ROUTINE WORK 137 



WATERING 



is one of the most critical operations of greenhouse work, 

 requiring both knowledge and judgment. The plan of going 

 round with a watering-pot and giving a driblet to every plant, 

 whether it wants it or not, is most injurious. Many a time 

 it happens when leaves are noticed to be flagging that more 

 water is given, when in reality the soil is saturated and the 

 plant is already suffering from over-doses which it has not the 

 power to assimilate. In potting, sufficient space should be 

 allowed below the rim of the pot to hold water. In hot, dry 

 weather this space may have to be filled up two, or even three, 

 times, in order that the soil maybe thoroughly moistened espe- 

 cially when the potting has been as firm as it should be after 

 which it will probably need no more for a day or two. Arums, 

 being water-plants, are all the better for standing in a pan of 

 water during growth, and a drop hanging from the point of 

 the leaf is a sign of perfect health. Heaths, though they 

 must never once be allowed to become dust-dry, will not bear 

 sodden, water-logged soil, which will decay the fine root-fibres, 

 and it is a matter of experience to keep the happy mean. 

 Succulent plants, on the other hand, must be kept dry rather 

 than moist, and in winter, as a general rule, require no water 

 at all, unless they show signs of distress by becoming shrivelled. 

 Almost all plants, however, during their growing season, will 

 take ample supplies, because it must be remembered that all 

 food reaches them in liquid form. When active growth 

 begins to lessen and life shows signs of ebbing, it is better 

 gradually to withhold water. Bulbs, especially those which 

 lose their leaves, require a season of complete rest, and usually 

 have to be kept dry. Cape bulbs, like Nerines and some 

 others, as before, said, enjoy a few weeks of roasting on a 

 sunny shelf or frame the pots being turned on their sides, 



