384 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



After being rooted, they may be potted, using soil with a large propor- 

 tion of sand. Well-established plants may be repotted in good loam 

 and well-rotted manure. They should bloom the second year. 



Oxalis. — A number of hardy species of oxalis are excellent plants 

 for rock-work and edging. The greenhouse species are A^ery showy, 

 growing without extra care, and blooming freely through the late 

 winter and spring months and some of them make excellent window- 

 gardening subjects. 



The house species are mostly increased by bulbs, a few by division 

 of the root. 0. violacea is one of the commonest of house-plants. Give 

 a sunny window, for the flowers open only in sun or very bright hght. 

 The bulbous (tuberous) kinds are treated much as recommended for 

 Bulbs (p. 281), except that the bulbs must not freeze. The tubers are 

 started in August or September for winter bloom. It is best to use 

 deep pots, or the tubers will throw themselves out. The crown should 

 be near the surface. After flowering, the bulbs are dried off and kept 

 until new bloom is wanted. 



The " Bermuda buttercup " is 0. lutea and 0. flava of gardens 

 (properly 0. cernua); it is a Cape of Good Hope species. Its culture 

 is not peculiar. 



Palms. — No more graceful plants for room decoration can be 

 found than well-grown specimens of some species of palms. Most 

 florists' palms are well adapted for this pur23ose when small, and as 

 the growth is usually very slow, a plant may be used for many years. 



Palm plants thrive best in partial shade. One of the frequent causes 

 of failure in the culture of the palm is the overpotting and subsequent 

 OA'erwatering. A palm should not be repotted until the mass of roots 

 fills the soil and preferably when it is active ; then a pot only a size larger 

 should be used. Use ample drainage in the bottom to carry off excess of 

 water". Although the plants need a moist soil, water standing at the 

 roots proves injurious. Withhold free use of water when the plants 

 are partially dormant (page 347). 



A soil composed of well-rotted sod, leafmold, and a little sand will 

 meet the requirements. 



Under ordinary living-room conditions, palms are subject to much 



