Parichand's Correspondence with The Mother

30 August 1938

Mother,

26 pots of caladium sent here by X are in a very unhealthy condition, due to being crowded together and kept in deep shade for too long. This has made their leaf-stalks too long; not being able to carry the weight of their own leaves, they have fallen and started rotting. To save the bulb and help new growth, I have cut all the damaged and fallen leaves and kept them in sunny shade, which they like. All the caladiums should be removed from there for some time and kept in a less crowded way and in semi-shade; otherwise they will all perish.

You must, by this time, have received my letter sent to the Garden Service and seen what impression all these poor cut leaves have made upon me. Some were evidently spoilt and faded but many were in perfect condition, fresh and strong, and surely did not need to be cut.

These caladium were brought purposely for the decoration of the N.S. garden. I like them very much as they are extremely decorative. It seems to me that they can be put in the N.S. courtyard at least for one month every darshan and also at the Christmas holidays and in between they can be kept in a more sunny place.

Blessings

30 August 1938