134 THE CULTURE OF POT-PLANTS 



should nearly, but not quite, touch the water. There is 

 always a certain amount of evaporation, and the vapour, con- 

 densing on the base of each bulb, will keep it sufficiently moist 

 to induce the formation of roots, but not moist enough to 

 cause decay. The best position for the glasses is a warm 

 cupboard. They should not be in the light until the roots 

 are strong enough to support top-growth. When this stage is 

 reached they should be brought out, kept for a few days in 

 the shade, and eventually moved into a sunny window. 

 There they may remain until they flower. As the result of 

 evaporation, and also of absorption by the roots, the water 

 will sink in the glasses, and any loss should be made good. 

 A piece of charcoal is sometimes put in each glass to keep 

 the water pure, but it really is not necessary. 



The number of bulbous plants which can be grown in pots 

 of soil, bowls of fibre, or glasses of water is very large. It is 

 not possible here to enumerate more than a few of the best 

 of them. 



Agapanthus umbellatus. — A handsome plant, nearly 

 hardy, belonging to the lily family, with bunches of blue 

 flowers. There are several varieties, some with white flowers, 

 others with various shades of blue, one of them double, and 

 others again with variegated foliage. They may almost be 

 called succulent, the stems and leaves are so fleshy, and they 

 require so much water in summer. In winter they should be 

 kept nearly dry. A high temperature is not necessary for 

 them, only protection from severe frost. They flower best if 

 left ^undisturbed in their pots. Propagation by means of 

 offsets. 



Anemone. — Many of the anemones make excellent pot 

 plants, especially the numerous varieties of A. coronaria, and 

 for early flowers A. bla?ida and A. hepatica. The woody 

 crowns or tubers should be potted rather thickly in rich, sandy 

 soil in autumn, and when they begin to grow, kept well 

 supplied with water. After their flowers wither they may be 

 planted out in the garden. 



Arum Lily. — See Richardia, p. 143. 



Begonia (Tuberous). — If seed is sown about February 



