GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 73 



be in evidence. A bottom heat of 70 degrees is advised, and a rela- 

 tively high humidity. It usually takes about a month for the cut- 

 tings to root. They should not be potted until the httle plants start 

 from the callus. Propagated by division the plants are usually less 

 bushy, but because many shoots are sent up from the roots the 

 stock plants can be divided after the leaf cuttings are taken. The 

 soil should consist of leafmold and fibrous loam in equal parts and 

 some charcoal should be added to keep the soil sweet. Continue 

 to use a loose soil during their growth. Two-inch pots will be large 

 enough at first, but the plants must not be pot-bound until flower- 

 ing time when the plants should be in 10- to 1 2-inch Azalea pots. They 

 will enjoy a partial shading and a temperature'of 60 degrees until 

 they flower; then they should be kept cool, about 45 degrees to 50 

 degrees. Pinch the plants to make them bushy and stake them when 

 they need it. Care should be exercised in watering so that the foli- 

 age is not wetted, else the leaves will drop. When coming into bud, 

 watering with liquid manure will be of value. 



Winter Flowering Begonias. The Winter flowering Bego- 

 nias have resulted from a cross between B. socotrana x the tuberous- 

 rooted sorts. They are strong growers and more robust than the 

 Lorraine group; they have large flowers and are of easy culture. 



Culture. The proper soil is one composed of half loam and 

 half leafmold and a sprinkling of sand. When potting the bulbs 

 just cover them with soil, but do not press the soil over them firmly. 

 Give them a temperature of 60 degrees to start and keep them 

 shaded. At the flowering time the temperature may run to 63 de- 

 grees; this will be any time during September to January. After 

 flowering, reduce the temperature again and gradually withhold 

 water, remembering to continue to give enough water so that they 

 retain their foliage. The plants will naturally have a bad appear- 

 ance from March to May. They must not be perfectly dry as is 

 proper for the tuberous sorts. 



Propagation. As the flowers are sterile, they will produce no 

 seeds. Cuttings are taken in April and rooted in pots, placing 

 three or four in each pot. When rooted, pot them singly. Both 

 the cuttings and the newly rooted plants should be placed in a 

 frame of the propagating house. 



BOUGAINVILLEA (See page 365). 



BOUVARDIA. A much grown Winter flowering plant some 

 years ago which is again coming into popularity. Pink, white and 

 red are the prevailing colors; single and double varieties are cata- 



