446 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 



has very large leaves with white nerves ; and var. rubra has splendid 

 red flowers. 



S. VELUTINA (velvety). Stem erect, slender, 1 foot high. Leaves 

 oval, green on both sides, but the nerves and stalk become purple; 

 round-toothed. Flowers pale greenish ; June. 



The garden varieties are very numerous, and additions are being 

 yearly made to the lists, for which we refer readers to the catalogues of 

 the gi'owers. 



The prevailing notion concerning these plants is that 

 they require stove treatment. This is not quite accurate. 

 A warm greenhouse where a temperature between 60° and 70° may be 

 maintained is sufficient for them. The tubers require a temperature of 

 about 65° to start them into growth, and in this, potted into small pots, 

 they should be placed in February. Most good soils suit them, but the 

 best compost will be found to consist of equal parts of leaf -mould and 

 peat to which a little sand or powdered charcoal has been added. In 

 preparing the pots, see that a good layer of broken crocks is so placed at 

 the bottom that efficient drainage is assured ; then nearly fill the pots 

 firmly with the compost, press in the tuber gently, and fill up with more 

 compost, slightl}^ covering the top of the tuber. Give no water until 

 growth has commenced. In order that the soil shall not become dry, 

 the atmosphere in the house should be kept moist. Gloxinias dislike 

 wetting over head. When growth has well started, the plants require 

 plenty of water, morning and evening, but it must be tepid, not cold 

 water. They should have plenty of light when growing, but must be 

 effectually shaded from the sunshine. The leaves and stalks are very 

 brittle at this stage, and must be handled with great care, or they will 

 snap. As soon as the roots have well taken hold of all the soil in the 

 pot, the plants should be shifted into larger pots; the size depending 

 upon the usual stature of the species concerned, because this is to be the 

 llowering-pot. When the flowers begin to develop, a lower temperature, 

 accompanied by weekly doses of liquid manure, will be found beneficial. 

 After flowering, and as the leaves show" they are fully developed, the 

 plants should be allowed to go to rest, by withholding water from them. 

 Gradually the leaves will wither as their substance is withdrawn into 

 the tuber, and when they are to all appearance dead, the tubers must be 

 stored away in a dry place where they will be secure from frost. 



Gloxinias are propagated in several ways. Seed should be sown in 

 February in pans of fine compost, which should consist of equal parts 

 leaf-mould, peat, and sand. Slightly cover with a sprinkling of fine soil, 

 and water lightly, then place in a temperature of 70°. As soon as the 



