WINDOW AND ROOM PLANTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21598, 19 March 1932, Page 7

WINDOW AND ROOM PLANTS

KEEPING THEM IN CONDITION. To grow plants successfully in dwelling rooms in winter requires a certain amount of zeal. Failures are usually the result of ignorance, carelessness, or forgetfulness. For growing plants in general, with the exception of succulents, the sitting room is too dry, plants with large, soft, open-pored leaves suffering injury soonest. The cineraria is a good example. When brought from a frame into the dry atmosphere of a room, the leaves soon commence to flag and shrivel. This is not so noticeable in mild weather, because the fire is not then so large, consequently the air is not so dried, while the fresh air coming in at every crevice is charged with a certain amount of moisture. But, as in the case of greenhouses, the most trying time is the season of frost. Not only is the air of the room dry, but that which finds its way into the room has had all moisture condensed from it. Always give enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly, and then apply no more until it is really required. Use soft water a little warmer than the temperature of the room. It is inattention to this that causes so many failures If the pots stand in saucers the water that passes into these must not be allowed to remain. Should the soil at any time become so dry as to allow the water to escape down the sides of the pot. it is best to place it at once in a pail of water, and when thoroughly soaked allow it to drain before replacing in its saucer or vase. VENTILATE. Warmth without fresh air is as debilitating to plants as animals. Plants in rooms are often in too close an atmosphere in proportion to the light they receive, hence their drawn appearance. If they are close to the window during the day, there is less danger, because the temperature is lower there than in other parts of the room. It when the light has gone, and the are drawn that

most harm is liable to be done, if they are not placed in a cool position. During severe weather the best position for plants at night is in the centre of the room. Cleanliness is most important. When the room is swept the plants should be covered with a light material. Even with this precaution, dust is bound to settle on their foliage to some extent. There-' fore, to keep the plants in health the I leaves should be sponged occasionally with tepid water, containing just a little milk as the latter adds a polish.—F. H. H. in Amateur Gardening.