GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 135 



MALVAVISCUS. M. mollis and M. arboreus are greenhouse 

 plants which in Winter take up too much room as specimens, and 

 should not be grown for that purpose, as the flowers are not freely 

 produced. For outdoor planting they are good subjects, making a 

 large mass of foliage and bright red flowers. The M. 

 lanceolatus, from Mexico, is the best for Winter flowering. The 

 leaves are different in shape from those of the two first-named 

 species, and it blooms more freely. 



Culture. It stands a low temperature and is free from insects. 



Propagation. Cuttings of all three root with the treatment 

 given Coleus. 



MARANTA. Most of the conservatory sorts known as Maranta 

 are really Calathea. Of this genus M. arundinacea is commonly 

 grown. When well grown they are among the most ornamental 

 foliaged plants in cultivation. 



Culture. (See Calathea, page 77.) 



Propagation. By division of the crowns, when starting into 

 growth in Spring. 



MARGUERITE (See Paris Daisy, page 145.) 



MEDINILLA. This magnificent flowering plant must have a 

 Aigh temperature, and should be in every collection of stove plants. 

 The flowers are arranged in large, drooping racemes. M. magnifica 

 is the species most commonly seen. 



Culture. Give plenty of light but not too strong sunshine. 

 Pot in sharp sand and fibrous loam with a little charcoal added. 

 Water freely, but be sure to provide good drainage. A temperature 

 of 68 degrees is necessary at night while in active growth. 



Propagation. Cuttings root well when placed in a pot of loose 

 moss, in a warm frame, or on a well-shaded bench of a warm house. 



METROSIDEROS. These plants are grown for their showy 

 red and white flowers and their long stamens. M. robusta and M. 

 tom-enlosa are two of the better known species. 



Culture. They thrive under conditions suited to Acacias. 



Propagation. By cuttings struck in early Spring. 



MIMOSA. It is always interesting to have a small bed of sen- 

 sitive plants. One can be made cheaply, as there are enough avail- 

 able plants for the purpose, such as the common sensitive plants 

 M. pudica and M. sensitiva. Sclirankia uncinata is found plentifully 



