Evening star., 1942-11-14
Is
important to
House Plants
Drafts and
Dust Also
Harmful
BY Agnes Trimble.

bv Agnes 1 ftmbIe.
A home, whether a house or an
apartment, simply must have the
warm friendly touch Of house plants
during the somber and chilly winter
months.
Unfortunately, most houses are
unfavorable for plant growth. There
is the stuffy dry atmosphere to cope
with, as well as a temperature sew
eral degrees too high, and gas and
other fumes that house plants do
not like. These are only few of
the evil conditions that make grow
ing house plants somewhat of a
problem.
Often there Is too little sunshine
which also complicates matters.
All Of these obstacles should be con-
sidered when selecting plants to
grow indoors. Choose those that will
thrive under the conditions of the
particular location they are to oc-
cupy.
Draughts are another great prob
lem. Even though most plants like
a low temperature. they should never
be exposed to draughts OF cold air
nor should the temperature ever be
allowed to approach freezing. When
the windows are opened, even for
only few minutes, the plants
should be covered-they should also
be covered at night when there is
danger Of their chilling from ex-
tremeiy cold weather.
Dust accumulation on the foliage
is most annoying to the plants be-
cause it interferes with their breath
ing-but this Is easily removed with
damp cloth.
Containers are an important item
to consider. They should be selected
to suit the plant which they are to
hold, and not solely for their deco
rative qualities-if, however, they
are to be used more for decorative
purpose, then select the plant to suit
the container. The container should
be large enough to care for the roots
in a way to insure healthy growth
and good Towering. If, however, the
container is too large there probably
will be fine foliage, but few, If any,
flowers. On the other hand, If BIOS
SONS are to predominant rather than
just fine foliage. allow the plant to
become somewhat rootbound as this
condition slows up plant growth and
has tendency to force more and
better flowers.
Before potting plants, the con-
tainers should be thoroughly cleaned
and pieces of broken crockery or
other drainage material should be
placed in the bottom at least l inch
deep. A little moss placed on the
top of this filling will prevent the
soil from working down and clogging
the drainage.
Fill the container with mixture
of good soil, consisting of one part
each Of compost or leafmold, good
loan and some sand. A very small
amount Of bone meal may be added
to this mixture A good potting soil
may be obtained from the florist If
it is inconvenient to mix it.
Watering is most important for
growing plants successfully indoors.
Study the plants and know the
amount of water required for each
too much is often as injurious as
too little. In mid-winter less water
is required than in the spring and
warmer months. A little manure
water should be given as stimu-
liant every few weeks, or, if this is
too messy and disagreeable, use
nitrate of soda or sulphate of am
monia. about teaspoonful to a
quart of water. Placing containers
in jardinieres or other receptacles is
dangerous practice unless watched
very closely that no water stands In
them, as this may cause rot and
other plant damage.
Washing the foliage now and then
with good soapy water will benefit
the plant as we'll as give 1t clean,
bright, shiny appearance. This soap
and water bath will also remove Or
kill many insects that may be pres
ent.