The Amateur's Conservatory 



around the old ball, is quite large enough for a change of pot; 

 for example, if a plant growing in a four-inch pot should require 

 a change, it should have the ball of earth reduced so that it may 

 be repotted in one which is five inches in diameter. Over-potting 

 should be guarded against, as if a Palm or a Fern is given a pot 

 which is too large, a little over-watering sours the soil, and kills 

 the roots. 



In taking a plant out of a pot to put it into a larger one, the 

 pot, in which the plant is, should be turned upside down and the 

 edge of the pot tapped gently so as to start the ball of soil. All 

 the drainage material must be taken from the bottom of the ball. 

 The roots must be carefully examined, and, if they are not in 

 good health and condition, must be cut, with a knife, back into 

 sound wood; any loose soil should be removed, and then the plant 

 can be repotted in a pot a size larger than it formerly occupied. 

 This, of course, is provided the roots are in good condition, as if 

 they are not so, the plant should be repotted in a pot the same 

 size as formerly, and should be kept in that size of pot until the 

 plant forms fresh roots, when it should be repotted in one a size 

 larger. 



The question as to what size of pot should be used for a plant 

 is one which is often asked. This depends not only upon the size 

 of the plant, but also upon what kind of plant it is; for example, 

 whether it is a plant which is a fast, strong grower, or one of 

 slow growth; whether its roots are soft and fleshy, or whether 

 they are of a fine, hair-like texture, etc., etc. Palms, for instance, 

 which carry six leaves, three feet in length, will do better and 

 will be more easily kept in a healthy-growing condition if potted 

 in good soil in a seven-inch pot than if in one which is much 

 larger. 



See Chapter XXII, "The Calendar of Operations," for sug- 

 gestions and detailed instructions as to the work in the Green- 

 house or Conservatory, month by month, throughout the year. 



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