IXOBA. 137 



its great enemy, -whicli requires to be narrowly watched, or 

 they will soon mar its beauty. 



IXOEA. 



The species of this genus of Rubiacea are, when well 

 grown and bloomed to perfection, among the finest and most 

 attractive objects of our stoves and flower shows. They are 

 considered by many growers difficult plants to cultivate, but 

 the following mode of treatment has been found to ensure 

 success. In the first place, the Ixoras are plants which 

 luxuriate in a high temperature, combined with a moist 

 atmosphere during the growing season, and until the blooms 

 are set, the temperature should not be lower than 70° by 

 day or 65° by night. Like many other stove plants, Ixoras 

 are very liable to the attacks of thrip, red spider, scale, 

 mealy bug, &c., so that great care must be taken to get them 

 free from these pests before the trusses of bloom appear, 

 and to keep them so, because, after the blooms are at all 

 advanced, smoking causes them to fall ofi'. The soil most 

 suitable for potting is good strong peat, to which a little 

 fibrous loam and about one-sixth of silver sand is to be 

 added. Those required for blooming in June should be cut 

 back in January, and started at once ; whilst those which are 

 intended for blooming at the end of July or in August, may 

 be left to rest until about the middle of March. While 

 making their growth, they require shade, with a moist atmo- 

 sphere, and an abundant supply of water at the roots. When 

 the growth is perfect, less shade will be necessary, and the 

 water should be partially withheld from the roots until the 

 flowers are set. If the plants are not required for continual 

 blooming, they may be removed when past their beauty to a 

 house with a lower temperature and less moisture, and less 



