THE WATERING OF POT PLANTS

Evening Star, Issue 22572, 13 February 1937, Page 24

THE WATERING OF POT PLANTS

It has been said that a good_ gardener, be he amateur or professional, is always recognised by the manner in which he applies water to pot plants (writes “ Lorna,” in the ‘ Manawatu Daily Times ’). This maxim has a great deal of truth in it, for probably more plants are ruined by careless watering than by any other means. In the winter months great care in applying water is very essential if pot plants are to be kept healthy. During winter there is very little growth, and consequently very little moisture is required. All necessary watering should be done in the morning, so that it has time to

become absorbed before the cold night period begins. Great care should be taken not to spill any surplus water on the staging or floor, as humidity is not desirable witli many pot plants. Water of the same temperature as the house is especially necessary for the plants in the winter months. Experiments have shown that cold water direct from the taps does little damage in summer.

The old way of tapping pots with the knuckles or a short sticK has much to recommend it. The expert can usually tell by the look of the soil if the plant requires water. The pot should be filled to the brim if water is needed, as the giving of any less quantity will result in the water not reaching the bottom of the pot—a truly useless operation. Plants have each their own peculiarities as regards the amount of water required. Geraniums and cacti will exist during the winter almost without water at all, while such things as spireas and hydrangeas are capable of using much water when they are in full growth, and are often used in , experiments which demonstrate the rapid intake of water by growing plants. Bulbs which are being forced require largo quantities of water after they have made considerable leaf growth. Leaves require water for starch making, and also lose large amounts by transpiration. Soft-growing _ plants, such as winter flowering begonias and cyclamens, require careful watering, as surface moisture on the leaves or buds sets up decay. In watering cyclamens no water should touch the leaves, flower stems, or buds. Primulas, schinzanthus, and cinerarias also repay the careful use of the watering can. Azaleas, if they are being forced, rather delight in plenty of moisture. They should also he syringed daily to ensure healthy, plants. Seedlings, in pans or boxes do not damp off so readily if they are kept on the dry side. If possible, water them on a sunny morning, and thus ensure that excess moisture will be absorbed quickly. Plants in cold frames rarely require watering during the winter months unless they are in pots.