GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 8i 



Culture. The plants may be started in small pots, giving 

 larger ones as growth is made. They are gross feeders, and will 

 take rich soil supplemented by occasional waterings with liquid 

 manure. Pick the flowers as soon as they wilt to prevent the form- 

 ing of seeds. 



Propagation. Because of the hardness of the seed, special 

 precautions must be taken or they will germinate slowly or not at 

 all. Nick or cut the seeds and soak in warm water for one or two 

 days. Plant in sand to the depth of about one inch and give plenty 

 of bottom heat. This method is used in raising new varieties. A 

 more common method is to divide the rhizomes. Every bud will 

 make a plant, but larger ones may be obtained by leaving several 

 buds together. 



CARICA (Papaya). Small trees for pot culture, unbranched. 

 The commonest species, Carica papaya, has leaves resembling those 

 of the edible Fig. They usually produce fruit nicely indoors, 

 and if one can become fond of their peculiar flavor, they are very 

 good as an aid to digestion, because they contain papain. 



Culture. A well-drained, rich loam should be used for potting; 

 give good drainage. 



Propagation. Because cuttings are difficult to obtain the 

 plants are grown from seed, sown in small pots placed in the shade 

 until the seedlings have started. When the third leaf appears the 

 plants should be repotted. Good, edible varieties are often grafted 

 upon seedlings. 



CARLUDOVICA. About six species are in common cultiva- 

 tion. They are usually taken for Palms , so closely do they resemble 

 some kinds in the foliage; but they are not even related. The one 

 most commonly grown, and perhaps the most useful for the florist, 

 is named C. palmata; in leaf somewhat resembling a Livistona. 

 The plants are useful for planting outside in shaded places in Sum- 

 mer, and if slightly hardened off they may be used in decorating. 

 All the kinds are stove plants. The leaves of this plant are often 

 used in making Panama hats. 



Culture. Same as for Palms. 



Propagation. From the seedUng stage they develop rapidly 

 into specimen plants. Old plants flower freely. The seeds are small 

 and thin, about the size of those of Mignonette. Wash carefully 

 from the surrounding pulp and sow in a box of finely chopped 

 sphagnum. They germinate in three weeks. Let them grow in 



