WATERING PLANTS 13 



under either condition are much more subject to attacks 

 of insects than healthy plants are. 



There is only one rule to be governed by in 

 watering plants, that I have any knowledge of, and 

 f.hat is this: Never apply water to any plant until 

 the surface of the soil looks dry. When you do give 

 water, give enough of it to thoroughly saturate the soil. 

 If some runs through at the bottom of the pot, you can 

 be sure that the whole ball of earth is moist. 



I follow this rule with good results. Of course, 

 like all other rules, it has exceptions. For instance, 

 a Calla, being a sort of aquatic plant, requires very 

 much more water than a Geranium. A Cactus, being 

 a native of hot, dry climates, requires but very little. 

 The florist who is interested in his plants will study 

 their habits, in order to understand the requirements 

 of each, and will soon be able to treat them intelli- 

 gently. He will soon be able to tell at a glance when 

 a plant requires more water. He will know what 

 kinds to give a good deal to, and what kinds to water 

 sparingly. Until he has acquired this ability it is 

 well for him to adhere to the rule given above, for 

 if he follows it he cannot go very far wrong in either 

 direction. Let the water used be of about the same 

 temperature as that of the room in which the plants 

 are. I am often asked which is best, hard or soft 

 water. I have tried both, and see little difference. 



Many persons fail to attain success with plants 

 in baskets and window boxes. Ninety-nine times out 

 of a hundred, the failure is due to lack of water. A 

 basket is exposed to dry air on all sides, and is 

 suspended near the ceiling, as a general thing, where 

 the air is much warmer than below, consequently 

 evaporation takes place more rapidly than from the 

 pot on the window sill. Because it is somewhat 

 difficult to get at, water is not given as often as 



