BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 
LEAFLETS 
Series IX Brooklyn, N.Y., October 5, 1921. No. 7 
HOUSE PLANTS * 
It is well to recognise 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 details these 
can often be overcome. The hot, dry atmosphere, the fumes of 
illuminating gas, insufficient light, and great variation in day and 
night temperature, all tend to make their cultivation 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, dracaenas, pandanus, aspidistra, 
and sanseviera are well adapted to withstand adverse conditions. 
In selecting flowering plants, those should be chosen, as far as 
possible, 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 azaleas. Primroses 
and cyclamen will also last quite a long time in good con- 
dition. 
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 
entirely restricted to foliage plants. 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. 
* This leaflet is a revised reprint of Number 12. Series III. 
