FANCY CALADIUMS. 115 



torn heat, until the roots have started. After the bulbs 

 are potted, they should be kept at a temperature of six- 

 ty-five degrees, with a little bobtom heat. At first, lit- 

 tle more than frequent syringing will be necessary, but 

 after the leaves start the amount of water required will 

 rapidly increase. . 



They need partial shade, but if it is too dense, the 

 color of the foliage will not come out well. Throughout 

 the entire period of growth, they should not be allowed 

 to suffer for lack of water, and the air should be kept 

 moist by syringing. If given a mild bottom heat, 

 growth will be hastened, and they will soon be ready for 

 a shift. As a rule, a five- or six-inch pot will carry 

 them through the season of growth, if free use is made 

 of liquid manure, but some of the stronger bulbs may be 

 grown to large specimens by potting them up to six- or 

 seven-inch pots. If an early effect is desired, five or six 

 of the bulbs may be placed in one large pot. 



Caladiums need ventilation and plenty of room. If 

 properly hardened, they can be used in the conservatory 

 or the sitting room, but they will not thrive with the 

 temperature below fifty-five degrees. As the tempera- 

 ture drops and autumn comes on, and the leaves begin 

 to droop and die, the water should be gradually les- 

 sened, until they are ready to be packed away for winter. 

 This should be in some place where the temperature will 

 not fall below fifty-five degrees. Even during the win- 

 ter the water should not be entirely withheld, as, if 

 kept too dry, rot at the center may ensue. Among tlie 

 twelve best varieties are, Candidum, Chantinii, Clio, 

 Leplay, Mad. A. Bleu, Mad. Marjolin Scheffer, Meyer- 

 beer, Mons. A. Hardy, Princess of Teck, Roine Marie de 

 Portugal, Eeine Victoria and Triomphe de 1' Exposition. 

 Owing to the fact that new forms are being constantly 

 brought from Brazil and others obtained by crossing, 

 any list is, at best, a temporaiy one. 



