Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-06-03
PLANTS FOR SHADY WINDOWS
By EBEN REXFORD.

BY EBEN REHFORD
1t often happens that the woman
who loves plants has no sunny win
doWs in which to grow them, and, I'M
der the impression that they cannot be
successfully grown without sunshine,
she does not attempt their cultivation,
thus depriving herself of a great deal
of pleasure, especially in the winter.
There is no good reason why the
lover of plants should be without their
company in the winter, provided, Of
course, that the temperature of the
rooms can be regulated to keep out
the frost, and some of the plants that
can be grown in the windows that are
without sunshine are among our most
desirable ones for house culture.
First on the list I would place the
Boston fern. Nearly everyone is ia
miliar with this plant. 1t requires Only
the ordinary attention.
Give it a soil of garden loan, with
enough coarse, sharp sand worked
into it to make it friable, liberal, but
not an excessive amount of water and
a temperature varying several de-
grees above the frost point, and any
one may be reasonably sure of sue
cess with it.
1t does not do very well, however,
in steam-heated, gas-ighted rooms. No
plants will flourish under such condi-
tons, though many will live on indefi-
nitely under them,
The Aspidistra is about the only
plant would dare to recommend to
those living in rooms heated and light
ed as mentioned above.
This plant has an almost. iron con-
stitution, which enables it to withstand
influences that would soon kill most
plants.
1t seems to care nothing for the sun
shine, and therefore is excellently
adapted to cultivation in sunless
rooms.
If not subject to the facilitating eff
feet of steam heat, it will make a
most luxuriant growth, and it's rich,
dark leaves will afford vast amount
of pleasure.
While it is able to withstand IN
favorable conditions better than other
plants, it is always grateful for good
care, and the plants that are cared for
well are always the ones that give the
best satisfaction, keep in mind.
English ivy is an old favorite.
Twined up about a window, it is a
beautiful sight to see. l know of no
vine having more attractive foliage.
It's dark, rich leaves have just the
thick, leathery texture a plant should
have to resist the effect Of dry air and
dust. Dust need never be allowed to
accumulate on it, however.
Dust the vine every day. You need
not be afraid of injuring the foliage.
Some of the finest specimens of it
have ever seen have never had
glimpse of sunshine Give it a soil of
garden loan.
Have its pot we'll drained; water
moderately. Be on the lookout for
scale. If any are generally
along the stalks, but sometimes On the
leaves-wash the entire plant with
soapy water, taking care 20 rub the
infested stalks well.
In order to make it easy tC take the
plant down for cleaning, I would adj
wise putting small screw-hooks in the
window frame to furnish support for
it, rather than fastening them secure
ly to the woodwork. Simply slip the
vine over the hook and it will need no
other support When it is necessary
to take the plant down for any pur-
pose, all one has to do is lift it out of