24 STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



As soon as the roots show through the moss the plants should be 

 potted, but not potted in the ordinary way. Many pots are broken 

 trying to get plants out of them, but in this ease we will have to break 

 pots to get the plants in. Thumb pots are quite large enough for the 

 first shift; and these must be broken into two pieces lengthwise. One- 

 half of one pot and one-half of another will not do, as the pieces must fit 

 closely, therefore break as many pieces as are wanted, and lay the pieces 

 one on top of the other before beginning the operation of potting. Sup- 

 ports must also be supplied, consisting of two sticks, one on each side, 

 and reaching to the mossed part of the stem. On one of the sticks, just 

 about where the middle of the pot will reach, twist a piece of wire, then 

 clasp the moss with the two pieces of pot, twist the wire firmly around 

 these and then on to the other stick. This will keep the pot in position 

 until the time to sever the top from the plant. This condition will be 

 indicated by the roots appearing through the bottoms of the pots. If 

 the tops are not of the largest size they can be cut off and placed in a 

 close frame for a few days before potting on; if, instead, they are large, a 

 further application of material to the mossed part will be necessary. 

 For this purpose 3-inch pots will have to be used, and the material 

 should be fibrous peat, sand and loam mixed. When the roots show, 

 the tops may be cut off. Stand the pots inside of others of the same size 

 in the frame, until they recover to a certain extent, then pot and keep 

 close for a while longer, gradually giving air. 



CURCULIQO— From the general appearance of the foliage one would 

 suppose that these plants were members of the Palm family instead of 

 being related to the Amaryllis. The leaves resemble those which are 

 undivided of Cocos flexuosa. C. recurvata is the only species grown. 

 The form with variegated leaves is one of our handsomest variegated 

 plants. During growth they require stove temperature for their perfect 

 development. They stand in a dwelling house fairly well. Propagation 

 is by division. Almost any kind of soil will answer; but as the plants 

 need large quantities of water the drainage should be perfect. 



CYCAS — Cycas revoluta stems are often spoiled as a result of the 

 treatment they get in the way of potting immediately after being im- 

 ported. Having few or no roots they should not be placed in large 

 receptacles, as the soil when once watered takes too long a time to dry 

 out and is apt to become sour, which is anything but a favorable con- 

 dition to tempt the growth of fresh roots. Put the stems into as small 

 pots as they will go, leaving just enough space to ram the soil tightly 

 around them with a thin piece of wood. They will start into growth 

 best when in a warm, moist house, and require little water until they 

 show signs of sending up a crop of leaves. Plants of this class make 

 their annual crop of leaves, not one after the other, as is the case with 

 Palms, but simultaneously, and at this period they require close watch- 

 ing, so that the foliage may be prevented from being deformed in any 

 way from insect attacks, cold drafts, or coming in contact with other 

 things during development. The temperature should be higher at this 

 period than at any other. When roots are formed and a suflficient time 

 has elapsed after the development of the fronds, the plants may be given 



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