Temperature 



There was little difference between the degree of success of various 

 plants at different temperatures. The majority of plants were grown at 

 temperatures from 60° - 70° F at night, with some grown at slightly 

 higher temperatures. The Boston fern is more tolerant to warmer tem- 

 peratures than many of the flowering plants, for it will stand 70° F or 

 slightly higher at night without difficulty. 



Feeding 



Six of the 22 growers practiced regular feeding of their plants, and 

 all had appreciable results. Feeding should be practiced on the Boston 

 fern, especially if the plant is allowed to become pot-bound and to re- 

 main in a small pot for several months or more. 



Insect control measures 



None of the plants in this experiment were troubled with insects, 

 possibly due to the fact that all plants were clean when placed in the 

 homes. Mealybug and scale are the most troublesome insects on Boston 

 fern. For control measures see pages 9-12. 



Suggested summer care 



The Boston fern should be grown indoors the year around for best 

 results. Some growers place them on a porch, or in sheltered positions 

 out-of-doors, in summer, but if this treatment is given they should be 

 checked and watered regularly. At some time, during the summer 

 period, this fern should be repotted to new soil, and, if additional plants 

 are wanted, the old plant may be divided at this time. Little or no sun 

 should be given ferns in the summer since they will thrive in indirect 

 light. 



Browallia Speciosa Major 



This Browallia, sometimes called the bush violet, is quite often 

 grown as a garden flower or in window boxes. The flowers are blue, 

 shaped like a petunia but smaller. It is possible to have this plant in 

 bloom the year around. Major conclusions drawn from experiments 

 in trying browallia as a house plant are that it does not need full sun ex- 

 cept in mid-winter, that it needs regular checking and watering, and that 

 it is quite subject to insect attacks, especially attacks from thrips and 

 aphids. 



Of 26 plants used in this study, six or 23 per cent of them failed. 

 The remaining 77 per cent were either satisfactory or excellent. The 

 failures were caused primarily by insects, coupled, in some instances, 

 with neglect, poor light, and night temperatures of 70° F or above. 



Window exposure 



All satisfactory plants received some sun, although full sun was not 

 necessary. Several of the plants growing in northeast and northwest 

 windows and receiving very little sun were among the best in the group. 

 Plants receiving no direct sun or too little light quickly became spindly 

 and stopped flowering. The full sun of a south window in late spring 

 was detrimental in several cases. Many of the successful plants grown 



Twenty-five 



