1879.] THYRSACANTHUS RUTILANS. 287 



THYRSACANTHUS RUTILANS. 



This old but most useful flowering plant, with its long drooping spikes 

 of scarlet flowers, which it produces in the dark days of winter, is worthy 

 of more attention, and should be grown on a larger scale than it is in 

 many places. Where such plants are appreciated for table decoration, 

 the Thyrsacanthus, when well grown, is an admirable plant for the 

 purpose, or for the ornamentation of a warm conservatory, or any plant- 

 house where there is a little warmth in winter. 



We too frequently find in many places a straggling half-starved speci- 

 menr^amongst a collection of mixed stove-plants subjected to a too high 

 temperature, in which, with its two or three small leaves on its top, it 

 struggles hard to exist. Under such conditions it becomes a prey to 

 insects, and the cultivator takes a dislike to it and discontinues grow- 

 ing it. When well grown it is a charming plant, and a striking object 

 in whatever position it is placed. 



To grow the plant well, cuttings should be inserted in small pots 

 during April and May— the latter month is not too late. They root 

 very soon in a moderate heat in the propagating frame. They should 

 be shaded from strong sun until rooted. When the cuttings are rooted 

 they should be transferred into 4-inch pots, using a compost of loam 

 and sand, and a seventh of well-decomposed manure, and should be in 

 a temperature of 55° by night ; and when well established they should 

 be gradually hardened off and placed in a cool frame or house ; and 

 when the pots are full of roots they should be transferred into 6-inch 

 pots. This size is large enough either for table decoration or for the 

 plant-houses. Care must be taken that the plants do not become pot- 

 bound before receiving their final shift, for they are very apt to show 

 flower too early. 



After the 6-inch pots are full of roots they should be liberally sup- 

 plied with manure-water, and occasional applications of soot-water 

 have a very stimulating effect upon the plants. Those required for 

 table decoration should be stopped two or three times during the 

 season, to make them dwarf bushy plants : the remaining portion of 

 the stock are best not stopped. When the nights begin to be cold in 

 September the plants should be removed where a temperature of 50° to 

 55° can be maintained. Under this cool system of treatment they will 

 not be infested with insects, and they will be furnished with healthy 

 leaves to the bottom ; and during the winter they will be very orna- 

 mental, and well repay for the little trouble bestowed on them. 



A Grower. 



