GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 125 



growth and kept growing, or they will be apt to remain stunted 

 and come into flower before the plant is fully developed. 



FURCR^A. A genus of plants closely allied to the Agaves. 

 There are about ten species in cultivation; those most commonly 

 seen are F. cubensis, F. gigantea and F. longava. The variegated form 

 of F. gigantea is an exceedingly handsonie subject. 



Culture. They thrive with a little more heat than is usually 

 given Century Plants, otherwise their cultivation is nearly the 

 same. 



Propagation. They are easily increased from the large number 

 of bulbels produced while in flower. 



GARDENIA (Cape Jessamine). Within recent years the 

 Gardenia jasminoides has come rapidly into popular favor. Years 

 ago this plant was altogether grown in private establishments, 

 usually in very large pots or tubs. As a rule its cultivation was not 

 as successful as it is today by the bench system; the plants were 

 formerly favorite breeding places for mealy bug and scale insects, 

 and except in rare instances they did not pay for the trouble be- 

 stowed on them. The successful method of treatment accorded to 

 this plant at the present time is much the same as that given to 

 Roses on benches. 



Culture. The soil best adapted to their requirements does not 

 materially differ from that which is best suited to Roses. The soil 

 should not be over 4 inches in depth. Exposure to light is one of 

 the main requisites. The atmosphere should be more moist than 

 that usually given Roses. Weak manure water should be given 

 every two weeks. The fertilizer known as Scotch soot seems to work 

 wonders with this plant. It is scattered on the surface of the bed 

 once every two weeks, the quantity being about a thumb potfxil to 

 every square foot of surface. However, there is danger of overfeed- 

 ing during dull weather. The first lot of flowers may be expected 

 early in October, with the heaviest crop about the end of the year. 

 Each plant may be expected to give about ten flowers when the 

 plants are about 14 inches apart. A southern exposure is desirable 

 to prevent rank growth and to firm the wood. Long stems to the 

 flowers are assured by removing the growth in the axils of the leaves 

 when the plants are in the beds. The essentials are: Do not 

 overwater, do not overfeed, have the minimum temperature about 

 65 degrees F., keep the plants free from insects. Longer stems are 

 secured and flower buds laid down by removing the growth in the 



