34- Parlor-Plants. 



wet : a common small water-pot with a fine rose will answer every pur- 

 pose. Sponging, which is better for plants with hard, glossy foliage, 

 should be done with a soft sponge or a bit of flannel. 



In every case where water is applied to a plant, either at roots or 

 branches, it should be of the temperature of the room where the plant 

 grows. Rain-water is preferable to any other ; and, where hard water only 

 can be obtained, it should be allowed to stand some hours before being 

 applied to the plants. In sponging, where plants are very dirty, lukewarm 

 water may be used to advantage ; but, after the operation, a good show- 

 ering with colder water should be given. The soilv&^di may be much the 

 same for all window-plants, and may be generally described as " good gar- 

 den-loam : " in this most plants will grow well. 



An excellent compost may be made of leaf-mould, well-rotted manure, or 

 old hot-bed and peat, — each one part, with enough sharp sand to keep the 

 soil open. 



D?'ai/iage is of the first importance ; for if the soil becomes wet, sour, 

 and sodden, the plant will not flourish. Broken potsherds are the best 

 materials ; though pebbles, charcoal, and many other articles, may be used. 

 As a general rule, every pot should have at least an inch of drainage at 

 the bottom. ^Ve make no unguarded statement in saying that very few 

 people know how to water plants. The secret is, however, very simple. 

 When you water your plants, do it thoroughly, not administering little drib- 

 lets by which only the surface is wet, but thoroughly saturate all the earth 

 in the pot. Water thus again when necessary, according to the nature of 

 the plant, and as often as required ; but do not allow water to stand in 

 saucers or plates under the pots. Calla-lilies like it ; Dutch bulbs will 

 bear it ; but to most plants it is a lingering death : therefore allow all 

 water which the earth in the pots will not retain to run off. How are we 

 to do this in the parlor? Simply by growing plants in hollow tables lined 

 with zinc, which have been again and again described in tliis magazine, and 

 vdiich is the neatest, cleanest, and prettiest way of growing parlor-plants. 



If we cannot do this, empty all water out of the saucers. 



Air is of vital importance. Many plants are roasted to death. On 

 every fine day, or whenever air abo\'e freezing can be admitted, thoroughly 

 ventilate the room \ but be careful no cold draught blows over the plants. 



