174 HOME FLORICULTURE 



dry, hot air, and frequent changes of temperature, can 

 be trained in the shade, where it flourishes better than 

 in the sun, and has rich and beautiful foHage, which 

 only requires an occasional washing to look "as good 

 as new," and, like good wine, the plant becomes better 

 with age, if well treated. Truly an attractive list of 

 good qualities, and one which ought to make any 

 plant popular. 



It requires ordinary soil. It should be well 

 drained. Give only enough water to keep the soil 

 moist. Apply liquid manure once a week, or once a 

 month dig a spoonful of bone meal into the soil about 

 the roots. Keep the foliage clean. Unless washed 

 occasionally the scale may take possession of it, and 

 when this happens you will find it a difficult matter to 

 get the plant clean. It is better to go on the "ounce 

 of prevention" plan and get a start of the scale by 

 frequent scrubbings of the stalks and washings of 

 the leaves in soapsuds. 



This is the only vine I know of which can be 

 trained about the room, away from direct light, with- 

 out serious injury to its foliage. It never seems to 

 care for sunlight. Its leaves take on a rich color in 

 complete shade. An old plant, with vigorous branches, 

 well leaved, is a constant source of pleasure because 

 of its cheerful, sturdy look, and the beauty and grace 

 of its foliage and habit of growth. It is charming 

 to train about pictures, or the mirror, or around 

 brackets holding statuary. The aim should always be 

 to keep it in a condition of vigorous health, for if 

 disease sets in it may lose many of its leaves before 

 recovery is brought about, and long, naked branches 

 spoil its pleasing effect. It likes a good deal of water 

 on its foliage, and it must be kept clean if you want 

 its charming masses of rich, dark leaves to show well 

 against the background of wall or curtain. If properly 



