GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 147 



PHAL^NOPSIS. This genus of Orchids is characterized by 

 having flat, strap-like leaves, leathery and thick, with large, attrac- 

 tive flowers. P. amahilis, a white sort, and P. Schilkriana, a pink 

 species, are the principal ones cultivated. Keep the plants from 

 drafts and give plenty of heat, 70-7 S degrees, from March to 

 October. They grow nicely on blocks of wood hung upon the 

 rafters. 



PHCENIX (Date Palm). The commonest conservatory species 

 are P. rupicola, P. canariensis and P. Roebelenii. The edible Date, 

 P. dactylijera, is not so graceful for indoor cultivation. (See also 

 Palms, page 142.) 



PHORMIUM (New Zealand Flax). P. tenax and its forms 

 are rather stiff-looking plants, especiaUy in a young state; older 

 plants furnished with an abundance of foliage are more attractive. 



Culture. They require a rich soil and plenty of water. 



Propagation. To increase, plant out in very sandy soil in 

 May and divide in September. 



PHYLLAGATHIS. P. rotundijolia belongs to the same family 

 as the better known Tococa platyphylla. It somewhat resembles 

 the former in general appearance. A few plants of it given a test 

 outside during the Summer, in a position partly shaded from the 

 sun, behaved splendidly, and in a position like the above, where the 

 surface of the soil is covered with some low-growing plant, such as 

 Hydrocotyle or Lysimachia to keep the sun from the roots, it may 

 become a valuable feature for outdoor decoration. But for indoors, 

 it may be used as a substitute for the more gaudy-leaved Tococa, 

 as it succeeds in an atmosphere where the majority of greenhouse 

 plants can be grown. 



Culture. The following temperatures are required: December 

 and January, 60 degrees; February and March, 65 degrees; March 

 to end of Summer, high temperature. Increase the syringing with 

 the temperature. 



Propagation. Propagation for small plants is by the leaf, the 

 petiole of which is inserted in sand, the blade lying flat on the sur- 

 face and the ribs severed in several places. From the cut parts 

 nearest the petiole, numerous small growths are made; these, when 

 an inch or so high, may be potted. For making specimen plants 

 quickly old subjects which have been encouraged to branch may 

 be cut up, and the pieces inserted in pots in bottom heat. They 

 send out roots very quickly. 



