El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1897-03-08
HOUSE PLANTS IN PLACE.
Care That Makes Palms Grow Green and
Glossy-Fashionable Flower.


Glossy-Fashionable Flower.
There is probably nothing quite SO at
tractive for a household ornament as d
healthy, growing plant. Just at this
season of the year the palms and rub.
Der plants, which have been en- oying
a riotous span of life under the smiling
influences of the sunshine all the past
summer. have been restored to their
accustomed places in the house. AS n
rule, whatever these plants have added
10 their girth or height during the
summer will represent their gain for
the year. Their tropical constitutions
are not capable of much eXertion or eX-
pansion during the winter, and the I'M
folding of new leaf is really a matter
of great moment during this period to
those who are fond of watching their
development and growth.
An experienced florist says that con-
trary, perhaps, to the general impress
sion the fall is not the season for re-
potting or slipping rubber plants. The
spring is the time. Reporting of both
palms and rubbers was made neces-
sity in hundreds of cases lately after
the night of the big storm, when so
many fine plants, still adjoining gar
dens, were toppled over. Excepting
for this they would have needed no
change until next spring, for the little
which would have been added to their
size would rot have affected the root.
Palms and rubber plants are in such
general use as house ornaments because
it is comparatively easy to care for
them. Just like human beings, they
are extremely sensitive to changes in
temperature, and should be guarded
against drauGhts. They want sunshine
and light for healthy growth. and de
privGd OF either or both they soon show
failure in beauty and vigor. In the
average house the plant has some tough
experiences. Madam decorates the pot
with silllen scarfs: puts the plant
where the Softened glare of a big lamp
falls prettily on it, but t the same time,
little by little, either scorches or dries
up the plant itself. or it is placed with
all due regard to light and sunshine in
a window recess. where every wind that
blows sends a shivering and chilling
sensation to its very heart. If all the
conditions of sun and light, with an
equable temperature, are in the plants
favor, besides keeping the roots slight
~ moist, it is necessary that the leaves
of both plants and rubbers should be
kept free from dust by washing them
off carefully every day with a sponge
or soft cloth in lukewarm water. AZ
tention of this kind need not take much
time. and the appearance of the plant
in its glossy green will be ample COM
pensation.
Unless fortunately protected by
IL
bers nor palms, if still outdoors. could
have survived the recent frosts. There
Will be many mild days vet. and. in fact
off and on all winter when they could be
exposed without danger. but. as rule,
it is best to keep them indoors and run
no risks, for it takes a. long time for
plant to regain its vigor after blight,
it be freezing or a scorchinr
one.
The chrysanthemum will not be queen
of the floral realm this fall. Orchids.
in beautiful colorings and shapes. will
be the proper thing for all decorative
work for those who can afford such Il
costly luxury.
Roses are beautiful just now, whether
it be the last one, blooming alone" or
whether one views a collection in
florists storehouSe. The American
Beauty holds her own as queen of the
mall, and will be just as popular tins
winter as ever. While moderately
costly just now, when the gay season
begins and social events succeed each
other with giddy rapidity, the price
will mount higher and higher, until il
is far beyond the reach of the ordinary
being. The modest violet is on hand
also, and holds its own. Bridal bou-
quets are just as popular made of lilies
Of the valley as of bride roses, and pos
sibly are more artistic. Valley lilies
can be had now, but the fashionable
thing is, of course. the orchid.-Wash~
ington Star.