arlor Gardening 



Dieffenbachias and Alocasias, also some of the stronger-growing 

 Marantas, such as Maranta zebrina, Maranta bicolor and Cal- 

 adium esculenta. 



Bamboos make most effective hall plants when well grown. 

 They also stand shade well. Another favorite which thrives 

 under all conditions is the Aspidistra lurida, and mention should 

 be made of the Aspidistra lurida variagata, whose broad sword- 

 shaped leaves have a fine effect either in a hall or a sitting room. 



The Cocos plumosa, Seaforthia, Corypha australis, Latania 

 Bourbonica, Areca leutescens, and Areca Baurii, also Raphis fla- 

 belliformes (the Japanese cane palm) are all satisfactory in the 

 decorating of apartments. 



In a general way it may be stated that most of the plants 

 which carry thick, leathery, smooth foliage are satisfactory and 

 are easily grown, whereas most of the plants which have thin, 

 transparent foliage, or those of hairy, downy or russety texture 

 do poorly. The dust sticks to the fibres of the thin leaves and 

 to the rough surface of those which have a downy or hairy tex- 

 ture, and, as this dust cannot be washed or sponged off, the pores 

 get choked up and the leaves turn yellow on account of their 

 lungs being clogged, so that unless taken where the air is free 

 from dust the plants will sicken and die. 



Among window plants which stand a little sun and, as a rule, 

 thrive well, may be mentioned the shrubby Begonias, Geraniums, 

 Petunias, and Nasturtiums. Few of the Fern family are happy 

 in the dry air of our apartments, although some of those with 

 leathery, smooth foliage do well for a time. The Boston Fern, 

 (Nephrolepis exaltata), Pteris critica and Pteris argyrea are 

 among the best for this purpose. For shady nooks or verandas 

 many Ferns do extremely well, the Five-fingered Fern and the 

 Woodwardia making excellent growth. 



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