THUNIA. 477 
treated as terrestrial plants. Pots at least one-third filled 
with drainage should be used, and a compost consisting of 
fibrous peat, loam, and sphagnum, with a sprinkling’ of silver 
sand. By using pots 8in. in diameter, three or four stems 
may be planted together. The soil in the centre should be 
higher than than at the rim. The proper time for re- 
potting is as soon in spring as the young growths begin 
to push from the base of the old stems; all the old soil 
must then be shaken off, and only sufficient roots to fix 
the plants firmly should be allowed to remain. If a mild 
bottom heat is available, it is an advantage in the early 
stages of growth; but as soon as the shoots are 6in. to 
8in. high the plants should be removed to the intermediate 
house. When at rest, a dry position in a cool house 
is best for them. In full growth liberal supplies of water 
must be given, but after the flowering season is over and 
the leaves begin to decay, this should be gradually reduced, 
and for about three months in mid-winter none at all is 
needed. It is important that the plants should not be 
neglected—as is apt to be the case—when the leaves are 
falling; at that time they should have all the light and air 
possible. It is on the proper care at this season that the 
quantity and quality of the next year’s bloom depend. 
In a batch of Thunias, a good proportion of the stems 
will each produce two or more young growths. This is 
the best means of increasing the stock, and is sufficient 
to meet the requirements of ordinary gardens. If a large 
number are required, they may be obtained by cutting the 
old stems into lengths of about 6in., inserting these in 
pots of sand, keeping them close until young growths 
appear; when the latter begin to emit roots, they may, 
with the old piece of stem attached, be potted and treated 
in the usual way. They will take at least two years to 
grow to flowering strength. 
