WINDOW AND ROOM PLANTS 193 



of the leaves, and the careful watering are as good for Aspi- 

 distras as they are for palms. The plant is of no value for its 

 flowers, but it is interesting to know that these appear in an 

 unusual way. They push up from the root-stock, and lie on the 

 surface of the soil. 



The India-rubber Plant. This is really not a good room 

 plant, because draughts, close air, and alternations of temperature 

 cause its lower leaves to turn yellow and fall; when this happens 

 the plant is the reverse of ornamental. But with the avoidance 

 of draughts, and very careful watering, 

 success is possible. The palm com- 

 post and general treatment will suit 

 Ficus elastica. 



We have known ' a skilful man 

 dwarf a tall India-rubber Plant, the 

 base of which was bare of leaves, very 

 cleverly. It was done by cutting a 

 nick in the stem, and binding moss 

 round it, which was kept moist until 

 rooting took place, when the upper part 

 was cut away and potted. We will 

 not promise success in this operation, 



however, unless a moist, warm temperature is available ; nor 

 will we in striking cuttings of short pieces of stem, each with 

 a leaf attached, although experienced propagators can strike them 

 with plenty of moist bottom heat. 



Rex Begonias. The invaluable Begonia genus gives us a 

 useful foliage plant in Begonia Rex, and a beautiful flowering 

 one in Weltoniensis, a fibrous-rooted species with pink blossoms. 

 Begonia Rex has handsome marbled leaves, and a healthy plant 

 looks remarkably well in a window. The flowering species is best 

 brought into bloom in a warm greenhouse, and then moved to 

 the room window, where it will retain its beauty for several 



A, cutting of Ficus elastica prepared for in- 

 sertion ; B, B, hot-water pipes through 

 a frame ; C, cuttings in pots plunged in 

 cocoa-nut fibre D. 



