Container 



Roughly, half of the plants were grown in porous pots and half in 

 glazed containers of equal size. The type of container did not affect the 

 degree of success of these plants. 



Feeding 



Eight of the 18 successful plants were fed either regularly or occa- 

 sionally, while none of the unsuccessful plants were fed. With Manettia 

 bicolor, as with most other flowering plants, there is a decided response 

 to regular feeding, especially if the plant is grown for periods of six 

 months or longer or if the plant is not started in a fertile soil. 



Fig. 20 — Manettia is a little known but highly 

 satisfactory house plant 



Insect control measures 



Six growers washed or syringed their plants regularly while three 

 sprayed their plants with insecticides. Of these nine plants that were 

 washed or sprayed only two had any insects when returned. Twelve 

 of the remaining 18 plants were infested with thrips and one was infested 

 with aphis. Some of the plants were infested very slightly, however, so 

 as not to detract from their appearance. Undoubtedly there were thrips 

 present on most of the plants when distributed. Thrips may be con- 

 trolled on manettia by regular weekly washings with a jet of lukewarm 

 water. The plant should be inverted under a faucet and syringed briskly 



Forty-two 



