphagnum or cocoa fiber over 

 the drainage material, before filling in with soil, is of 

 great benefit, as it will prevent the water from carrying 

 down soil enough to close the cracks and crevices, 

 while it will in no way interfere with the passage of 

 surplus water. 



Great care must be exercised as regards watering. 

 As most decorative plants are used at some distance 



