ASPLENIUM. 



Greenhouse and Stove Flants. 



55 



not simply existing, but growing in a way 

 that bids defiance to adverse surroundings. 

 A. luiida is all but hardy in the most 

 favourable parts of the kingdom, but like 

 some other plants that are similarly 

 accommodating it thrives faster and looks 

 better when grown in a little warmth, say 

 that of an intermediate house, under which 

 condition the leaves get larger and have a 

 brighter appearance. These Aspidistras 

 are of very easy growth, but do not make 

 nearly so much j^rogress as some things ; 

 their leaves are produced from underground 

 stems or rhizomes. The flowers, which are 

 insignificant, are also produced under- 

 ground, and thus far the plant is singular. 

 The mode of increase is by division of 

 the stems, which, as already said, are 

 beneath the surface and spread. If a large 

 specimen is at hand, the right course is in 

 the spring, before growth begins, to turn it 

 out of the pot, and shake all the soil from 

 the roots ; disentangle them as far as 

 possible, and then divide in jiieces in size 

 as may be required. If numbers are 

 wanted the stems may be so far divided as 

 to reduce each piece to a single bud with 

 its leaf attached, retaining as much of the 

 stem and roots to it as available. If, when 

 the specimens are too large, there is no 

 object beyond reducing them toaconvenient 

 size, they may simply be divided into four 

 or six so as to meet the requirements of the 

 case. The pots should be sufficiently 

 drained to ensure the water passing away 

 freely, and large enough to admit the roots 

 without their being too much cramped. 

 The soil should consist of good loam, with 

 a little sand and a small quantity of rotten 

 manure ; press the material well about the 

 roots, and place the jilants where the 

 temperature can be kept at about 50° or 

 55° by night, with a rise of 10" or so in the 

 day. Give water when the soil seems to 

 require it. In the matters of air and 

 water, such treatment as answers for the 

 generality of cool stove plants, with a 

 little shade in very bright weather, should 

 be adopted ; syringe overhead slightly 

 whilst growth is going on. After the roots 

 have begun to extend leaves will be made, 

 more or less according to the size to which 

 the divided pieces have been reduced, but 

 these plants, as already said, do not grow 

 very fast, and when the leaves that first 

 spring up are fully matured no more growth 

 is generallymade with newly-divided plants 

 that season, except where a highly-exciting 

 temperature is kept up. It is better not 

 to subject the plants to this, as the object 

 should rather be to get foliage with plenty 

 of strength and substance in it than such 

 as is thin and not calculated to endure for 



several years. After the growth is finished 

 keep the plants at a warm greenhouse 

 temperature through the autumn and 

 winter. When they are about to commence 

 growing in spring give pots a little larger 

 if the roots have well filled those they are 

 already in, but do not at any time over- 

 pot ; yet, now when the object is to get the 

 plants on in size they must not be too 

 much cramped. Pots an inch larger for 

 small, and 2 inches for larger, plants will 

 be big enough. After shifting, place them 

 in a temperature similar to that advised for 

 the spring previous, and treat subsequently 

 in all respects as in the preceding season, 

 which will be all that is needful each 

 ensuing year, simply giving pot-room more 

 or less according to the size the plants are 

 wanted to attain. Although Aspidistras 

 will live in a pot-bound condition it is not 

 well to let them get into that state, as it 

 causes the leaves to come small and to 

 have a sickly appearance. Like most other 

 plants the leaves of the variegated form are 

 not so well able to bear hard usage as the 

 green sort, which is no doubt the original ; 

 but either, except whilst growth is going 

 on, may be stood in places where only 

 little light reaches them. Once fairly 

 established either of the forms will grow 

 well when kept cc ntinually in an ordinary 

 living room, but when so treated the 

 leaves should be frequently sponged to 

 free them from dust. They come from China. 

 Insects. — Most insects that att'ect plants 

 will live on Aspidistras, but the hard 

 texture of the leaves prevents much injury 

 being done them. Still thrips and red 

 spider leave their mark if allowed to gain 

 a footing. When the leaves are afiected 

 wash with insecticide for bug, scale, or 

 red spider ; if thrips or aphides appear 

 fumigate with tobacco. 



ASPIDIUM. 



A genus of Ferns, comprising both stove 

 and greenhouse species. Though distinct- 

 looking, they are not so handsome as many 

 in cultivation. 



For propagation and cultivation, see 

 Ferns, general details of culture. 



The undermentioned stove species will 

 be found the most desirable : — 



A. dilaceratum. Jamaica. 



A. macrophyllum. Tropical America. 



A. triangulare. 



A. trifoliatum. Brazil. 



ASPLENIUM. 



An extensive genus of Ferns, includ- 

 ing stove, greenhouse, and hardy kinds. 



