124 PLANT CULTURE 



gether. Use soil of the same temperature as the sand. Two-thirds 

 loam and one-third sand is a good medium to start with; 3-inch 

 pots should be used. A shift will be necessary within three weeks. 



FITTONIA. In public conservatories where potted plants are 

 growing on benches the space beneath the benches is usually very 

 unattractive, but this can be changed so that the space would be 

 more ornamental aU the year round. The drip from the stages is 

 quite sufficient to keep these and other plants, such as Selaginellas, 

 in fine condition, thus changing the space from an eyesore to a 

 beauty spot. Two of the varieties grown are F. argyroneura, which 

 has green leaves and white veins, and F. Pearcei, with red veins. 



Culture. Fittonias grow very easily and may be used as a cover 

 in almost any part of the house; they are especially good in shaded 

 parts. Never let the temperature go below 55 degrees. 



Propagation. They are increased by cuttings and the best 

 time is in early Spring. Pot in 2-inch pots in loam, leafmold and 

 sand. 



FUCHSIA. These well-known flowering plants for the green- 

 house and conservatory bloom in early Spring. There are many 

 single and double varieties. 



Culture. Fuchsias will bloom in 3-Lnch pots, but by keeping 

 them in a growing state, with abundant root room, they can easily 

 be grown, according to the variety, from 23^ to 4 feet in height, 

 before the flower btids make their appearance. If wanted to bloom 

 in s-inch pots, pinch back the leading shoots, and when the pot is 

 well filled with roots give weak liquid manure frequently. This will 

 prolong their blooming season. A single supporting stick for the 

 main stem wiU be all that is necessary, with perhaps a few support- 

 ing strings for the lateral shoots in the case of those varieties having 

 large, double flowers. 



Propagation. Old plants of Fuchsias should be started by 

 the middle of December to provide wood for cuttings. The plants 

 should be knocked out of their flowering pots, the balls reduced and 

 given fresh soil. Place them in heat and syringe freely. The 

 growths for cuttings will start almost immediately. Do not take 

 growths for cuttings which have been on the plants all Winter, as 

 the wood is bound to be a trifle hard and does not turn out the best 

 plants; better wait tiU the growths are tender enough. Even young 

 growth, with the wood on the hard side, does not make good cut- 

 tings. These should be taken off during the period of fairly rapid 



