GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 105 



formed somewhat after the shape of a curved knife. The chief 

 attraction lies in the flowers, which are bright scarlet, small, but pro- 

 duced in immense numbers in flat heads. 



Culture. Although in Summer it will stand an abundance of 

 water in fully exposed situations, it should be given drier conditions 

 in Winter. It will succeed well enough in a house suitable for 

 Geraniums. 



Propagation. The Crassula is a slow-growing plant, conse- 

 quently getting up a stock is a tedious process. The tips of the 

 shoots make the finest plants, and the pieces of the stem next the 

 place where the tip has been taken off can be utilized for as much 

 of its length as will be safe to enable it to break out again. For leaf 

 cuttings the leaves must be cut off cleanly and put in sand, much in 

 the same way as Cotyledons, only a little more heat should be given 

 during the rooting process. Encourage old plants to send out small 

 growths along the old stems by taking out the tips and keeping the 

 plants perfectly dry for a time. As soon as they begin to break, 

 water may be gradually supplied. 



CURCULIGO. From the general appearance of the foliage 

 one would suppose that these plants were members of the Palm 

 family instead of being related to the Amaryllis. The leaves re- 

 semble the undivided leaves of Cocos flexuosa. C. recurvata is the only 

 species grown. The form with variegated leaves is one of our hand- 

 somest variegated plants. 



Culture. During growth they require stove temperature for 

 their perfect development. They stand in a dwelling house fairly 

 well. Almost any kind of soil will answer; but as the plants need 

 large quantities of water the drainage should be perfect. 



Propagation. They are increased by division. If the pieces 

 are placed in sand in the propagating house before potting they will 

 root rapidly. 



CYC AS (Sago Palm). The Cycas is a most attractive Palm- 

 like plant found in most conservatories. 



Culture. Cycas revoluta stems are often shipped in a dormant 

 state. They require careful treatment when they are potted. 

 Having few or no roots they should not be placed in large receptacles, 

 as the soil when once watered takes too long a time to dry out, and 

 is apt to become sour, which is anything but a favorable condition 

 to tempt the growth of fresh roots. Put the stems into as small 

 pots as they will go, leaving just enough space to ram the soil 



