BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 
LEAFLETS 
THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 
Series III Brooklyn, N. Y., October 27, 1915. Number 12 
HOUSE PLANTS 
It is well to recognize at the start that many difficulties have 
to be faced before plants can be grown successfully in an ordinary 
dwelling house, but, by giving careful attention to cultural de- 
tails, these can, in most cases, be overcome. The hot, dry atmos- 
phere, the fumes of illuminating gas, insufficient light, and great 
variation in day and night temperature, all tend to make the 
cultivation of house plants a difficult operation. However, in 
spite of these drawbacks, it is possible to grow quite a variety of 
plants in an ordinary house, and one need not be limited to the 
ubiquitous India rubber plant. It is among the so-called 
“foliage” plants that the greatest number of suitable subjects 
for the purpose under consideration are to be found. The Boston 
ferns in variety, dracaenas, pandanus, aspidistra, and sanse- 
viera are all well adapted to withstand adverse conditions. In 
selecting floweriug plants, those should be chosen, as far as pos- 
sible, which make a large part of their growth out of doors. 
Among this class of plants are the forcing bulbs, such as hya- 
cinths, tulips, crocus, and the well-known and indispensable 
azaleas. Primroses and cyclamen will also last quite a longtime 
in good condition. 
The best aspect for the majority of plants is in a window 
facing south or southwest, as there are comparatively few plants 
that will grow satisfactorily without abundance of light. If a 
well-lighted position is not available, one’s choice is almost en- 
tirely restricted to palms and ferns. A bay window on the sunny 
side of a house will provide almost ideal conditions for quite a 
number of plants, and a delightful effect may be obtained either 
by growing them in pots or in boxes constructed to fit the window. 
