LIVISTONA, 
Greenhouse and Stove Plants. 
common than it is, but it is well to men- 
tion at the outset that it is a difficult 
subject to deal with; nevertheless it is 
well worth all the attention that can be 
bestowed on it. Lisianthus Russellianus 
is indigenous to Texas, and it must have 
special treatment, for, unless well managed, 
it gives a very imperfect idea of its beauty. 
The seeds should be sown in February ; 
if deferred later the plants do not acquire 
their wonted strength before autumn. 
Drain well a 7-inch -or 8-inch pot, and 
then fill it up to within half an inch of the 
rim with fine sifted peat, to which has 
been added a moderate quantity of sand ; 
press this firmly down, and on the top lay 
half an inch of sand, which water well and 
press the surface smooth ; on this scatter 
the seeds, just pressing them lightly with 
the hand so as to embed them in the sand ; 
put a piece of glass that will cover the top 
of the pot over it, and stand in a saucer, 
which keep with about an inch of water in 
it. Place in a temperature of 65°, and 
shade carefully from the sun, so that the 
surface whereon the seeds are sown may 
not get dry, for no water should be given 
overhead until the plants have got two 
pairs of leaves. As soon as the seed has 
vegetated stand where the seedlings will 
get plenty of light, but they must not have 
the sun directly upon them. A piece of 
thin white tissue paper we have found the 
best material for protecting them without 
keeping out the light. Now give enough 
water to keep the soil well moistened, with 
some air daily, and when they have got 
three pairs of leaves move them singly into 
little pots. 
A moderate stove temperature will 
answer through the summer; pinch out 
the points of the shoots directly they com- 
mence to grow after potting ; repeat this 
once more about the middle of July, and 
move them into 3-inch pots, using fibrous 
peat and a little leaf-mould. In September 
they should be placed on a shelf within 12 
inches or 15 inches of the roof, standing 
the pots in shallow pans; give no more 
water through the winter on the surface, 
but when the soil appears to be getting too 
dry pour about half-an-inch into the pans 
—it will then be sucked up by the plants. 
They must not be allowed to get so dry as 
to flag, or they will be seriously injured, 
and they will not bear water applied to the 
surface during the winter, as it almost in- 
variably causes them to damp off. A tem- 
perature of 50° in the night will suit them 
until the middle of March. An inter- 
mediate Orchid house answers for them 
through the winter. About the time above 
named they will require moving into their 
239 
blooming pots. They should now have a 
large shift ; an 8-inch pot will not be too 
big for a single plant, and good peat with 
a little leaf-mould and sand should be used. 
A 12-inch pot will do for three plants, 
putting them close together in the middle ; 
they should still have a position with their 
heads near the glass, and again be shaded 
when the sun comes on them. The night 
temperature ought now to be 60°, and that 
of the day 70° or 75°; they must have as 
much water as will keep the soil fairly 
moist ; the shoots will grow fast, and will 
each want a thin stick to support them. 
As the weather gets warmer raise the heat 
to 65° or 66° in the night and 80° by day, 
with air daily, and a moderately moist 
atmosphere. 
By the end of May they will show 
flower, which will take five or six weeks 
before it expands. They will keep on 
blooming for five or six weeks, during 
which time the plants may be stood where 
they will be a little cooler, but not have 
too much air or be in a draught. They can 
now be placed further from the glass, 
where they will be seen more to advantage. 
After blooming keep on attending to them 
until the seed is ripe, when it is best to 
throw them away, bringing on young seed- 
lings each year to take their place. 
Iysects.—This Lisianthus is lable to 
the attacks of aphides, red spider and 
thrips, especially the last. Dipping in 
tobacco water and sponging with clean 
water is the most successful remedy. 
LITOBROCHIA. 
A genus of Ferns, most of which are 
stove species; they are pretty, and sufli- 
ciently distinct from others to make a few 
representatives of the genus worth growing. 
For propagation and cultivation, see 
Ferns, general details of culture. 
L. aurita. Isle of Luzon. 
L. davalliordes. 
LITTONIA MODESTA. 
This is a stove plant of a scandent habit 
of growth. It is suitable for clothing a 
pillar, or rafter, or may be trained on a 
trellis. The flowers are campanulate in 
shape, of a dark yellow, or orange colour. 
It requires similar treatment to the 
Gloriosas, which see. Africa. 
LIVISTONA. 
A noble genus of large-growing stove 
Palms, that require much room to be seen 
in a fairly developed state. 
