4. Treatment of Miscellaneous Plants

Bulb-Growing in Bowls

By planting bulbs in ornamental bowls filled with fibre, it is possible to have flowers in the home throughout winter and spring.

Fig. 15. Covering potted bulbs with Granulated peat to assist root development

The secret of success is to plant the bulbs as soon as they are obtainable in August or early September. The fibre, -which is sold for the purpose, must be made damp before it is put in the bowls, in which a few lumps of charcoal have been placed. When the bulbs are set in position, their tips should be just showing above the surface of the fibre.

To ensure that roots develop freely, the bowls containing the bulbs must be set in a cool position. The best place is out of doors, under a9-inchmound of peat (Fig. 15), or even covered with sacks and a piece of board to keep off the rain.

If no outdoor position is available, place the bowls in a deep box or bath, covering them in the same way as above and   standing   them   in   the coolest possible place. At the  end of 4-8 weeks, roots will have  formed  in  abundance, and shoots, about 2 inches in length, will have developed. The covering must then be removed and the bulbs allowed to remain until the shoots become green. Forcing may then begin by placing them in a warm room, where the shoots will quickly come into bloom, if the fibre is kept in a moist condition.

Fig. 16. Hyacinthus orientalis albulus (Roman hyacinth)

To have a long display the varieties must be chosen carefully.

Hyacinths

The first of these to flower is the Roman White variety (Fig. 16) which has blooms resembling white bluebells; then come the prepared hyacinths, which have been specially treated to make them flower at Christmas time.

The ordinary large-flowered, untreated hyacinths do not flower until the spring.

Narcissus

The Paper-white Narcissus is easy to obtain in full bloom in December, and the succession can be maintained by numerous other kinds, described in bulb catalogues.

Tulips (Fig. 17)

The scarlet variety, Brilliant Star, forces easily and is followed by other single early tulips. Then come the Darwins and finally the May-flowering kinds.

Holiday Treatment of Room Plants

What to do with room plants whilst on holiday is often a problem, unless arrangements can be made to have them watered. When the owners are away for a week or so, it is possible to keep the plants safe from damage if the proper precautions are taken.

The best method is to obtain a large bath and fill it with damp moss. The potted plants are then plunged in this, with the moss covering the soil to the depth of an inch or two. If moss is not available, granulated peat or damp sacking may be used. Finally, the plunging material between the plants should be covered with polythene tissue which will check the evaporation of moisture. The plants must be well watered before plunging them (Fig. 18).

Another method is to set the plants in a group with a pail of water nearby. A piece of lamp wick connecting the soil of each plant with the water will ensure a constant supply of water to the compost.

Those who have a garden may plunge the pots up to their rims in the soil. A shady spot must, of course, be selected.

Fig. 17. Tulips in an ornamental bowl

In all cases the soil in the pot must be well soaked with water before plunging is done or the plants are connected with the siphon-wicks.

Some Easy-to-Grow House-Plants

Beginners should select from the list below until they have had some ex­perience with house-plants. The following plants may be readily grown with success.

Fig. 18. Holiday-treatment of house-plants The compost is kept moist by plunging the pots in damp moss

FLOWERING   PLANTS

Begonia haageana

B. semperflorens

Campanula isophylla

Ceropegia woodii

Clivia miniata

Epiphyllum ackermannii

Euphorbia splendens

Hoy a carnosa

Impatiens sultani

Pelargonium zonale

Primula ohconica

Saxifraga stolonifera (sarmentosa)

Schlumbergera truncate

EVERGREEN   FOLIAGE   PLANTS

Many of the indoor plants arc popular because of their attractive foliage, and are therefore of great decorative value throughout the seasons of the year. The plants listed here are all easy to grow, and will flourish in dwelling rooms, shops and offices if they are given a reasonable amount of care.

Asparagus sprengeri

Aspidistra lurida var. variegate

Asplenium bulbiferum (a fern)

Begonia rex

Coleus blumei (numerous varieties)

Chlorophytum elatum var. variegatum

Cyperus alternifolius

Cyrtomiumfakatum (a fern)

Fatshedera lizei

Fatsiajaponica (Aralia sieboldii)

Ficus elastica var. decora

Hedera canariensis

Helxine soleirolii

Philodendron scandcns

Pilea muscosa

Pteris cretica var. mayii (a fern)

COLOURFUL   CLIMBING   PLANTS

For covering bare walls or for training on pillars or wire frames, plants with a climbing habit of growth and those with long slender shoots which need support are the most suitable for the adornment of the home. Some are grown for their foliage effect and others for the loveliness of their individual leaves.

