DBAC^KAS AND COKDTLIKES. 169 



trails, Baptistii, cannwfoUa, excelsa, gloriosa, imperi- 

 alis, indivisa and its yarieties, magnifica, splendens, 

 strida, stricta congesta, terminalis and Youngii. Sev- 

 eral of the above, which are often put down as species, 

 are merely varieties of the well-known Cordyline {Dra- 

 ccena) terminalis. 



Many of the Cordylines produce seed abundantly^ 

 and these can be used for propagation ; they are sown in 

 light, sandy soil, at a temperature of 60 degrees, and are 

 potted off and treated the same as cuttings. Cuttings 

 of the stems are commonly used for the propagation of 

 the less common species, as well as Dracaenas. The 

 tips can be top-layered, or can be cut off and rooted; 

 the lower portions of the stems are then cut into pieces 

 two or three inches in length, and these are placed on 

 the sand of a cutting bench and covered with sphagnum; 

 they may be covered with sand or light soil, but there is 

 more danger of decay. The fleshy roots of some species 

 may be treated in the same way. In a strong bottom 

 heat and with proper watering, sprouts will soon be sent 

 out from both the stem and root cuttings, and as soon as 

 these are of suitable size they should be cut ofE and 

 rooted the same as any other cutting. In a propagating 

 case, there will be but little risk, but it is still surer to 

 root them in water, or by the saucer system. In the 

 case, of choice species, the cuttings are sometimes set 

 singly in small pots, filled with sandy soil, which are 

 then plunged. In this way, all danger of breaking the 

 roots in potting, thus checking the growth, is obviated. 

 A light, rich soil, with perfect drainage, seems to suit 

 these plants. If properly handled, they can be kept in 

 quite small pots, and overpotting should be carefully 

 avoided. 



While some of the species belong in the stove, others 

 will thrive with greenhouse treatment. During the 

 summer they can be kept outside in a frame, or in a 



