l66 HOUSE PLANTS 



reproduced by the offsets or even by leaf 

 cutting as suggested for the cotyledon. 



CACTUSES FROM SEED, ETC. 



To grow cactuses from seed sow the seeds 

 in a well-drained seed soil, and handle them 

 like any other seeds. After germination 

 give less water than for other seedlings, or 

 the young plants will burst, i. e., the skin will 

 crack open, resulting in a scar that is 

 permanent. 



Making a cutting of cactus is the easiest 

 thing in the world. Just cut or break off a 

 piece of the plant, and you are done. Since 

 the tissues are so watery, the cut surface 

 must be callused before the cutting is planted. 

 Lay it on a shelf in a sunny situation, where 

 there is a good circulation of air, for a few 

 days. 



Such succulents as the aloes, haworthias, 

 apicras and gasterias, may be grown from 

 suckers as well as seeds and cuttings. 



Late May and June is best for starting 

 the cuttings, because the wounds will then 

 heal quickly and well. Similarly, collected 

 plants should be received in the early sum- 

 mer^ because they are so liable to suffer 



