Growing plants of reasonable quality presents few problems to many saintpaulia owners, but they are often perplexed by the fact that otherwise healthy plants are reluctant to flower. Much of this is due to the fact that most fertilisers manufactured for indoor plants contain a very high level of nitrogen in their make up, and foliage plants do particularly well on such a diet.

Hygiene plays a very important part in the care of saintpaulias; any dead matter in the way of flowers, leaves or leaf stalks should he removed as soon as it is seen. Incidentally, all these newer saintpaulias arc protected by licence and royafties have to be paid for all cuttings that may be propagated in any quantity.

It has been my contention for many years that the most important single requirement for the successful growing of saintpaulias indoors is adequate light. A sunny window-sill, with protection from strong, direct sunlight only, is the ideal position, and the kitchen window-sill for preference as there is usually less curtaining, so more light there.

Though the average saintpaulia grower usually hesitates to expose his plants to full sunlight, he may take comfort, as I did. It makes very good strong plants, but wants to he in the house, on a sunny window-sill, with as much light and sun as possible, even the scorching Portuguese summer sun.

After potting, the compost should have a good watering and thereafter be kept on the dry side for five or six weeks to encourage the roots to search actively for moisture, resulting in a better root system. With all pot plants a healthy root system is the basis of good culture. The grower of a few plants may feel it is harsh treatment, but it will help considerably towards building up stronger plants if the flowers are removed from young plants and from those which are newly potted. By doing this the plant will not have to expend energy on the production of flowers, and much healthier and more prolific leaf development will result.

There is always an element of doubt concerning the best time to pot plants on into larger pots, but not with this one as he will happily break the pot in which he is growing when roots and rhizomatous growth become too congested. The plant can then be transferred into a slightly larger clay pot, using J.I.P.3 compost and-potting fairly firmly. The'reason for the clay pot is that the sansevieria is inclined to he top heavy and the heavier clay pot will help to maintain its equilibrium.