Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-12-27

a number of years ago-in De.
eemoer' 1861 devoted an ar.
slole to the care of gift plants
since that date requests ex-
panied and many newcomer,
s, doubtless appreciate a
similar article. So here is ., new
ana revised version giving sug-
sestlons for care of Christina
plants. ''''a'
NO matter how carefully a
plant has been grown by the
greenhouse man or florist, if it
does not receive proper care in
the home. full enjoyment can
aoe De secured from the plant.
Sooo care should enable you to
keep your holiday plants in good
health for some time.
PoINsETT1As: This plant re-
cures a warm, even temperature,
olrect sun, and should be kept
moderately wet. A sudden change
IN temperature, a draft or dry
ness will result in loss of foliage
almost Immediately. With proper
care, the poinsettia should bloom
until about January 10. After
the blooms have faded, cut off
the top, and store the pot in
cellar or some dark place where
the plant can be kept dry. About
the latter part of April, repot,
using a plant food in the pot
ting soil; place in a sunny VIM
dow; water regularly, and vigor-
Gus new growth will start. Feed
again when new growth starts.
CYCLAMEN: The most COM
mon fault in caring for this plant
Is keeping it too warm and giving
1t insufficient water. Always keep
IN the coolest part of the house;
do not allow the temperature to
be over so degrees at night. 1t is
usually necessary to water twice
day-morning and evening. Some
authorities recommend that cy-
clamen be watered we'll when re-
ceived, then no additional water
applied until the outer leaves
begin to droop slightly. Then
water again heavily. The cycla-
men is produced from corms
which rot if plant is watered on
the central growth. 1t is best to
water by setting in a saucer of
water, SO the moisture can be
absorbed from the bottom of the
pot. The cyclamen requires a
medium light but no direct sun
shine. With good care, it should
last until the warm days of
April. After blooming, gradually
withhold water and by May l
stop watering altogether. Keep
pot in cool dark place, on it's
side, until September. Then re-
pot, using a balanced plant food
in the soil mixture, and begin
watering. Pot the CORN so the
top is from one-fourth to one
half inch above the surface of
the soil, or 1t will rot. Be sure
that the cylamen has good light,
without being in direct sun.
AZALEAS: Flowers last longest
under cool conditions. Place in
good light and give plenty
OF water. Do not allow soil to
dry out. Bloom should last
about two to three weeks under
proper conditions. After bloom
ing period, remove faded flowers.
With proper care, it is possible
to keep an azalea plant for
several years. Young growth is
made after Towering. and dur
Ing this stage keep plants warm
and in a moist atmosphere.
Later, when warm weather ar
rives, place outdoors in partial
shade, plunging the pot, and see
that the plant does not get dry.
Lift and take in the house before
fall, keeping in temperature of
so degrees, If possible, until buds
show signs of developing. Some
times azaleas, when purchased il.
full bloom, have been forced into
bloom by crowding into small
pots. Therefore, if a plant does
not thrive for you when first
purchased, place in a larger pot.
One important point in the cul-
ture of azaleas is to remember
this plant requires acid soil, and
1t is we'll to test the soil frequent
ly, and if not sufficiently acid,
use little aluminium Sulphate to
get the correct degree Of acidity.
JERUSALEM CHERRY: Keep
fairly cool, water freely when in
bloom, and place in good light.
Excessive heat, poor light or dry