ed back at twelve inches, and the roots rather
restricted. For vines, keep in large pots or boxes--always well
drained--and keep well fed.

_Asparagus Sprengeri_ in both foliage and habit is very distinct from
_A. plumosus_. The leaves resemble small glossy pine needles, borne in
long sprays, and as it is trailing in habit it makes a unique and
beautiful plant for stands or baskets. The sprays keep well when cut,
and make an excellent background for flowers. It is now used more
universally for green by florists than any other plant.

Either of the above may be started from seed, or propagated by dividing
old plants, but small young plants may be had of the florists at a very
low price. They need about the same treatment as smilax (see page 94),
but will do well in a temperature of fifty to fifty-five degrees at
night. Shower frequently, but water only moderately.

For many years these two varieties have held the field to themselves,
but recently a new asparagus, of each type has put in an appearance.
_Hatcheri_ resembles _plumosus nanus_, but is more compact in habit and
the leaves are much closer together on the stems. If it remains true to
type, and is as hardy as _plumosus_, it will replace it, for it
certainly is a more beautiful plant. _A. S. variegata_ is a very pretty
"sport" with the leaves edged white.

CHAPTER XIII

PALMS

The number of palms adapted to house culture is very limited but they
comprise the most elegant of the decorative plants.

Although popular now, they would be much more widely used if their
culture were better understood. Mistakes made in handling palms are
serious in results, for they produce for the most part only two or three
new leaves in a year, and so any injury shows for a long time; it is not
soon replaced by new growth and forgotten, as with many of the more
rapid growing house plants.

Nevertheless, if the few cultural requirements of palms are carefully
attended to, they are as easily grown as any plants and yield a solid
and lasting satisfaction.

The house palms, as I have said, grow very slowly. It is not only
useless, but dangerous, to try to force them into unnatural growth.

Palms do best when restricted as to root room. When your plant comes
from the florist, do not get impatient after a month or so and think
that a larger pot would make it grow faster. Repotting once a year while
palms are growing, and not so frequently as that after they are in
eight-