GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 77 



parts of well-decayed sod and pure sand; it should not be rich in 

 humus. Enlarge the hole in the bottom of a 4-inch pot which has 

 been well sterilized and fill the pot one-fourth full of finely broken 

 pots. Sow the seeds on the lightly pressed soil and cover with a 

 very thin layer of soil with a thin layer of gravel on top. The 

 gravel keeps the soil from washing and helps to prevent it from 

 drying out. The temperature should be about 70 degrees. When 

 several spines have formed, transplant into fiats of the same soil. 

 In order to cause earlier flowering or to increase the decorative 

 appearance of the trailing sorts, grafting is resorted to. The 

 Epiphyllum or Christmas Cactus is usually grafted upon the upright 

 growing Pereskia and Cereus. Cleft, saddle and splice grafts are 

 used. The clefts in the stock are cut V-shaped, rather than 

 split, and the cions should be trimmed wedge-shaped to fit the cleft. 

 A spine from an Opuntia or a Pereskia is frequently used to prevent 

 the cion from slipping on account of the sap given off by the Cactus. 

 For Mamillaria, the Echinocactus, the Echinocereus and other glo- 

 bose or thick sorts, the stock selected should be about the same 

 diameter as the cion. Cut the surface of stock and cion perfectly 

 level and fit and tie together with a cloth or soft cord. 



CALADIUM. (See Bulbous Plants). 



CALANTHE. This is not an epiphyte, but a terrestrial Orchid 

 growing in soil. It responds very readily to good treatment. 

 As the demand for Orchid flowers is on the increase this must 

 eventually become a popular genus. C. Veitchii is the best species; 

 it is a Winter bloomer and has rose-colored flowers. 



Culture. Loam, peat, sphagnum and well-decayed cow manure 

 with a little sand added, will form a good mixture. Good drainage 

 is necessary, as the plants, while growing, need heavy waterings. 

 During the growing season a high temperature is necessary, lower- 

 ing it and curtailing the supply of water when growth is completed. 

 When done blooming either shake the plants from the soil and 

 stand them in empty pots, or withold water from the roots. They 

 should be started in March. Careful watering is necessary at 

 first. 



Propagation. They are increased by separation of the bulbs 

 at the time of repotting. This is one of the few species which allow 

 being propagated freely. 



CALATHEA. Closely resembling and often known as Maranta. 

 They are grown solely for their ornamental foliage, nearly all of the 

 species having beautiful markings. It is doubtful if any other 



