Oil the Cultivation of the Trevirana coccinea. 249 



both of the plant itself and of its mode of treatment. No col- 

 lection should be without it, and in order that all may flower it 

 easily, who once possess it, we have thought a few remarks upon 

 its cultivation not inapplicable at this time. 



The plant has small imbricated roots, partaking somewhat of 

 the character of small bulbs; these are thrown up around the 

 main stem of the plants, both at the time and after its period of 

 flowering. After the plant has dropped its blossoms, and the 

 leaves begin to assume a decaying tinge, these imbricated roots 

 continue to enlarge, and, when they have acquired a little size, re- 

 main so during the dormant season, which is from December to 

 IMarch. During this period the plant should be kept from the 

 frost, and without any water, in a dry situation; if in a green-house, 

 on a dry shelf; or if in a cellar, where there is no dampness. 

 Here they may remain till wanted. 



Early in the month of March, the plants should be taken from 

 the pots, and all the soil shaken from the roots; then select out 

 the strongest of the imbricated roots, and put one of each in a thumb 

 pot, in a compost composed of half loam, one fourth leaf mould, 

 and one fourth heath soil, with a small portion of sand, or in some- 

 thing near these proportions. After the roots are potted, give 

 them a light watering, and place the pots in a hot-bed, if one is 

 at hand, or, if one is not convenient, a warm part of the green- 

 house or the parlor. They will soon start to grow, though slow- 

 ly at first; but by the first of May, they will have advanced suffi- 

 ciently to be shifted into No. 1 pots, using the same soil as for 

 the first potting; the middle of June, or thereabouts, again shift 

 them into No. 2 pots, using the same compost as before. They 

 will now grow more rapidly, and if placed in the green-house, in 

 an airy situation, will soon fill the pots with roots. In want of 

 a green-house, the plants may be placed in the open air, at this 

 season, or if it is desired to grow them to greater perfection, a 

 hot-bed in which the heat is partially exhausted will be an excel- 

 lent situation. 



By the middle of July, or from that period to the first of Aug- 

 ust, the plants should be shifted for the last time into their flow- 

 ering pots. For this purpose No. 3 pots should be selected. 

 Make use of the same soil as at first and all finished, until the 

 plants have passed their bloom and begin to throw oft' their foli- 

 age. It is necessary to observe the following directions, in the 

 potting, watering, and general management of the plants. 



Potting. — The compost for the plants should be well mixed 

 together, and well broken up, but not sifted. At the first potting 

 of the roots allow a good quantity of potsherds for drainage; 

 and at each succeeding shift of the plants, be careful to allow a 

 good drainage. Press the soil down firm around the roots, each 

 time of repotting. 



VOL. IV. — NO. VII. 32 



