GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 6i 



ARAUGARIA. Most of the plants used in this country 

 (principally A. excelsa) were, until recently, imported from Europe. 

 This Araucaria is a native of Norfolk Island and is known as the 

 Norfolk Island Pine. The best place for the plants in Summer is 

 under a structure covered with slats. A. imhricata, the Monkey 

 Puzzle Tree, and A. BidwilUi are grown out of doors in Southern 

 California. 



Culture. Araucarias need cool treatment; the temperature 

 should not be above 60 degrees at night. Do not crowd, and givei 

 sufficient light, or they will become ragged. Protect in Summel 

 from the sun. 



Propagation. In the propagation of the Araucaria a good plan 

 is to procure seed and sow at the end of the year. The seedhngs are 

 not well-furnished with leaves at the base, but they make good stock 

 plants. The ripened tops of the seedlings are so easy to root 

 that, with ordinary care, it is almost impossible to lose a cutting. 

 Moreover, the cut-back plants will immediately begin to throw up 

 good leaders, which in turn are used for cuttings. In taking cuttings 

 from plants which have attained considerable size, the lateral 

 branches may be rooted along with the tops — not for making speci- 

 men plants, because this is impossible, but for the purpose of pro- 

 viding material for cuttings; for, when cut back, they will throw 

 up leaders, which are as good as the best. The soil for propagating 

 should be sandy, and pressed firmly about the base of the cuttings, 

 which should be kept in a frame shaded from sunlight, with enough 

 moisture in the atmosohere to keep them from wilting. Keep the 

 temperature a little higher after the cuttings have callused. 



ARDISIA. The Red-berried Ardisia, A. crenulaia, continues 

 to be one of the most attractive Christmas plants. It can be recom- 

 mended as a first-class window subject, owing to its apparent in- 

 difference to a little cold or occasional neglect in the way of watering. 



Culture. It prefers a cool greenhouse in Winter and the pots 

 should be plunged in a partially shaded place out of doors in Sum- 

 mer. A good soil consists of equal parts of loam, sand and peat. 

 Well decomposed manure may be added when potting large plants. 

 When the plants start to flower give plenty of air and keep near the 

 glass. A small amount of soot added to the water benefits the color- 

 ing. 



Propagation. Seeds may be sown during the latter part of 

 January. Plants over one year old are never without a crop of seed at 

 any season, if they are in good health; and frequently we see them 



