particularly susceptible to attacks of
red spider and scale. _Keep your shrubs clean._ If you do not, in spite
of their seeming immunity to harm, you will have no success with them.
Syringing, showering, washing, spraying with insecticides, even giving a
next-to-freezing rest,--all the remedies mentioned in Chapter XVII on
Insects and Diseases--may at times have to be resorted to. But, at
whatever trouble, if you want them at all, keep your shrubs clean.

[Illustration: Baby rambler rose. Few varieties of rose will stand the
dry air and dust that oppress most house plants]

[Illustration: _Araucaria excelsa._ Give little water in winter and a
cool, even temperature]

CHAPTER X

FOLIAGE PLANTS

The foliage plants depend very largely for their beauty upon making a
rapid, unchecked growth and being given plenty of sunlight. In many of
those having multi-colored and variegated leaves, the markings under
unfavorable conditions of growth become inconspicuous and the value of
the plant is entirely lost. Therefore, where the proper conditions
cannot be given, it will be far wiser to devote your space to plants
more suited to house culture.

Aspidistra, araucaria, Pandanus and the rubber plant are exceptions; two
of them being remarkable for their hardihood under neglect and
ignorance. While many of the foliage plants will live under almost any
conditions, it must be remembered, however, that the better care they
receive the more beautiful they will be.

_Achyranthes_--Achyranthes are still popular as bedding plants, as they
furnish good coloring. They may be used as house plants also, but in my
opinion are a little coarse. Take cuttings in August for new plants and
keep on the warm side and rather dry in winter.

_Alternanthera_--These little plants are unique and brilliant, and a few
will be worth having in any collection. They make dense, shrubby
miniature bushes a few inches high, very attractively colored. Take
cuttings in August; give rich soil, on the sandy side, plenty of light
and heat.

_A. versicolor_ has leaves bearing a happy contrast of pink, crimson and
bronzy-green. _Tricolor_ is dark green, rose and orange. There are
numerous other attractive varieties.

_Anthericum_ (_A. variegatum_)--The foliage is shaped like a broad blade
of grass and very prettily bordered with white. Of the easiest culture,
doing well in the shade. Propagated by division. _A. medio-picta_ is
another variety, often cons