258 FRITZ BAHR'S COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE 



the smaller florist has hardly had a chance to obtain any of the few 

 plants that are at present grown from cuttings in America. 



I have seen an attempt made in Eureka, California, to grow 

 them on in lathhouses, and while apparently not very successful, 

 I am sure we will yet succeed. Every florist will welcome their re- 

 appearance and a chance to sell them at a reasonable price, for there 

 is nothing more appropriate for Christmas in the way of a foliage 

 or decorative plant, and they are equally good house plants. 



ARBORVIT^: 



See Thuya 



ARDISIA CRENULATA 



In spite of all the fine Solanums which have been introduced in 

 recent years the Ardisia is still the most stately of all the berried 

 plants we have for Christmas, and no other plant with berries is 

 likely to replace it for awhile. 



It will not pay anyone but the man who specializes in Ardisias 

 to grow them; not that it is such a hard job, but you might say that 

 two years are required to do it. The plants must have proper at- 

 tention and be kept not only clean but growing in order to get 

 something out of them. 



You can buy Ardisias for 

 Christmas some weeks ahead 

 and keep them in fine condi- 

 tion by giving them a cool 

 house. You no doubt have 

 customers who are willing to 

 pay a little extra for a berried 

 plant which won't drop its 

 foliage as quickly as the Cher- 

 ries or Peppers; that's the time 

 to mention Ardisias. Even 

 after Christmas there are occa- 

 sions when you can sell these 

 beautiful plants. Don't grow 

 them on yourself, but sell all 

 you can. 



ARECA LUTESCENS 



This is one of the many 

 useful Palms the florist carries. 

 For hardiness it is not to be 

 compared with the Kentias, 

 but it has a softer green color, 

 is more graceful in a small 

 state and will grow quicker 



Fig. 29. ARECA LUTESCENS. These Arecas 

 make usable plants much more quickly 

 than the Kentias. While not as lasting or 

 as hardy, nevertheless they are most useful, 

 especially when three plants are grown in 

 a pot 



