14 



POTTING PLANTS 



I WATERING. 



plants reset in the same pots. By this means a 

 growth is produced that seems inadequate to the 

 size of the pot. This method may be practised by 

 those who have a limited space for plants or have 

 no larger pots to shift into. 



WATERING. 



This is the chief regular attention the house 

 plant demands. No general rule can supply the 

 place of that observation and experience which en- 

 ables those accustomed to the care of flowers, to 

 readily determine the exact wants of each plant. 

 As much care should be exercised not to over water, 

 as to guard against excessive dryness. If the soil 

 sours by being kept in a sodden state, it should be 

 replaced with fresh, or the plant is ruined ; this con- 

 dition of the soil is equally as fatal to the working 

 roots as extreme drouth. 



When the surface of the soil appears dry and will 

 readily absorb water the plant needs it. The ap- 

 plication should then be sufficient to saturate the 

 entire soil, not merely the surface. No more water 

 should be given until the surface of the soil again 

 appears dry. An exception must be made to this 

 rule in the case of bulbs, when forcing for bloom, and 

 all semi-aquatic plants, which will admit of water 

 standing in the saucers and a soil kept constantly 

 saturated. 



Plants in bloom and vigorous growth, always re- 

 quire more water than when in a dormant state. 