The plants given in the following list have become popular because they will withstand the dry conditions of most dwelling rooms.

Asparagus plumosus

This plant has dark green, feathery, fern-like ' foliage' borne on thin, wiry stems which twine around any available supports and grow to several feet in length. It must not be confused with Asparagus plumosus nanus, which is dwarf and compact and is therefore unsuitable as a climber.

Cissus

This is suitable for trellis or other supporting structures to which the stems must be tied.

Euphorbia splendens

Owing to its semi-succulent nature, this beautiful flowering plant is ideal for growing in a sunny window. The stems are very pliable and are often trained over a wire framework.

Hedera (Ivy)

There are many varieties, some with green and others with variegated foliage. They are among the hardiest of house-plants.

Hoya carnosa

Commonly known as the waxflower, this has slender, cord-like stems which are easily trained in any position. The flowers are borne on the old flower spurs so that the bunches of blooms must not be cut off.

Monstera deliciosa

As a pot plant, this has become very popular in recent years, and it is easily recognised because the leaves have large irregular-shaped holes. Young plants make small bushy specimens, but the plants eventually develop long stems which need supporting.

Passiflora

This is a true climber with spiral spring-like tendrils which cling to any available supports, which it will furnish with shoots several feet in length.

Pelargonium zonale

This, the popular 'geranium', although not a climber, develops shoots up to many feet in length if it is planted in a bed or large tub. If trained to a high back wall in the conservatory, it will furnish it with masses of blooms throughout the summer months.

Philodendron scandens

This is a useful foliage plant for training to a framework which it will cover with a mass of glossy-green foliage. Some specimens have aerial roots. These fix the plants to supporting posts if the posts are covered with a thick layer of moss.

Window-ledge Gardening

The growing of flowering or foliage plants on window-ledges is a form of gardening in which most people can indulge. Those who live in flats, and others who have no gardens, and especially invalids who are confined to their rooms, derive an enormous amount of pleasure from this form of gardening.

Window-ledge plants would be more popular if it were not for the fact that a considerable amount of work is involved in filling and emptying the boxes. In addition there is the watering problem; drainage water dripping on to the heads of people in the streets is liable to cause some annoyance.

By taking proper precautions in constructing the containers and setting them in position, most of these difficulties can be overcome. These problems will be dealt with at the end of this chapter.

There is a wide range of plants from which to choose, and there are various ways in which attractive displays can be obtained.
The most popular method is to plant for a spring and summer show of blooms. This is procured by adopting the same planting system as is used for obtaining a floral display in flower beds, in the open garden.

Those who are not familiar with the plants used for this purpose should visit some of the public parks. By this means and by getting into conversation with the gardeners, a knowledge of some of the best bedding plants will be obtained. Many of the plants selected for bedding are also suitable for window-boxes, but only those which are dwarf in habit can be used for this purpose.

Suitable Window-ledge Plants for a Spring Display

Some of the most popular plants for spring are as follows:

Arabis albida (double variety)

The procumbent stems of this plant are clothed with grey hairy leaves and bear spikes of double, white flowers.

Aubrietia

It is more compact in growth than Arabis and forms a close carpet of blue, pink or purple flowers.

Bellis perennis flore pleno (Dwarf Double Daisies)

These dainty, free-flowering plants are ideal for window-boxes. There are red, pink and white varieties.

Myosotis (Forget-me-not)

This popular spring-flowering plant is obtainable in several shades of blue and forms an ideal carpeting plant for many types of bulbs.

Primula (Polyanthus)

The Polyanthus does not do well in a hot position and should therefore be used for window-boxes which are set in a shady spot. These plants make a bright display, and many variously coloured forms are obtainable.

Cheiranthus cheiri (Wallflower)

Wallflowers are rather tall-growing for most windows, but where the windows are high and the ledges are broad, they can be used to provide colour and fragrance. The colour range is ex­tensive and varieties in shades of red, crimson, yellow and white are obtainable.

The spring-flowering plants mentioned above will form a succession of blooms from March until June, at which time they should be removed and replaced with later flowering plants to provide the summer display.

