788 THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



cool (from 45deg. to 55deg.), with as much sun-heat in both 

 cases as the plants can get during summer. However, if this 

 plan is not convenient, the majority of succulents may be grown 

 in a temperature ranging from 5odeg. to 6odeg. in summer, 

 and this may drop as low as 45deg. in winter. 



Most of the succulents inhabit tropical countries and grow in 

 dry, arid regions, where they are baked up for a great part of 

 the year, and during the other portion are subjected to 

 torrential rains interspersed with bright sunshine, together with 

 a very warm atmosphere, and this is especially the case with 

 Cacti. It is during this period that they make their growth 

 and flower. During the remainder of the season they are at 

 rest and are undergoing a ripening process. To secure these 

 conditions as near as possible under artificial treatment, the 

 plants should be started into growth in the spring by giving 

 copious waterings, and also syringing overhead during April, May, 

 and June. Towards the end of the last-named month the supply 

 should be gradually reduced, and but little given during the 

 rest of the season, the plants being allowed to become almost 

 dry ; while during the winter, unless any of the plants show 

 signs of shrivelling, none at all is required. By reducing the 

 water supply early the plants are well ripened and enabled to 

 pass through our dull, damp winters. Without thorough ripening 

 flowers cannot be obtained. No shade at all is required, but 

 plenty of ventilation should be given during hot weather ; and 

 excepting during the growing period the atmosphere of the 

 house should be kept quite dry. 



All succulents should be grown in small pots. Even large 

 plants require very little root-room. The soil should in nearly 

 every case consist of good fibrous loam mixed with plenty of 

 sharp silver -sand, broken bricks, and mortar rubbish ; and 

 plenty of drainage should be given. 



Repotting is not often necessary ; in fact, provided the 

 drainage is good, most of the succulents will do for several 

 years in the same pot. When necessary, the operation should 

 be performed in the spring, during April and May. 



Propagation is very simple, as there are scarcely any other 

 plants that root so easily from cuttings. Many are easily raised 

 from seed, others throw up suckers, and some may be 

 propagated by leaf-cuttings. When propagated by suckers, it is 

 advisable to let the cut portion dry well before inserting it in 

 soil, which should be nearly dry, and have plenty of sand mixed 

 with it. 



Insects are often troublesome in spite of the toughness of 

 the plants, especially during the growing period, the worst being 

 Scale, Mealy-bug, Greenfly, and Thrips. For the first two, 

 paraffin and soft-soap may be used, as advised in the Chapter 

 " On Greenhouse Plants " ; and for the latter two, syringing 



