THE GLOXINIA 95 



a root an inch across in a five-inch pot. For larger 

 tubers use a six-inch pot. Plant them so that the top 

 of the root will be covered about half an inch. Give 

 a warm, moist place, but not very strong sunshine 

 at any time. When blooming give a shady place, 

 as the thick flowers are easily affected by the rays 

 of the sun, and turn brown in a short time. Give 

 water enough while the plant is growing to keep 

 the soil moist all through. The Gloxinia likes a good 

 deal of moisture in the air, but does not care to have 

 it applied to its foliage by showering. A well-grown 

 specimen will have foliage six or eight inches long 

 and about four inches across, and the leaves will droop 

 or curve over the pot in such a manner as to almost 

 hide it. The foliage, like the flowers, is very thick 

 and heavy in texture, and because of its tenderness 

 is easily injured in handling, therefore do not bruise 

 it if possible to avoid doing so, or the leaves will have 

 discolored spots on them which render them unsightly, 

 and a good background or foundation of perfect foliage 

 is necessary in showing off the flowers to the best 

 advantage. When in bloom give semi-weekly applica- 

 tions of not too strong manure water. This will 

 increase the size and quantity of the flowers greatly. 

 About November, and sometimes earlier, the 

 flowers will begin to diminish in size and number, and 

 the foliage will show yellow edges. This indicates a 

 desire on the part of the plant to rest. Encourage 

 it to do so by withholding water, not all at once, 

 but gradually. The leaves will ripen and drop off one 

 by one. When they are all gone, set the pots con- 

 taining the tubers away in some place where they will 

 be safe from frost, and allow them to remain there till 

 the following March, giving no water meantime. Then 

 repot them, and start into new growth by giving water, 

 light and warmth. Some persons take their Gloxinias 



