ASPLENIUM. 
Greenhouse and Stove Plants. 
55 
not simply existing, but growing in a way 
that bids defiance to adverse surroundings. 
A. lurida is all but hardy in the most 
favourable parts of the kingdom, but like 
some other plants that are similarly 
accommodating it thrives faster and looks 
better when grown in a little warmth, say 
that of an intermediate house, under which 
condition the leaves get larger and have a 
brighter appearance. These Aspidistras 
are of very easy growth, but do not make 
nearly so much progress as some things ; 
their leaves are produced from underground 
stems orrhizomes. The flowers, which are 
insignificant, are also produced under- 
ground, and thus far the plant is singular. 
The mode of increase is by division of 
the stems, which, as already said, are 
beneath the surface and spread. Ifa large 
specimen is at hand, the right course is in 
the spring, before growth begins, to turn it 
out of the pot, and shake all the soil from 
the roots; disentangle them as far as 
possible, and then divide in pieces in size 
as may be required. If numbers are 
wanted the stems may be so far divided as 
to reduce each piece to a single bud with 
its leaf attached, retaining as much of the 
stem and roots to it as available. If, when 
the specimens are too large, there is no 
object beyond reducing them toaconvenient 
size, they. may simply be divided into four 
or six so as to meet the requirements of the 
case. The pots should be sufficiently 
drained to ensure the water passing away 
freely, and large enough to admit the roots 
without their being too much cramped. 
The soil should consist of good loam, with 
a little sand and a small quantity of rotten 
manure ; press the material well about the 
roots, and place the plants where the 
temperature can be kept at about 50° or 
55° by night, with a rise of 10° or so in the 
day. Give water when the soil seems to 
require it. In the matters of air and 
water, such treatment as answers for the 
generality of cool stove plants, with a 
little shade in very bright weather, should 
be adopted; syringe overhead slightly 
whilst growth is going on. After the roots 
have begun to extend leaves will be made, 
more or less according to the size to which 
the divided pieces have been reduced, but 
these plants, as already said, do not grow 
very fast, and when the leaves that first 
spring up are fully matured no more growth 
is generally made with newly-divided plants 
that season, except where a highly-exciting 
temperature is kept up. It is better not 
to subject the plants to this, as the object 
should rather be to get foliage with plenty 
of strength and substance in it than such 
as is thin and not calculated to endure for 
several years. After the growth is finished 
keep the plants at a warm greenhouse 
temperature through the autumn and 
winter. When they are about to commence 
growing in spring give pots a littie larger 
if the roots have well filled those they are 
already in, but do not at any time over- 
pot ; yet, now when the object is to get the 
plants on in size they must not be too 
much cramped. Pots an inch larger for 
small, and 2 inches for larger, plants will 
be big enough. After shifting, place them 
in a temperature similar to that advised for 
the spring previous, and treat subsequently 
in all respects as in the preceding season, 
which will be all that is needful each 
ensuing year, simply giving pot-room more 
or less according to the size the plants are 
wanted to attain. Although Aspidistras 
will live in a pot-bound condition it is not 
well to let them get into that state, as it 
causes the leaves to come small and _ to 
have asickly appearance. Like most other 
plants the leaves of the variegated form are 
not so well able to bear hard usage as the 
green sort, which is no doubt the original ; 
but either, except whilst growth is going 
on, may be stood in places where only 
little light reaches them. Once fairly 
established either of the forms will grow 
well when kept continually in an ordinary 
living room, but when so treated the 
leaves should be frequently sponged to 
free themfromdust. They comefrom China. 
Insects.—Most insects that affect plants 
will live on Aspidistras, but the hard 
texture of the leaves prevents much injury 
being done them. Still thrips and red 
spider leave their mark if allowed to gain 
a footing. When the leaves are affected 
wash with insecticide for bug, scale, or 
red spider; if thrips or aphides appear. 
fumigate with tobacco. 
ASPIDIUM. 
A genus of Ferns, comprising both stove 
and greenhouse species. Though distinct- 
looking, they are not so handsome as many 
in cultivation. 
For propagation and cultivation, see 
Ferns, general details of culture. 
The undermentioned stove species will 
be found the most desirable :— 
A. dilaceratum. Jamaica. 
A. macrophyllum. Tropical America. 
A, triangulare. 
A. trifoliatum. Brazil. 
ASPLENIUM. 
An extensive genus of Ferns, includ- 
ing stove, greenhouse, and hardy kinds. 
