THE CHRISTMAS GARDEN 



a summer bloomer, may produce its brilliant magenta 

 rose flowers at the ends of the curious, drooping, jointed 

 leaves at mid-winter, and hold them several weeks, even 

 in a living-room. The best known species is Trun- 

 catum, and there are several varieties of it with different- 

 coloured flowers. Nurserymen propagate this interesting 

 and beautiful plant by grafting it on to the Pereskia, and 

 grow it in a compost of loam, leaf mould (one-third), 

 and sand, Cereuses and Phyllocactuses have brilliant 

 flowers also, both being much larger than the Epiphyl- 

 lum. Grandiflorus is one of the best-known species of 

 Cereus ; it has huge white flowers, which open at night. 

 Macdonaldiae and Nycticalus are also night bloomers. 

 Fulgidus and Speciosissimus are brilliant 

 species, and flower in early summer. 

 Flagelliformis (Rat-tail Cactus) is a 

 popular species, and bears pink flowers 

 in early summer. It is often grown in 

 a basket. We get very quaint growth in 

 the Opuntias and Mammillarias. Some 

 of these are covered with prickles, others 

 with silvery hairs. Loam and shattered 

 brick suit the majority, and they need 

 practically no water throughout the 

 winter. The Phyllocactuses are among 

 the most brilliant of all. There are many 

 lovely hybrids and varieties, notably 

 Brilliant, scarlet; Cooperi, white; Epirus, 

 pink; and J. T. Peacock Improved, crim- 

 son. These should be kept dry in winter. 

 They will bloom in summer. 



Camellias. — There are no more beautiful 

 winter-blooming cool-house plants than the Camellias, 

 and the amateur who has no plants might buy a few good 

 393 



Dec. 

 I-I5 



Fig. 95.— Repotting 

 Camellias. 



a. Old ball of soil and 

 roots. 



b. Drainage. 



c. Space for new com- 

 post, which should 

 be made firm. 



