11.81 BULBOUS PLANTS. 



but preferably about the starting time, either before or after. They are 

 cut up into pieces, each one with a bud or growth to it. 



Preparations for Lifting Tubers By the beginning of October, and 

 earlier in some localities, fanc^ -leaved Caladiums will soon begin to lose 

 their bright colors, owing to the low temperature. Before this occurs 

 go over them and renew the names, using fresh labels. If they are with- 

 out names go over them all the same, jotting down the colors of the 

 leaves, and whether certain kinds should be used again and so forth. 

 All this is very necessary with the Caladium, as it is a coming bedding 

 plant. I have not yet come to the conclusion whether it is best to plant 

 them in the dormant state like Gladioli, or to start indoors before 

 planting. I used to favor the latter method, mainly because there was 

 something to look at as soon as planted. Some beds which 1 saw lately, 

 owing to the splendid growth made from dormant tubers at planting 

 time, spoke volumes in favor of this method. It certainly saves the 

 time given to the starting and potting indoors. But again, more money 

 can be got out of a plant, with its beautiful leaves, started in a 5-inch 

 pot than can be got for a mere tuber that has no more beauty to it 

 than a potato. 



Storing the Tubers Outdoor plants as they lose their leaves should 

 be dug up and laid under the bench of a house where the sun won't get 

 at them. Give water occasionally to both roots and foliage until the 

 latter gradually decays. After the leaves are cut off and the tubers are 

 dry, put as many as will go into a fair-sized pot, then run in dry sand 

 and stand the pots in the warmest part of the house, where they will be 

 free from drip. They should be kept in a temperature not lower than 

 60 degrees during the Winter. Plants in pots will soon begin to look 

 "seedy" unless they be kept in a warm, close house. To rest them, 

 withhold water gradually, and when the leaves are nearly gone, remove 

 the pots to the driest and warmest part of the house, placing the pots 

 on their sides. If room cannot be spared the plants may be knocked out 

 of the pots and stored like the outdoor collection. 



Propagation Many of the kinds form small tubers on the sides of the 

 large ones; these are easily detached and grown on. Again, many sorts, 

 especially some of the finer and recently introduced varieties, do not 

 make these small tubers, or not in large enough numbers to be of much 

 service; but it will usually be found that the large tubers have one or 

 more eyes generally at the sides. These, if taken off with a piece of the 

 tuber attached, either before or after starting, will make small plants 

 the same season. In separating from the parent tuber dust the cut sur- 

 faces with powdered charcoal, to prevent decay. If taken off before the 

 tubers are started, put the pieces in warm sand to hasten the formation 

 of roots. 



Caladium odoratum or Colocasia odorata is used much in the same 

 manner for outdoor decoration in Summer as the well-known Colocasia 

 esculenta. They are known from each other by C. odorata having thick 

 fleshy stems above ground and the leaves pointing upward, or at 

 least growing with the leaf blade horizontal, while C. esculenta has 

 drooping leaf blades, and has no stem above ground. They are both 



