Commercial Gardening 



young plants from the top of the leaf stalk, as shown in the sketch 

 (fig. 64). Achimenes are also raised extensively in this way (fig. 65), as 

 are also Gloxinias, foliage and other Begonias, Echeverias, Kleinias, Cras- 

 sulas, Pachyphytons, &c. In the case of Gloxinias and foliage Begonias 

 the leaves are laid flat on the soil, and have slits made across the midrib 

 and main veins with a sharp knife. They are kept in position by small 

 stones or pieces of broken pot, and kept moist and warm, and soon develop 

 little plants from the slits. In the case of the Indiarubber plant (Ficus 

 elastica), while the single leaves will develop roots, as 

 shown in the sketch (fig. 66), and remain fresh for 

 many months, they seem to be incapable of develop- 

 ing plants. 



Fig. 66. Leaf of India- 

 rubber Plant (Ficiis 

 elastica) Rooting 



Fig. 67. Offsets from a Stonecrop (Seduin dasyphyUum) 



1, Entire plant, nat. size. 2, 3, 4, Offsets at different levels on the 

 stem in the axils of the leaves. 5, Offsets from floral region. 



The thick scaly leaves from the bulbs of many Liliums, if inserted in 

 sandy soil, will produce little bulbs at the base, and these in the course 

 of two, three, or four years will attain the flowering stage. Echeverias 

 are readily propagated in the same way, the detached matured leaves giving 

 rise to plants in due course. Many other fleshy plants may be increased 

 from their leaves, as shown in the annexed cut of Sedum dasyphyllv/rn 

 (fig. 67). 



Some Orchids (e.g. Thunia Marshalliana) may be raised from stem 

 cuttings, as shown in the annexed drawing (fig. 68). The stems of Ficus 

 elastica, cut up into pieces each containing one leaf and an eye, root readily 

 in a temperature of 75 to 80 F. Dracaena stems cut up in the same 

 way but without leaves, also root freely, and produce plants when buried 



