THE GREENHOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20868, 9 May 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE GREENHOUSE.

SEASONABLE OPERATIONS. With tho change to colder weather and increasing moisture more careful attention will have to bo given to the requirements of indoor plants, as the decreasing temperature will soon effect a change in tho appearance of many of the more tender subjects. Where artificial heat is used, the effect is naturally not the same as "with cool greenhouse plants, as a more even temperature can be maintained. But even in heated houses many varieties of both flowering and foliage plants have their season of rest and need closer attention at that time.

It is in. the cool greenhouse, however, that the effects of the decreasing temperature is most felt. As tho temperatUro decrease:? too much attention cannot bo given to the matter of watering, which must be more carefully and judiciously applied. During the winter, in any caso any watering required is better applied in early morning instead of evening. In dull weather all shada should be removed so thc.t the plants can derive the full benefit of the light. Throughout tho winter light shade should only be used on bright, 6unny days, and then only during the hottest part of the day.

REST TIME FOR PLANTS. At this time many bulbous and tuberous plants are rapidly going to rest. The dying-away of such profuse summer and autumn flowering plants as tuberous begonias, gloxinias, achemenes and others, creates a blank that is not easily filled, and necessitates rearranging the whole of the plants. But although such a display of flowers cannot well bo replaced with any winter varieties tho. removal of so many summer-flowering plants that are going to rest afford greater space to the more tender kinds, allowing tho plants more light and sun, while the treatment in regard to moisture can be better regulated.

Ono of the most important matters in tlio treatment of tender plants during tho cold winter weather is to endeavour to so regulate the moisture both in soil and atmosphere that, the soil neveV becomes over-sodden, applying only sufficient water to prevent the plants from wilting. ATTENTION TO DRAINAGE. Tho pots should he kept thoroughly clean and well supplied with drainage. Bulbous and tuberous-rooted plants that aro going to rest must "be sparingly watered, giving only sufficient to keep tho plants from wilting until the tops fall away naturally, when watering should cease and the plants be stored in a dry place. Many valuable bulbs are lost each season in ripening off through ceasing to give any water as soon ns the plants cease flowering and fthow the least sign of decay. When this is done premature ripening takes, place, with the result that bulbs shrivel and, in many cases, rot awav.

CAEE IN POTTING. In potting any plants at this season plenty of material for drainage should be placed in the bottom of the pots. This not only provides a ready outlet for surplus moisture, hut allows free access of air which is essential to healthy root action. In potting it. is not advisablo to give too great a shift, for even with quick-growing plants a shift from one size to the next is sufficient, while poor-rooted plants are often benefited by being placed in a smaller-size pot. After potting water must he sparingly applied until fresh roots are made.