i8o 



HOUSE PLANTS 



such as a draught blowing across them from 

 an open window or door; and the sudden 

 falHng of the temperature of the room will 

 cause a chill; the leaves then turn brown and 

 possibly they will die in a short time. To 

 recuperate such plants will need a year or 

 so in a greenhouse under the care of a skilful 

 grower. 



Palms need lots of water, but the soil must 

 never become water-logged. If plenty of 

 drainage is given in the bottom of the pot, 

 and sand and charcoal added to the soil, 

 there will be no danger of over-watering 

 for the surplus will drain away quickly. 



Keep the leaves of the palms clean by 

 passing a damp sponge over the surface each 

 day. If the plants are not too large to 

 handle conveniently, carry them to the sink 

 or bath tub and syringe them with clean 

 water. Be sure to syringe the under side 

 as well as the top, for this will prevent the 

 red spider and the thrips from gaining a 

 foothold on the plants. 



i RAISING FROM SEED 



Palms may be grown from seed in the 

 window garden without any more care than 



