THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 247 



In regard to temperature, there is no doubt that most variegated 

 plants are more tender than tlie same species green, and tricolors 

 require from five to ten degrees more warmth than the ordinary 

 zonale. But to have tliem in colour in the autuirin and winter 

 requires air as well as lieat ; there must, therefore, be a corre- 

 spoudiug amount of heat kept up to modify and warm the admitted 

 outer atmosphere — fifty degrees is the minimum and sixty the max- 

 imum at which, with admitted air (without sun-heat), it is desirable 

 to keep them — and if this can be done night and day (except in 

 dangerous frost) the plants will grow more robust ; in sunny days, 

 of course, the heat will range higher, but if the ventilation is good, 

 eighty degrees will not hurt the foliage or deteriorate the health of 

 the plants. 



The proper periods for shifting on these plants vary with the 

 intention of the grower and the condition of the plants ; but the first 

 spring shift should not take place before the middle of February, and 

 if the plants have been kept at a lower temperature than here indi- 

 cated, the operation may be deferred to the end of the month ; these 

 may be again shitted, according to their strength of head and root, 

 into large pots for the season, about the end of April or middle of 

 May. When autumn arrives such as have been cut down may be 

 disrooted and re-potted in smaller pots, as before directed for out-door 

 plants from the beds. All those plants intended for winter decora- 

 tion should consist of young plants potted in July ; these will not 

 require to be shifted before February. 



Watering should at all times be commensurate with their actual 

 want at the time. Never water them so heavily as to last two or 

 three days beyond their need ; this is too frequently done by incon- 

 siderate persons, particularly if the plant be rather dry and the day 

 warm, whereas no one knows what a day may bring forth; many 

 plants are ruined by this overdose of water, followed by cold, cloudy 

 weather, or an accidental lowering of the temperature of the house. 

 If these remarks apply in summer, they have double force in winter, 

 when very careful watering is requisite. 



Manure of various kinds has been tried in liquid form, but without 

 any apparent benefit or superiority over the plants grown in soils as 

 before recommended, the conclu:sion arrived at being against its use, 

 as detrimental to health, evidenced from a number so treated becoming 

 sickly in winter m a much greater degree than those grown in sandy 

 loam and decayed manure or leaves. In potting for winter, use a 

 larger amount of drainage (say one-third), and pot rather lighter 

 than for spring ; it is a good plan to secure the main stem with a 

 stick to steady the plant; tie out ttie laterals to admit light and air 

 among the foliage, and be careful to remove all decaying flowers, 

 leaves, and even the small leafiets ; if not removed, they generate 

 mildew or fungus, which attacks the bark, ascends to the tender 

 centre of the shoot, and causes that punctured appearance on the 

 foliage, frequently destroying the plant. 



