As with other begonias, the Calla requires regular pruning to keep 

 it decorative. Branches grow out, develop callas and flowers, but event- 

 ually the plant becomes ragged in appearance. Branches past maturity 

 should be removed back to the next branch or to the crown of the plant 

 to stimulate vigorous new growth at that point. A number of growers 

 pruned their plants regularly, while others might have had more dec- 

 orative plants had they pruned off the unsightly parts. 



These begonias are seldom at their best all the time, but tend to be 

 good one month and rather shaggy the next. 



In general they are not difficult to grow, requiring watering and 

 other care not unlike that given the majority of flowering house plants. 



Calla begonias are easier to grow in pots five inches in diameter or 

 larger to prevent excess drying and rapid changes in soil moisture. Ex- 

 cess drying will cause the stems and callas to become brittle and drop. 

 Drying also causes the callas to scorch and brown prematurely . 



Suggested summer care 



.Many different methods of summer treatment are given the wax- 

 leaf begonias. They may be flowered inside or on porches through the 

 summer and then discarded after new plants have been started from slips 

 or seeds. Some growers place the plants in flower beds or borders, others 

 in window boxes. When so treated they may be gradually cut back in 

 late summer and eventually lifted and repotted to be brought indoors. 

 Begonia clumps may be successfully divided into two or more smaller 

 clumps at this time, providing care is taken not to overwater the divi- 

 sions. At the time of division and repotting, if the plants have been in- 

 jured, they are quite susceptible to crown rot organisms. It is well to 

 soak the soil thoroughly when plants are first potted, then to keep them 

 in a cool, shaded place' for a week or longer without further watering. 

 As soon as new growth is apparent, watering may be resumed in the 

 usual manner. The later in the season this repotting is done the less 

 danger from crown rot, as the temperatures are cooler. 



Boston Fern 



The Boston Fern and the many other varieties of Nephrolepis exal- 

 tata are among the most commonly grown of all ferns. The ease with 

 which these ferns are grown, especially in windows that do not get full 

 sun, justifies their popularity. 



Twenty-two plants were included in this experiment and were left 

 in as many homes for periods varying from three to 1 7 months. 



Exposure 



The plants under observation were given all possible exposures with 

 the results shown in the table following: 



Table II 



