American Fork Citizen | 1920-01-31 | Page 6 | Miniature Trees Produced by Permanently Curtailing the Growth of the Roots

Miniature Trees Produced by Permanently Curtailing the Growth of the Roots Miniature trees used as pnrlor decorations deco-rations generally belong to species which under ordlnnry conditions grow to a much greater height. These particular par-ticular examples owe their smnll size to the fnct thnt their growth has been artificially stunted. The process Is simple, nccordlng to Popular Mechanics. Mechan-ics. Cut n thick-skinned orange In two, nnd remove the pulp from one of the halves. Coat the skin on the outside with shellac to preserve It, nnd fill It with fine, rich soil. Plant two or thre seeds of some evergreen trc- In tho soil, nnd set It In n room wherfe '.he growing plant will get plenty of light. Me careful to prop up the skin In such a way that the shoot will grow vertically; do not allow the room where It stnnds to become overhent-ed, overhent-ed, and wntcr the soil In moderation from time to time. When tho roots force their way through the peel, cut them off Hush with the outer surface, and In doing so be careful not to Injure In-jure the; coat of shellac. After the plant hns nttnlned maturity matur-ity It may be placed In a large flower pot, nnd will continue to thrive there, but ns Its roots Imvo .been curtailed, It will be unable to draw more than n reduced amount of nourishment from the soil, ami so lis growth will lie permanently stunted. Cedars, pines anil even some fruit trees, endure this process remarkably well.