PLANTINC, OUT. 63 



In the neighborhood of Philadelphia and New York, Victoria plants may 

 be planted out from the first to the middle of May ; but from tliis date until warm 

 settled weather arrives, the plants will need protection and artificial heat, for 

 a water temperature of 80° to 85° must be maintained. 



It must not be inferred that the Victoria cannot be grown at all without 

 artificial heat. There are instances of plants doing well and even producing 

 flowers, though they are exceptional; but there are exceptional localities. As 

 a general rule, the season is too short, as it is not safe to plant without artifi- 

 cial heat until the end of June, and the summer will be declining by the time 

 the plant has attained fair proportions; and there is then the possibility of a 

 cold spell, and the plant may not make any decent showing. But if grown with 

 artificial heat, a plant will have attained good proportions, in fact, equal to the 

 whole season's growth of a plant without artificial heat, by the time it is safe 

 to plant out. 



Victoria plants are very succulent, and will not bear the confinement in a 

 packing case in the same manner that a Palm will, yet they will travel long 

 distances, and withstand a journey of two or three days without suft'ering, but 

 onh' the strongest plants should be subjected to a long journey, small plants 

 would succumb, but can be safely shipped on a two days' journey. 



When plants are received from a distance, and have been subjected to a 

 comparatively low temperature during the journey, they should not be at once 

 submerged in water at the temperature before recommended for growing 

 Victorias, but proceed as follows : On opening the case, place a thermometer 

 inside the packing for a few seconds, to ascertain the existing temperature, 

 then unpack and place the plant in water but a few degrees higher, also shade 

 the plant during the day, gradually increasing the temperature as the plant 

 recovers its normal condition. The plant should be shipped in the pot in 

 which it has grown, and should remain undisturbed until it shows signs 

 of growth, which it should do in two or three days; after this the plant may be 

 repotted or planted in permanent quarters. 



When a plant has been shipped but a short distance, it may at once be 

 placed in permanent quarters, or submerged as received, and planted out a 

 little later; the condition of the plant and the surroundings must direct the 

 operation. After planting, keep both water and atmosphere at a temperature 

 of 80° to 85°, giving air on all occasions when the weather permits. Keep a 

 thermometer on hand, in the water is preferable, so as to know what the 

 temperature is at sight. 



