760 



Gardening for Amateurs 



B 



Portion of Phyllocactus stem on which blossom 

 buds have formed at B ; at C a flower bud 

 is shown in a more advanced stage ; and at 

 D is shown how a shoot is produced from 

 the flattened stem. 



Two forms of Phyllocactus cuttings ; the depth 

 of insertion is indicated by the cross line. 



in form. They are very spiny, and 

 in some instances the spines are 

 arranged in regular rosettes. A con- 

 siderable number of them flower 

 freely, the blossoms being, as a 

 rule, borne from the apex of the 

 plant. In colour the flowers are 

 chiefly white, yellow or pink. If 

 repotting is needed it should be 

 done in spring, a mixture of three 

 parts loam to one part of brick 

 rubble and sand forming a suitable 

 compost. 



Epiphyllum. Quite a distinct 

 race of succulents, with peculiarly 

 flattened branches that take the 

 place of leaves. They are of a 

 semi-pendulous habit of growth, for 

 which reason they are often grafted 

 upon stems of Pereskia aculeata, a 

 climbing plant. This is one of the 

 most simple of grafting operations, 

 all that is necessary being to cut the 

 stock to the required height and 

 split it at the top. Then cut the 

 scion in the form of a wedge, push 

 in its place, and pass one or two of 

 the sharp spines from the Pereskia to 

 hold it in position. This should be 

 done in sprirg, and if shaded from 

 the sun and occasionally sprayed 

 over, the union will be complete in 

 about three weeks. The Pereskia is 

 not a vigorous-rooting plant, hence 

 care must be taken not to use large 

 pots ; those of 4 inches diameter are 

 large enough. Sandy loam, with a 

 little brick rubble and leaf - mould 

 intermixed, suits them well. In 

 winter they need a temperature of 

 50 to 60 F. Epiphyllums are also 

 seen to advantage in hanging bas- 

 kets, for which purpose plants on 

 their own roots are preferable. The 

 flowers, which are of a curiously 

 oblique shape, vary in colour from 

 white or almost so to purple, some 

 of the intermediate shades being 

 very pleasing. Two nearly allied 

 kinds viz. E. Gaertneri and E. 

 makoyanum have bright red flowers, 

 which are borne in spring instead 

 of in winter, as with the others. 



