no THE CULTURE OF POT PLANTS 



bedding. All of these can be grown in an ordinary green- 

 house, provided that they are kept dry in winter. Some can 

 be propagated by offsets, and others by cuttings. If neither 

 is available, single leaves pulled off in autumn and inserted 

 in dry soil in a warm greenhouse can be used. When small 

 plants form at the base, the soil should be moistened slightly. 



Crassula. — One of the commonest plants in cottage 

 windows is C. coccifiea, a shrub with heads of scarlet flowers 

 in summer. With its fleshy green leaves and stems it is 

 effective at all seasons ; but probably one reason for its 

 popularity and for that of many other species mentioned in 

 this chapter is that, though they should be given a good deal 

 of water during their growing period, they are not injured by 

 neglect to the same extent as other plants. C. jakata 

 (crimson), C. jasniinea (white), and C. lactea (white, in winter) 

 are other fine species. 



Echeveria. — See Cotyledon. 



Echinocactus. — The name, derived from ecliinos (hedge- 

 hog), suggests the multitude of spikes by which the plants of 

 this genus are guarded. They are more or less globular in 

 shape, the parent plant often densely surrounded by offsets. 

 Among the finest are E. cory?wdes (yellow), E. pectiniferiis 

 (pale green, rose-tinted), and E. 7'Jiodophthalmus (rose). 



Epiphyllum. — A genus of cactuses with flat stems. 

 From the trailing habit they are suitable for hanging baskets. 

 When not so grown they are often grafted on more upright 

 stocks, such as Pereskia, in order to raise them above the 

 pots. They have magnificent flowers which naturally open 

 in winter. At that season, therefore, they should be in a 

 warm greenhouse. Like all other cactuses, they should be 

 kept dry from autumn until they start growth in spring ; but 

 if the temperature is high enough to enable them to flower, 

 some small amount of water will be necessary. Of E. trim- 

 catiwi, the commonest species, there are many charming 

 varieties. 



Haworthia. — Very similar to aloe, but with shorter, 

 thicker leaves. They require the same treatment. 



Mammillaria. — The globular or cylindrical stems of this 



