RESTING PLANTS 49 



the coldest weather, it is just the place in which to put 

 such plants as show a desire to rest. 



The absence of light, heat and moisture at the 

 roots enables the plant to become dormant and remain 

 so till it is brought up after its resting spell. It is 

 doing what the plants outside are doing, taking its 

 annual sleep. Assist it to make this rest as complete 

 as possible. Give only enough water to plants in the 

 cellar to prevent the soil from becoming dry. The cool 

 temperature, absence of light, and dormant condition 

 of the plant makes but little water necessary, and it 

 will not be advisable to give any in many instances, 

 after putting the plants in the cellar, though most will 

 require it in small quantities. This must be decided 

 by examination. If hard wooded, shrubby plants drop 

 their leaves while taking their rest, it is nothing that 

 need give you alarm. The shrubs in your garden drop 

 theirs also, but when they begin to grow next season 

 they soon make up for what they have lost. Your 

 house plants will make up for lost foliage when you 

 bring them up in spring and give them a chance to 

 grow. If you have no cellar in which to put your 

 plants, you cannot give them that complete rest which 

 they require, but by withholding water and stimulants, 

 you can bring them to a standstill as far as growth 

 is concerned, which will be a partial rest, and which 

 will be much better than none at all. 



