194 BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 



weeks. Both plants will thrive in the compost recommended for 

 palms if they are carefully watered. Begonia Rex is propagated 

 by taking a mature leaf, nicking the midrib, and laying it on the 

 surface of the soil in a pot or box : B. Weltoniensis by cuttings. 



The Parlour Fig (A r alia Sieboldii).Th\s plant (now called 

 Fatsia by botanists, who have abandoned the familiar name of 

 Aralid] has broad, deeply cut foliage, with very thick leaf-stalks. 

 It will keep healthy in a room for a long time if carefully watered. 

 It will not endure draughts like an Aspidistra. 



BERRIED PLANTS 



There are two berry-bearing plants admirably adapted for room 

 decoration, namely, Ardisia crenata (or crenulatd) and the Winter 

 Cherry (Solanum capsicastrum). The former, although little 

 known, is the better of the two, so far as endurance is concerned 

 at all events. Its berries are much smaller than those of the 

 Solanum, and are darker in colour. They hang on the plants for 

 many months, and a plant will retain its beauty in a room for 

 more than half a year if it is properly watered, and the room 

 ventilated. The Ardisia will thrive in the palm compost. It may 

 be propagated by cuttings, which may be struck in bottom heat 

 in summer. Fairly firm wood should be selected. 



FLOWERING PLANTS 



The number of flowering plants available for rooms turns on 

 whether there is a glass-house or not. The owner of a green- 

 house will be constantly bringing nice plants that are just begin- 

 ning to bloom into the rooms. They may be plants that would 

 not thrive in a dwelling-house all the year round, but are quite 

 suitable for embellishing it for a few weeks. It is an immense 

 advantage to have a glass structure of some kind, because with its 

 aid a succession of plants can be had the greater part of the year. 



