THE HOME FLORIST. 



which are produced in ordinary culture, and the ease with which they are cultivated, either in 

 the window or conservatory. To grow the Cactus readily all that is necessary is to imitate the 

 natural conditions of their growth. They are found in their greatest perfection in sections 

 which are subject to severe drouths of long duration, alternate with long wet spells, and accord- 

 ingly a free application of water should be given for three or four months and then be with- 

 held almost wholly during the rest of the year. They may be kept dryest during winter, but 

 not in a place where it is cold. Repotting them frequently is not agreeable with their well doing, 

 and it should be done not oftener than once a year. April is the best time for performing this 

 operation, after which they may receive an increase of water. They delight in a sandy soil not 

 too rich. The bottom of every pot should be covered with an inch of broken pots or rough 

 gravel for drainage. 



CALADIUM ESCULENTUM ( Greenhotise Bulb, 35, 55, 8f ). 



A beautiful, large decorative plant of most imposing appearance that will accommodate itself 

 to various courses of treatment. As a pot plant, grown in the conservatory or window 



in winter, and removed to a place 

 sheltered from winds in the summer, 

 it grows to the height of four feet, 

 and with its immense leaves lends a 

 tropical appearance to collections, 

 which is exceedingly effective. For 

 garden culture the treatment suited to 

 the Dahlia precisely meets the wants 

 of this plant. It delights in a warm 

 sandy soil, and may be left out until 

 frosts cut down the foliage before tak- 

 ing up for the winter. As a single 

 specimen pot plant it is without a 

 superior, although somewhat subject to 

 attacks of red spider. (See engraving, 

 Fig. 36.) 



CALANDRINIA (Half-Hardy 



Annual). 



Free growing plants, producing 

 heads of rosy, white and other colored 

 flowers freely during the summer, that 

 are desirable in the garden considering 

 the slight expense and trouble neces- 

 Fig. 36. Caladium Esculentum. sary to rear them, although they can- 



not be classed among very fine flowers. They remain in flower until after frosts, and are 

 frequently quite pretty thus late in the season. Sow in May where they are to flower, or earlier 

 in heat or protected bed and transplant. 



CALCEOLARIA CARPET BAG OR MOCCASIN FLOWER (Greenhouse Perennials, 



3 2 , 45* 75 ) 



SHRUBBY CALCEOLARIAS. These are free blooming plants of good habits, which produce 

 exceedingly novel and attractive flo.wers of irregular parts, the lower lip of each being a large 

 inflated sac that presents an appearance which not inappropriately entitles it to the common 

 name of Carpet Bag or Moccasin Flower. The plants are of erect shrubby habit, growing 

 to a height of from one to two feet. They are valuable as pot plants in the window or conser- 

 vatory, or for bedding out in positions that are shaded the hottest part of each day, as the 

 intense heat of the sun in summer is not favorable to its growth' and bloom. In the autumn 

 they are the last to sustain injury from freezing, and can then be taken up and wintered in a 

 well protected cold pit or cellar with ease. Also suitable for the conservatory or window 

 in winter. Propagate from cuttings of the young growth. There are numerous varieties, but 

 the following combine the greatest number of good points, all of which have pure, rich colors, 

 and are of good form and size : 



C. Aurea Floribunda, rich sulphur yellow. C. Fulgens, crimson maroon. C. Golden Prince, 

 an excellent bright yellow. C. Mrs. Woodruff, deep crimson ; large and brilliant ; a tall grower. 

 C. Queen of Oude, large crimson maroon, mottled in the most pleasing manner. 



HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS. These belong to a distinct section of the family, being reared 

 from seed sown in the greenhouse in the summer months, the plants flowering the following 

 spring. Although the hybrid varieties are among the most showy plants in cultivation 

 for decorating the conservatory, their culture would not be likely to result successfully in the 

 window. The seeds are very fine and require careful treatment in sowing. As soon as the 

 young seedlings can be handled they should be potted into small pots and given a place near the 

 glass. Shift them into larger pots before the roots mat around the ball of earth, as their growth 

 is liable to be checked if they become pot bound, and the green fly be invited. They require a 

 rich sandy soil. 



