The cultivation of room plants constitutes a most interesting 

 phase of gardening, and it is wonderful that so little is known 

 about it considering its simplicity. From the appearance of the 

 average room plant one would be inclined to write it down as 

 short-lived ; whereas just the opposite is the case with, at any 

 rate, the foliaged group, which are by far the most sought after 

 of those generally employed. 



The chief causes of failure are : purchasing from a wrong 

 source, injudicious treatment — in either watering, the application 

 of stimulants in too great quantities or at inopportune times- 

 bad potting, too frequent shifts, attempts to increase the stock, 

 frost, draught, dust, and bad drainage. There are comparatively 

 few insect and other enemies to room plants, and those which 

 are in evidence are easily dealt with. Soil, of course, is a factor 

 in their culture, and one that is also but little understood. 



It may be well to say here that the application of the term 

 " room plants " is in its widest sense, and meant to apply to 