Suitable Window-ledge Plants for a Summer Display

Here again much information can be gained by visiting the public parks in summer, and making notes of the plants used for filling the flower beds. From florists' shops many of the plants given in the
following list will be readily obtainable.

Ageratum houstonianum (mexicanum)

This is easily recognised by its compact, upright stems which bear small tufts of blue, fluffy flowers. There are numerous varieties in different shades of blue. The plants are compact and the bedding varieties range in height from 4-9 inches.

Lobularia maritima (Alyssutn maritimum)

Commonly called the white or sweet alyssum, this plant is used extensively for edging and carpeting flower beds. The variety Little Dorrit is the most popular. It grows 2-4 inches in height and forms a compact mass of white, sweetly-scented flowers. Lilac Queen and Violet Queen are two excellent varieties of recent introduction.

Antirrhinum majus

Familiarly known as snapdragons, these free-flowering plants provide colours throughout the summer and autumn. For window-boxes, the dwarf varieties in the pumilum section are the most suitable because they are compact and grow no more than 6 inches in height. The colours include yellow, rose and crimson as well as white. For edging, the variety Magic Carpet, which has a creeping habit, and forms a profusion of small blooms in many shades of colours, is most attractive.

Begonia semperflorens

For freedom of flowering and for providing a continuous display in summer the varieties of this species of Begonia are unexcelled. The plants grow about 6 inches tall and produce masses of flowers of various shades of red or pink.

Begonia tuberose

These tuberous forms of Begonia require a semi-shaded position when grown in window-boxes. Plants raised in boxes are available from nurserymen in early June and they continue to flower until frost cuts them down in autumn. The dry corms are also obtain­able, and these should be planted in boxes in May. There are very many varieties, all of which produce large rosettes of attractive red, pink or white flowers.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia species are shrubby plants which also prefer a semi-shaded position. They must not be allowed to become dry at the roots, or they will drop their blooms. Varieties in many shades of colour, except yellow, are available.

Heliotropium peruvianum

Most people know the heliotrope which is beloved for the delicious fragrance of the flowers. Its woody stems are terminated with large trusses of pale blue or violet coloured flowers. Helio­trope can be grown in a sunny position and the plants average 12 inches in height if they are raised from 'cuttings' annually.

Petunia integrifolia

Many varieties and hybrids of Petunia, obtained by crossing this species with several others, are used extensively for growing in window-boxes. They produce a brilliant display on a sunny window-ledge. The hybrid bedding kinds are the most useful for this purpose because they are of a compact habit and flower continuously until October. A few of the best varieties are Fire Chief (scarlet), Rose Queen (pink), and Snowball (white).

Pelargonium zonale (Geranium)

The geraniums, with scarlet, pink or white flowers, have been the favourite plants for window-boxes for many years. For making a continuous summer display they continue to be one of the most popular plants, especially for a window-ledge which receives the maximum amount of sunlight.

Pelargonium peltatum (hederaefolium)

Commonly known as the ivy-leaved geranium, this species, of which there are many varieties, is favoured for its attractive blooms and vivid green, glossy, ivy-like foliage. It is used for draping over the front edges of window-boxes, but sometimes is planted at each end of the boxes and used as a climber to grow up and frame the windows with its gaily coloured flowers.

Lobelia erinus

The blue Lobelia when planted alternately with white Alyssum, forms the perfect edging for window-boxes. The variety Crystal Palace is one of the most popular for window-box decoration.

Salvia splendens

The fiery scarlet of the flowers of this species clashes violently with a red brick wall, but against a cream-coloured wall it is more harmonious. This Salvia is not suitable for a wind-swept position, and, as it is apt to lose its lower leaves, is not the ideal window-sill plant, unless dwarf subjects such as Alyssum, Ageratum or Lobelia are used to hide its legginess.

Bulb Plants for Window Boxes

The simplest method of having a spring display is to fill the window-boxes with soil and plant them with bulbs, or the bulbs can be interplanted with other spring-flowering plants such as Aubrietia, Arabis, etc.

There is a vast number of varieties of hyacinths, narcissi and tulips from which to choose, and it is therefore necessary to obtain a bulb catalogue from your local seed shop and to make a selection from this. Three good varieties of hyacinths are L'ln-nocence (white), Bismarck (lavender), and Queen of the Pinks (rich pink). Suitable tulips are Brilliant Star (scarlet), Peach Blossom (pink), and Diana (white).

