IN CALIFORNIA 107 



deeply lobed and notched at the edges and curiously 

 punctured with round and oval holes. The leaves 

 attain a width of two feet by three and a half in 

 length. The plant is of climbing habit and sends 

 out long aerial roots along the stem; these soon 

 reach the ground, take root in the soil and furnish 

 the plant with needed moisture. There is nothing 

 more decorative for house culture. It also does well 

 against a wall in any position where there is plenty 

 of shade, but will not endure freezing temperatures. 



The idea, once so prevalent, about orchids being 

 difficult subjects to grow and flower, is now tolerably 

 well exploded. Some species certainly need lots of 

 fussing over, but many kinds will succeed well in 

 any ordinary greenhouse, and we have seen on more 

 than one occasion nicely flowered specimens grown 

 in dwelling houses. Such sorts as Dendrobium no- 

 bile, Cypripedium insigne and other terrestrials, Ly- 

 caste Skinneri, and Coelogyne cristata will flower 

 satisfactorily in an ordinary shady bay window if a 

 little judgment is used in watering and other essen- 

 tial details. 



Pandanus, Vietchii, a dracena-like plant, having 

 leaves marked longitudinally with creamy white 

 bands, in a young state is very effective as a decora- 

 tive plant. Some people object to P. Veitchii on 

 account of its fancied resemblance to the ribbon 

 grasses ; others have the idea that it won't stand well 

 as a house plant, that it is harmed by being kept out 

 of a high temperature, which is not the case. It will 

 thrive equally as well as "Ficus elastica, provided 

 root conditions are favorable that is, good drainage 

 and porous soil. It will not permanently stand a low 

 temperature, however, and requires a warm, sunny 

 room for best development. 



