FOLIAGE PLANTS 83 
all formal decorative plants. Its dignity, simplicity 
and beautiful plumelike foliage place it in a class of 
its own. The branches leave the main stem at reg- 
ular intervals, in whorls of five, and the foliage is a 
clean soft green, lighter at the tips. Propagated by 
cuttings from leading shoots, not side shoots. 
The two varieties ordinarily used are A. excelsa 
glauca and A. e. robusta. Some time ago I saw 
a specimen of a new variety, not yet put on the 
market, and the name of which I have forgotten. 
(I think it was stellata) The outer half of each 
branch was almost white, giving the whole plant a 
wonderful star-like effect. 
Aspidistra—The aspidistra is the toughest 
of all foliage plants —if not of all house plants. It 
has proved hardy out-of-doors as far north as 
Philadelphia. The long flat leaves grow to a height 
of eighteen to twenty-four inches, springing directly 
from the ground. Its chief requirement is plenty of 
water during the growing season. New plants are 
readily obtained by dividing the old roots in Feb- 
ruary or August. 
There are several varieties and those familiar only 
with the common green sort (A. elatior) will be 
surprised and pleased with the striking effective- 
ness of the variegated, (A. e. varigata) and with 
the spotted leaved A. punctata. 
Caladium—This is another popular plant for 
which I have never cared greatly myself. It seems 
