1871.] CULTURAL NOTES ON PELARGONIUMS. 87 



Cultural notes oisr tricolor and bronze 



PELARGONIUMS. 



{Continued from p. 548 o/1870.) 



As summer approaches, the demands of our favourites will be con- 

 siderable, what with training, potting, and other requisites, this 

 being the period when the bulk of their growth is made. Water must 

 be administered copiously, never once allowing the plants to flag 

 through a deficiency of it. 



In my experience I have found great benefit to the plants derived 

 from the practice of inverting small pots over the holes in the bot- 

 toms of those intended to put the plants into. These small pots are 

 covered over with broken crocks, then a portion of rough fibry turf, 

 thereby securing perfect drainage. Drained in this way, any amount 

 of water can be given without danger of souring the compost ; and 

 it is astonishing to see how fast they form masses of greedy sucking 

 rootlets in this covering of the drainage. This system of draining 

 with small pots is commenced when the plants are of dimensions suf- 

 ficient to occupy pots 8 inches in diameter. 



Should any plant indicate symptoms of stuntedness, lose no time 

 to have the same shaken from its soil, washing the roots by repeated 

 immersions in tepid water ; cut back any decayed roots, and repot in 

 lesser pots amongst a compost of equal proportions of silver-sand and 

 well-rotted leaf-mould. Insert the pots in mild bottom-heat, and 

 keep the roots moist ; by this change the conditions of such plants 

 will be greatly improved. 



Training. — No form of training can cope with that of the pyramid- 

 ical ; it is imposing in the highest degree, especially when the plants 

 have attained respectable dimensions, with well-clothed sides of foli- 

 age. Supposing this form be the aim, the first object is to establish a 

 good foundation by guiding half-a-dozen growths towards the margin 

 of the pots, at equal distances, having selected the most vigorous 

 growth to take an upright direction, to be retained as a leader. Pro- 

 ceed next to secure these shoots in their proper positions by tying each 

 to a light stake, detaching with the fingers only the very extremity of 

 the shoots when they have made four or five joints, according to the 

 habit of the variety. 



By this method of stopping, the plants will sustain no check to their 

 progress, but will shortly start out a succession of new wood, which, in 

 its turn, will require to be directed to its proper place, and sup- 

 ported there temporarily by stakes. On no account let there be any 

 scruples about pinching, which must be repeated as often as is neces- 

 sary to maintain the intended form. 



