CHAPTER I 

 General Cultural Notes 



POTTING SOILS. Loam is the principal soil used for most 

 plants. It is a medium mixture of sand and clay. If containing 

 much clay it is made lighter and more porous by adding peat, leaf- 

 mold, and sand. 



It is a surprise to many persons to realize that the soil furnishes 

 only about two per cent of the materials in the plant; the other 

 98 per cent is derived from air and water. The physical condition 

 of the soil is more to be studied than its chemical constitution. 

 For certain plants, such as Rhododendrons and Ericas, lime is 

 injurious, so that the peaty soils are used. Cacti, Agave and like 

 plants prefer sandy soils. Orchids, and many of the aroids prefer 

 a soil consisting principally of fern roots. Charcoal is used advan- 

 tageously to keep the soil sweet. It is used to advantage in potting 

 plants which are to remain in their pots for some time. The best 

 loam is obtained by allowing grass roots to decay by being piled 

 for a year or two. Such soil will be full of fiber. 



For potting, no fresh manure should be used, but should always 

 be allowed to decay so that there is no heat left in it. Cow manure 

 makes the best sort for use. Sheep manure, dried and pulverized, 

 is used frequently for top-dressing plants in pots. Finely ground 

 bonemeal also makes an excellent fertilizer for pots. 



Soil should be used which is just moist and fibrous enough so 

 that it almost hangs together when grasped in the hand, but falls 

 apart easily. All plants are grown in small pots in order to take up 

 as little room as possible; furthermore, if too much soil is available 

 it frequently becomes sour. 



POTTING PLANTS. No rules for potting plants can be laid 

 down which would apply equally to all kinds of plants grown in pots. 

 Different kinds of plants require different treatment in this respect. 

 Some require that the soil be rammed quite firmly about the old 

 ball; these, as a rule, are hard-wooded plants, with fine roots, such 

 as Heaths and Azaleas. Palms thrive best in a moderately well- 



