24 STOVE FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



best effect. They are easily propagated by cuttings of the 

 strong stems, which quickly root and form fine plants. 



EHOPALA. 



An elegant genus of fine foliage plants, some of which are 

 very useful for decorative purposes, as well as fvirnishing 

 beautiful specimen plants for the exhibitor. Among the finest 

 are R. corcovadensis, R. elegant issima, and R. Vervceneana, which 

 all grow best in a stove temperature, although they also thrive 

 well in a warm greenhouse. A compost of fibry loam and 

 peat, with charcoal nodules and sand, grows them well. They 

 delight in moisture while making growth, but should be gra- 

 dually exposed to air and light, and, placed in an intermediate 

 temperature, they will retain their foliage in a perfect condi- 

 tion through the whole year, and are thus nearly always avail- 

 able. They strike freely from cuttings placed under a bell- 

 glass in a strong bottom-heat, or the tops may be notched and 

 mossed, when good -sized plants are secured at once. 



SAXCHEZIA. 



The only species of this genus suitable for exhibition as a 

 foliage plant is S. nohili^ variegata. This is a widely cultivated 

 plant, which grows freely, and makes a handsome specimen 

 when its leaves are fully developed and their variegation well 

 brought out. It should be potted in equal parts of fibry loam 

 and peat, with some small bits of charcoal and silver sand. 

 It must be grown near the glass and shaded only to prevent 

 scorching, and have the flowers nipped out as they appear. 

 The leaves should be frequently sponged to keep them clear 

 of aphides, which prove harmful to them when in a young 

 state. 



SOXEEILA. 



This is a genus of beautiful dwarf-growing plants, as much 

 admired for the beauty of their flowers as for their foliage. The 

 best for their foliage are S. margaritacea Hendersonii, S. m. 

 marmorata, and S. m. i^iiperlm, which all possess a branching, 



