328 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



492. Semi-tuberous begonias (Fig. 37). Within com- 

 paratively recent years a new race of begonias has come 

 into popular favor. The abundance of bloom and the at- 

 tractive habit of growth make this group of great 

 value. Hybrids between socotrana and species in the 

 fibrous rooted section have given some remarkable 

 varieties. Among them are Gloire de Lorraine, Glory of 

 Cincinnati, Winter Cheer, Turnford Hall, Caledonica, 

 Mrs. Heal, Melior, and Mrs. Peterson. 



Habitat. From the hot, sandy island of Socotra. 



493. Propagation. The semi-tuberous type of begonia 

 is propagated almost entirely from leaf cuttings. They 

 are usually taken early in November, for .they require 

 a long period in which to develop plants for flower- 

 ing the next winter. They also require a steady 

 bottom heat, and such is better maintained during the 

 winter. 



Well-matured, perfect leaves selected from healthy 

 plants are taken for cuttings. The leaf-stalk is cut about 

 one-half inch below the leaf blade, and inserted in the sand 

 until the base of the leaf is in close contact with the sand. 

 If the leaf is tilted somewhat, there is less danger from 

 the damping-off fungus. The cutting should be placed 

 firmly in the sand and thoroughly watered. A steady 

 bottom heat of not less than 70 should be maintained, 

 and the atmosphere in the propagating house should be 

 somewhat close and humid ; still, the house should be 

 ventilated and the air fresh, or a large number of the 

 cuttings will decay. It is an excellent plan to have a propa- 

 gating case for the cuttings, so that while fresh air is 

 being admitted to the house, they may be covered to pre- 

 vent drafts and chilling. The cutting bench should not 

 be exposed to direct sunlight. Care should be taken to 



