48 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 



Fine specimen plants can "be obtained by potting a 

 number of small tubers in a large pot, in case a large 

 tuber of a desired kind is not at hand, but it is better to 

 pot a single tuber. In potting, soil is of less importance 

 than method. The finest specimens we have ever seen 

 on exhibition were potted in soil taken from the rubbish 

 heap, which was a mixture of everything from the 

 greenhouse. Good drainage is of the first importance. 

 The tubers must commence their growth before potting, 

 if success is to be attained. This will be about the first 

 of March; then they should be potted and placed in 

 position for active growth. For purposes of sale, the 

 large tubers, after getting well started, may be cut into 

 pieces, a single sprout to each; these should be put in 

 three-inch pots, shifting into a large size if the growth 

 demands it. If the plants can have a slight bottom 

 heat, growth will be accelerated. Water should be 

 applied sparingly at first, but when the pots are filled 

 with roots, too much cannot be given them. Liquid 

 manure should be given at least twice a week. As 

 growth advances, temperature and humidity should 

 likewise increase. Shade the leaves from the midday 

 sun, otherwise give them all the light possible. After 

 the plants have perfected their growth, and the leaves 

 begin to wither, gradually withhold water, but keep up 

 the temperature until the tuber and soil are thoroughly 

 dry ; then place the pots in a dry, warm place, until the 

 following spring, when the operation is to be repeated. 



The varieties of the Caladium are almost innumer- 

 able, the result of growing from cross-fertilized seed. 

 Growing the Caladium from seed is a simple matter. 

 Sow the seed in pans or boxes, soon as ripe; prick out 

 into thumb-pots when an inch high, and grow on in the 

 manner as is recommended for the tubers. Give them a 

 rest when they show, by the drooping of the leaves, that 

 they require it. For Caladium esculentum see Colocasia. 



