128 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



Oaladium. 



A genus of tiglily ornamental plants, of very easy 

 growth. The greater number of the species are deci- 

 duous, and therefore occupy but little space during the 

 winter months, which is a great advantage, as at that 

 season of the year most amateurs find their plant houses 

 rather crowded, because then all tender plants must have 

 protection. Galadiums require to be potted in turfy loam, 

 peat, leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure, in about 

 equal parts, adding some river or silver sand ; drain the 

 pots well, as they luxuriate in an abundant supply of 

 water and strong heat. The size of pot, and number of 

 shifts necessary, must be entirely regulated by the size 

 of the specimens required ; if only small plants are needed, 

 then plant them in less rich compost and keep them in 

 small pots ; but if size is the object, then it is scarcely 

 possible to be over liberal with them. We have had a 

 great number of new forms of these plants during the 

 past few years, inany of them exquisitely coloured, but 

 in most instances they are but variations of some pre- 

 viously known kind. The roots of G. hicolor are said to 

 be cooked and eaten, and are called " coco-roots " by the 

 people who use them. 



After the beauty of these plants begins to fade, lesa 

 water should be given, gradually decreasing the quantity 

 until it is entirely withheld. By this time the foliage will 

 all be dead and the roots at rest, and we wish particularly 

 to warn amateurs respecting their treatment at this period. 

 It is the common practice to stow them away upon shelves, 

 quite dry, and thus they remain for several months — that 

 is, until the spring. Now it frequently happens, that when 

 the bulbs are turned out for potting at this season, nothing 



