48 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS, 
Fine specimen plants can be obtained by potting a 
number of small tubers in a large pot, in case a large 
tuber of a desired kind is not at hand, but it is better to 
pot a single tuber. In potting, soil is of less importance 
than method. ‘The finest specimens we have ever seen 
on exhibition were potted in soil taken from the rubbish — 
heap, which was a mixture of everything from the 
greenhouse. Good drainage is of the first importance. 
The tubers must commence their growth before potting, 
if success is to be attained. This will be about the first 
of March; then they should be potted and placed in 
position for active growth. For purposes of sale, the 
large tubers, after getting well started, may be cut into 
pieces, a single sprout to each; these should be put in 
three-inch pots, shifting into a large size if the growth 
demands it. If the plants can have a slight bottom 
heat, growth will be accelerated. Water should be 
applied sparingly at first, but when the pots are filled 
with roots, too much cannot be given them. Liquid 
manure should be given at least twice a week. As 
growth advances, temperature and humidity should 
hkewise increase. Shade the leaves from the midday 
sun, otherwise give them all the hght possible. After 
the plants have perfected their growth, and the leaves 
begin to wither, gradually withhold water, but keep up 
the temperature until the tuber and soil are thoroughly 
dry; then place the pots in a dry, warm place, until the 
following spring, when the operation is to be repeated. 
The varieties of the Caladium are almost innumer- 
able, the result of growing from cross-fertilized seed. 
Growing the Caladium from seed is a simple matter. 
Sow the seed in pans or boxes, soon as ripe; prick out 
into thumb-pots when an inch high, and grow on in the 
manner as is recommended for the tubers. Give them a 
rest when they show, by the drooping of the leaves, that 
they require it. For Caladium esculentum see Colocasia. 
