ON THE CULTURE OF GLOXINIAS. 106 



abundantly, and will most likely be the means of lessening the 

 expense, which at present must prevent many from possessing it. 



An Ardent Amateur. 



ARTICLE V«-r- On the Culture of Gloxinias. By Mr. 

 Thomas Appleby, Gardener to the Rev. J. A. 

 Rhodes, Horsforth Hall, near Leeds. 



In reply to Air. B. Denton, I send you a few remarks on the 

 culture of some species of Gloxinias, as greenhouse plants. To 

 cultivate these charming plants in a greenhouse, the following 

 method will be found practicable : — 



In the spring, as soon as they begin to push out shoots from 

 the bulbs, shake them gently out of the soil, and pot them in a 

 rich light compost, well drained with small broken pots — the size 

 of the pots not to exceed one inch more than the diameter of the 

 bulb. Give a gentle watering, and place them in the wannest 

 part of the greenhouse. Be careful not to over-water, until the 

 plants are of a considerable size ; they may then be more freely 

 watered, and will require larger pots. I generally flower them in 

 pots six inches wide at top, and eight deep. 



When the greenhouse plants are removed into the open air, the 

 internal heat may be increased ; the Gloxinias will then grow 

 rapidly, and will require a proportionate increase of water. Occa- 

 sionally it will be advantageous to give them manure in a state of 

 solution. Every day sprinkle them gently on the whole herb with 

 clear soft water, from a syringe, or the fine rose of a watering pan. 

 Whi-ii, on account of frost, it is needful to bring in the greenhouse 

 plants, the sprinkling must be omitted, and the quantity of water 

 given every time reduced, until they are almost dry. Place them 

 on a dry, airy shelf. Clip (not pull) off all decayed leaves as they 

 Oconrj but never suffer the soil to become dust dry, as, if that be 

 the case, the bulb will become farinaceous, and when watered in 

 the spring, will rot 



The following species may be grown, and will flower, by the 

 above treatment : — Gloxinia hirsuta, caulescens, Candida, speciosa, 

 ami ipeeiota alba. 



Gloxinia mactilata cannot be grown in a greenhouse to flower: 



Vol. II. p 



