GERANIUMS 109 



and a small piece or two of charcoal placed in 

 the bottom of each pot will do much to keep 

 the potting-soil sweet for the plant. When 

 potted, Geraniums should have their soil half 

 an inch below the rim-level of very small pots, 

 and an inch or more with larger-sized pots. In 

 this way plenty of water may be received by 

 the plant. 



WATERING 



Many Geraniums have been parched to 

 death, but as many have met their end through 

 an over-zealous watering — indeed, drowned 

 houseplants are not uncommon! Newly pot- 

 ted plants always require to be watered very 

 sparingly, although their soil must not be per- 

 oiitted to become once dry. Soft water — ^rain- 

 water — is always best for Geraniums, but if 

 you have only faucet water at command, use 

 that which has stood in a pail in the sunlight 

 for a couple of hours. In Winter, and also in 

 the Springtime, avoid watering Geranitmis 

 with cold water. The chill of cold water causes 

 them to decline. Also remember that morn- 

 ing is the best watering-time at such seasons. 



