144 HOT-HOUSE — OF REPOTTING, ETC. {^Mavch. 



MAECn. 



If this department has been regularly attended to, the 

 plants will be in a fresh healthy state. Where there is any 

 sickly appearance, heat has been deficient, or insects of a de- 

 structive character are preying upon the plants. Too much 

 water at the root frequently causes the foliage to become 

 yellow. Regular syringing must be continued in the morn- 

 ing, and it is highly necessary that the water that is used 

 should be of the same temperature as the house; and at all 

 times, whatever water is given to the roots, the same must 

 be observed. For airing, see last month, observing, as the 

 season advances, to increase the quantity. 



Continue to fumigate when any of the Green-fly appears 

 (see January ioY directions), and where there are any of the 

 plants infected with the white scaly insect, clean them as 

 there directed. If overlooked for a few months, they will 

 be increased tenfold. Very frequently, where there are only 

 a few, they are neglected until the plant is overrun with them, 

 and then it may be said it is impossible to dislodge them 

 entirely. Clear off all decayed leaves from the plants which 

 will have made fresh shoots, for the decayed leaves very 

 much disfigure the whole collection. We would not have 

 repeated this observation if it was not an essential point, and 

 one which is so frequently neglected* 



OF REPOTTING PLANTS. 



Many of the young plants that are growing freely, and 

 where they may be desired to grow to a large size, should be 

 frequently repotted to encourage their growth. Gesneria^ 

 Gloxinia, and others previously mentioned, must have larger 

 pots, as they require it. Flowering bulbs of Amari/Uis may 

 be brought into the heat to make them bloom early ; before 

 they begin to grow, divest them of the old soil, and put 

 them into fresh : this is particularly necessary, when the 

 bulbs are already in large pots. By thus renewing the soil, 

 the pots can be used much smaller : they require plenty of 

 drainage in the pot, and agree best with soil No. 12. 



