ness of atmosphere penetrated at noon in the summer when the sun is directly above or 
at “high declination.” Very little shading is needed on the greenhouse in winter. Treated 
thus our plants bloom profusely all winter. Very likely, plants in a south window, any- 
where in the north temperate zone, in winters, will be sufficiently shaded by a thin 
muslin curtain. Remove the curtain on dark days. 
But summer sun is much stronger. One must give more shade. It should not, how- 
ever, be too heavy. The plants need much light. The color of the foliage will tell you 
what they can endure. When healthy plants have light, yellowish foliage they probably 
receive too much sun. Medium green is about right. Very dark green foliage indicates 
insufficient light and Jack of flowers corroborates it. 
Humidity. Saintpaulias bloom better in a relative humidity of 60% to 70% altho 
they live and appear healthy at a much lower degree. At this moment the humidity of 
our violet house is 62%. In our kitchen, it is 28% at 80° temperature. In other rooms it 
would be lower. Heated rooms are likely to be 25% relative humidity or less, at times. 
It would be uncomfortable for us to live in a room sufficiently humid for violets. One 
can localize a higher humidity around the plants by setting the pots over a saucer con- 
taining gravel and sand and filled with water which does not quite touch the pots. Mrs. 
Rector’s book, “How To Grow African Violets,” (see Garden Reference Books) suggests 
a tray made from a chick feeder, with wire guards removed. Many sizes are available at 
feed stores. In the bottom place sand, gravel or coke with water. Plants set in these trays 
will have a sufficiently humid atmosphere. Most of our houses would be more comfortable 
for us if the humidity were higher in winter. 
Pests. Be sure to keep your plants free of insect pests. One of the most common on 
house plants is the mealy bug. Examine plants frequently for pests. Mealy bugs look like 
tiny specks of cotton. One way to remove and kill them is to use a bit of cotton on end 
of a toothpick. Dip the cotton in alcohol and pick off the bugs. Do not touch foliage 
with the alcohol. Hexotine, used as a spray or dip is effective. A badly infested plant 
should be discarded or at least removed from vicinity of all other house plants. Hexotine 
and all effective insecticides are very poisonous. You must not breathe the fumes. You 
must avoid skin contact. | 
Cyclamen mites are most destructive. The center of an infected plant takes on an 
abnormal appearance and changes to a different color, usually grey. It becomes rough in 
appearance and young foliage is misshaped. Mite spreads to all the plants and effective 
measures must be at once applied. An effective measure is to immerse entire plant and 
pot in water at 110° for 15 min. Keep water at this temp., adding more hot water. Wash 
shelves and pot saucers with ammonia solution. Repeat the treatment one month and 
again two months later. 3 
We offer Hexotine under Garden Supplies. Used according to directions this spray 
is an effective control of mite. Several sprayings at 7 to 10 day intervals will be needed. | 
It may cause temporary loss of flowers. The spray must be used at once when mixed. 
Prepare only enough for 15 minutes use. Plants may be dipped in solution of 2 teaspoons- 
fuls to one gallon of water. 
Sodium selenate will keep plants free of all insects. It is a dangerous poison. Dis- 
carded soil must not be placed in a vegetable garden or under a fruit tree as it may thus 
poison those who eat the fruits or vegetables. The method of use is described in the 
‘African Violet books which we list. Read them both on this topic. Space does not permit 
a full discussion here for this or some of the less destructive pests and diseases. 
In the following list you will find most of the latest and best. If one that you want 
is not listed we may have it in too small a quantity to list. Please inquire. Names in. 
parentheses are synonyms of the listed name or the name of originator. When you order 
we advise that you name a few substitutes. Our stock is small on a few varieties, especial- 
ly the newest ones which are often hard to get promptly. 
Azure Beauty. Double. The most beautiful and the most popular of the ney Raa 
bow Series, by Ulery. Large, white flowers with lavender or blue markings in center and 
on edges. Available March. $2.50. 
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