44 



which the leaves proceed, they are large metallic looking leathery 

 leaved plants, Alocasia Metallica, A. Sedeni A. Veifcchi, these do 

 not winter, that is do not lose their leaves, next in order are the 

 Anthuriums Epiphytes or parasites with beautifully spotted and 

 glabrous leaves. The stem more boldly and distinctly produced, 

 with a palm like habit when full grown Anthurium Scherzeri- 

 anum however is a small gem of a plant sending up several vivid 

 scarlet spathes which last for months. 



Next the Diffenbachias which are still more palm like in habit 

 and have very beautiful marked variegated leaves and white waxy 

 stalks to their leaves. 



Lastly the Caladium which has radical leaves that is, they arise 

 direct from the root, without any main stem, and after six months 

 of growth die down and winter. 



Towards the end of the year, when Caladium leaves assume a 

 yellow tint and flag, water should be gradually withheld from the 

 plants, this will greatly hasten the ripening of the roots, when 

 the leaves have perished, the Rhizomes (root stocks) may be taken 

 out of the large pots, repotted in small ones and stored in a go- 

 down or shed to winter or rest, receiving a supply of water occa- 

 sionally to prevent the roots shrivelling. About the middle of 

 April, when the mango showers fall, the plants will awaken from 

 their winter sleep, the Rhizomes plump fresh and beginning to 

 emit roots. When the shoots like spikes appear on the surface, 

 it is time to shift the plants into large pots dividing them into 

 small pieces with 2 or 3 crowns or spikes to each, or retaining the 

 whole according to the requirements of the cultivator. In potting, 

 place the Rhizome low enough to be covered with half an inch soil, 

 press the soil very little over them, good drainage and a rich com- 

 post of loam, old manure and sand are indispensable. Few plants 

 delight more in an abundant supply of water at the roots 

 and such should be unsparingly given, when the pots have 

 become filled with roots weak liquid manure may be occasion- 

 ally applied. Caladiums require shade from bright sun shine. 

 An abundant supply of moisture must also be maintained 

 in the surrounding atmosphere in dry weather, by wetting the 



