S6 PLANT CULTURE 



ALOCASIA. Although among the most ornamental of stove 

 plants, none of them can be put to much use outside of these 

 structures. Out of a large number of species and forms, A . metallica, 

 A. Regina {Sedenii) A. Thibautiana, A.Sanderiana and ^. macrorhiza 

 variegata are well known. 



Culture. They do best in good fibrous loam to which one-third 

 of well-rotted cow manure or pulverized sheep manure has been 

 added. Give the pots good drainage and cone up 2 or 3 inches above 

 the rim. The plants must be shaded from the sun at all times, and 

 grown in a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. When active growth 

 starts in March give a temperature of 70 degrees at night, with a 

 humid atmosphere and plenty of water at the roots. 



Propagation. The two last named are increased by offsets; 

 the others, by cutting up the succulent stems of old plants. Roll 

 the pieces of stem in powdered charcoal and allow them to dry be- 

 fore placing in damp moss, in a propagating frame, which should 

 have a temperature of 80 degrees. After sprouting put them in a 

 potting mixture similar to that given for Nepenthes. 



ALOE. Although these plants are usually very coarse they are 

 often popular because of their suggestion of desert conditions. 

 A. plicatilis is commonly cultivated as a tub plant. 



Culture. The soil best suited to their culture is a sandy loam 

 in which is mixed some broken bricks and some well-decayed 

 manure. Give the plants perfect drainage by using a thick layer 

 of broken crockery in the bottom of the pot. 



Propagation. Seeds, suckers and cuttings are all used in 

 multiplying this plant. 



AMARYLLIS (See Bulbous Plants). 



ANANAS (Pineapple). Ananas sativns vai.variegalais one of 

 the best variegated leaved plants. 



Culture. It requires a high temperature indoors. Use a light 

 material for potting, such as sphagnum moss, Fern roots and char- 

 coal. The plants need little water at the roots in Winter; a slight 

 syringing of the foliage is beneficial. In a warm, sheltered place all 

 of the kinds do well out of doors in Summer, where they put on 

 exquisite colorings. If grown large enough the plants will fruit in 

 the same way as the green-leaved forms. In fact, it is best to allow 

 them to fruit, as subsequently they form suckers the more readily. 



