Every dead, decaying, and mouldy leaf, and flowerstalk, to be removed
as soon as they are seen. Mildew to be banished by an application of
flowers of sulphur, and afterwards to be prevented from making its
appearance by a free ventilation on clear, mild mornings, using a little
fire heat at the same time. Great caution is now necessary in giving
water to the plants, more especially to such as have not well matured
their growth, and are in a rather soft state. It is also advisable
to look over them every morning, that the flagging of a leaf may be
noticed, and the necessary supply of water be given. All pots to be
turned around occasionally to keep the plants uniform.
Calceolarias.--Remove all decayed leaves, and be careful to give no more
water than is really required. Keep down green fly.
Cinerarias.--No more fire heat to be given than is necessary to keep out
frost. The plants intended for large specimens to receive their final
shift; air to be given on all occasions in favourable weather. Every one
that is getting pot-bound to be shifted. Green fly to be kept down by
fumigating. The most forward to have the lightest place in the house,
close to the glass, with sufficient space for the air to circulate
freely around the foliage of each.
Pelargoniums.--To be kept rather cool and dry; fire heat to be avoided,
except when necessary to prevent the temperature falling below 40 deg.,
or to dispel damp. Every plant intended for early bloom to be arranged
in the best form. The system of arranging a piece of twisted bass under
the rim of the pot, to which loops are fastened to secure the shoots
and the better formation of the plant, obviates the too-extensive use of
sticks, a superfluity of which is at all times objectionable.