Amongst the narcissi there are innumerable varieties, grouped in several classes, such as the large single trumpet; the medium and short-cupped; double narcissi; Narcissus poeticus (poet's nar­cissus); Narcissus jonquilla (jonquil) and the bunch-flowered poly­anthus narcissus.

For filling small window-boxes or for providing them with an edging, there are dwarf bulbous kinds for planting in autumn, to provide a display in spring. None of these exceeds 6 inches in height, but they add beauty and additional interest to the window-ledge.

Some of the most attractive of these bulbous plants are: Chionodoxa luciliae (glory of the snow), which has blue and white star-shaped flowers on slender 6-inch high stalks; Crocus, of which there are numerous species and varieties in blue, purple and yellow; Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconite), with buttercup-like, yellow blooms, each flower of which stands erect and is cupped in a ruffle of green leaves; Muscari botryoides (grape hyacinth), which is easily recognised by its tightly packed spike of tiny blue, bell-shaped flowers; Scilla siberica (squill), which somewhat re­sembles the Chionodoxa but barely reaches 5 inches in height, the flowers being more compactly arranged on the stalks, and deep blue; Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop), which is grown for the pure whiteness of the blooms.

All the miniature bulbous plants so far mentioned are very early-flowering and their display is finished by the end of March. It is advisable therefore to have a reserve of boxes of later-flowering plants to replace them or to interplant them with other bulbs, such as hyacinths, tulips or narcissi.

Types of Window-boxes

These can be purchased, or home-made, of several different materials, such as wood, metal or concrete. Wooden boxes are the most popular, and they can be made to last in good condition for many years if the insides are treated with the rot-proof 'Cuprinol'. The outside can be given a coating of ordinary paint.

The boxes must be provided with drainage holes set about 6 inches apart, and if there is any danger of water dripping on to passers by, each window-box should be set in a tray to catch the drainage water. If a small pipe is fixed at the lowest end of the tray and fitted with a stopper or plug, this can be withdrawn occasionally and the drainage water collected and used again.

After the boxes are set in position and securely fixed, they should have a 3-inch layer of granulated peat placed in the bottoms and then should be filled with compost. For this purpose John Innes Potting Compost No. 2 is ideal. Planting may then be done, and the plants or bulbs lightly watered in. With careful watering there will be very little drainage water because the peat will absorb most of it.

Instead of setting the bulbs and plants straight into the boxes of compost, they may be planted in zinc containers. These can be lifted out of the window-box as soon as the display is over, and replaced with similar containers, which have been previously prepared and planted for the purpose.

Plants suitable for Shop Decoration

In the furnishing department of large stores pot plants are now being used extensively for decoration to attract the attention of people to the shops.

For such a purpose, it is necessary to use those plants which will withstand the dry, hot, draughty atmospheres which often exist in such places. The plants, before being purchased, were grown in a warm moist greenhouse, and it is only the toughest which will remain attractive for a long period under such uncongenial conditions.

Generally, the plants' needs are attended to by people who are inexperienced in plant cultivation, and the compost is allowed to become too dry or it is maintained in a constant state of saturation. Under dry conditions the leaves wither and fall from the plants, whilst when the plants are overwatered, the foliage turns a sickly yellow colour, the roots decay, and eventually the plants droop and die.

Some plants however are more capable than others of with­standing this treatment, and it is those which should be chosen for shop decoration. The following plants have been found to be the most suitable for the purpose.

GARDENING

Fig. 19. Chlorophytum elatum variegatum

A good shop-window plant

Aloe variegate

Billbergia zehrina

Cacti and other succulents

Chlorophytum datum variegatum (Fig. 19)

Cineraria  grandiflora   and   C. stellata (summer use only)

Coleus (summer use only)

Epiphyllum (Phyllocactus)

Ficus elastica and -F. e. decora Hedera (ivy) many varieties

Howea     (Kentid)    forsteriana (palm)

Hydrangea macrophylla (spring and summer use only)

Monstera deliciosa

Pelargonium zonale (geranium, spring, summer and autumn use only)

Solarium capsicastrum (popular at Christmas but quickly loses its leaves)

Phoenix roebelinii (palm)

Pteris cretica (ribbon fern)

Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii

Tradescantiajluminensis

These plants are all obtainable from nursery men and florist’ shops, and (with the exception of those mentioned for temporary use) can be kept in a flourishing condition for long periods, if they are given a reasonable amount of care.

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