190 HOUSE PLANTS 



already been described in the chapter on 

 soils, and when the pot has become filled 

 with roots, manure water, or other plant 

 food in liquid form may be given once or 

 twice a week. 



During the summer the rubber plant will 

 receive much benefit from being put out- 

 doors, but if the plant has grown much in 

 the house, do not put it where it will get 

 the full sunshine for the leaves will be 

 burned. Place them where they will get 

 the early morning and late afternoon sun, 

 but be shaded during the middle of the day. 



With recent years, there has been intro- 

 duced into general cultivation another rub- 

 ber tree, Ficus panduratOy which is as hardy 

 as the one already described. It differs from 

 elastica in the shape of its leaves which are 

 fiddle-shaped and much broader, being lined 

 also with creamy-white veins. 



THE BEST FORMAL PLANT 



There is only one member of the pine 

 family which can safely be recommended 

 for house cultivation. This is the Norfolk 

 Island pine {Araucaria excelsa), a plant 

 familiar to all. The foliage is a bright 



