CACTUS — CALADIUM 359 
great tubular flowers, which open at nightfall and wither and die when 
the light strikes them next morning. They are very easily grown, 
either in pots or planted in the natural soil in the conservatory. The 
only special care they need is good drainage at the roots, so that the 
soil will not become soggy. 
The epiphyllum, or lobster cactus, or crab cactus, is one of the best 
of the family, easy of culture. It bears bright-colored blossoms at 
the end of each joint. When in flower, which will be in the winter 
months, it requires a richer soil than the other cacti. A suitable soil 
is made of two-thirds fibrous loam and one third leafmold; usually it 
is best to add sand or pulverized brick. In fall and early winter, keep 
rather dry, giving more water as the plant comes into bloom. 
Opuntias, or prickly pears, are often grown as border plants through 
the summer. In fact, all the family may be planted out, and if a num- 
ber of kinds are set in a bed together, they make a striking addition 
to the garden. Be very careful not to bruise the plants. It is better 
to plunge them in the pots than to turn them out of the pots. 
Caladium. — Tuberous-rooted, tender perennial plants used for 
conservatory decoration, and also for subtropical and bold effects in 
the lawn (Plate IV). The plants commonly known under this name 
are really colocasias. 
The roots should be dormant in the winter, being kept in a warm 
cellar or under a greenhouse bench, where they are not liable to frost 
or dampness. The roots are usually covered with earth, but they 
are kept dry. Early in spring the roots are put into boxes or pots and 
are started into growth, so that by the time settled weather comes 
they will be 1 or 2 feet high and ready to set directly into soil. 
When set out of doors, they should be protected from strong winds, 
and from the full glare of direct sunlight. The soil should be rich and 
deep, and the plants should have an abundance of water. They do 
well about ponds (see Plate X). 
Caladiums are most excellent plants for striking effects, especially 
against a house, high shrubbery, or other background. If they are 
planted by themselves, they should be in clumps rather than scattered 
as single specimens, as the effect is better. See that they get a good 
start before they are planted in the open ground. As soon as killed 
