164 



THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



house -plants. One of the frequent causes of failure in the 

 culture of the Palm is the over -potting and subsequent over- 

 watering. A Palm should not be repotted until the mass of 

 roots fills the soil; then a pot only a size 

 larger should be used. Use ample drain- 

 age in the bottom to carry off excess of 

 water. Although the plants need a moist 

 soil, water standing at their roots proves 

 injurious. A soil composed of well rotted 

 sod, leaf -mold and a little sand will meet 

 their requirements. Among the best p a ims 



Palms for house culture are Arecas, 



Cocos Weddelliana, Latania, Kentia, 

 Chameerops and Phoenix. Cycas may 

 also be regarded as a Palm. 



The date Palm may be grown from 

 seed of the common commercial date. 

 Seed of the other varieties may be pur- 

 chased from leading seedsmen, but, as 

 the seed germinates only under favor- 

 able conditions, and the Palm is a very 

 slow-growing plant while young, the 

 best plan is to purchase the plants from 

 a dealer when wanted. When the 

 plants become weak or diseased, take them to a florist for 

 treatment and recuperation. 



Pandanus, or SCREW PINE. The Pandanus 



utilis and P. Veitcliii are exceedingly ornamental, and are 

 well adapted to house culture. The singular habit of 

 growth, bright, glossy leaves, and the ability to withstand 

 the dust and shade of a dwelling room, make them a de- 

 sirable addition to the house collection. They are propa- 

 gated by the offsets or young plants that grow around the 

 base of the trunk; or they may be increased by seed. If by 

 the former method, the offsets should be cut off and set in 

 sand, at a temperature of 65 or 70. The cuttings root 



A table Palm 



