ON PALMS, CYCADS, AND BAMBOOS. 



8ll 



They are usually placed in rather shallow pans or boxes, and in 

 some large establishments are often placed on a layer of cocoanut 

 fibre. The best method is to use well-drained pans or boxes, 

 filled up with a very light compost, rich in sand, and placed on 

 a strong bottom-heat until germination is noticeable. Seeds are 

 also often stratified to make them germinate quicker. {See 

 Chapter "On Plant Propagation.") A temperature of yodeg. is 

 preferable to give them a good start, and when they begin to 

 show their primordial leaves they may be pricked off and potted 

 up singly or several in a pot, according to the future development 

 of the plants. The small seedlings have still to be kept in a 

 close temperature to enable them to recover from the change. 

 If they cannot be potted up at once they may grow weakly. To 

 prevent this they should be kept in a more moderate heat, or air 

 be given. Shade is a first necessity in case of bright weather. 



Water must be generously applied, chiefly on warm days, for 

 the young plants will greatly benefit by the warm and moist 

 atmosphere. We do not allude to direct watering only, but also 

 to syringing, which will not only facilitate their growth, but also 

 keep them clean and free from Thrips, Red Spider, and other 

 pests. 



Palms are rather susceptible at their roots when in a young 

 state. In repotting care must be taken not to use too large a 

 pot. It is much simpler and more profitable to a young plant 

 to give it an annual shift if wanted than to put it in a large pot 

 at once, for the roots will soon be blocked up in a mass of 

 compost which will inevitably become sour by the constant 

 watering. With regard to specimens of a certain size which are 

 growing a trifle slower, it is not necessary to repot them very 

 often so long as they remain in good health ; a top-dressing of 

 rich soil is quite sufficient. 



The best time for potting up Palms is the early spring, but 

 in the case of young seedlings this may be done at any time. 

 The best guide is the state of their roots. A young plant 

 must not be allowed to be pot-bound unless required for table 

 decoration, as our small Cocos Weddeliana and many others 

 often are. 



When Palms are grown for room decoration, as in nurseries, 

 it is advisable to confine them in as small pots as possible ; for 

 large pots are often objected to by the decorator, and when the 

 roots have to be so restricted liquid manure must be applied 

 about twice a week ; this imparts a deep green colour to the 

 leaves. 



Pests. — Though Palms are not so susceptible to insect and 

 other attacks as are many soft-wooded plants, still, Thrips, 

 Scale of difl'erent sorts. Red Spider, and Mealy-bug are 

 sometimes troublesome, and are often induced by the dry 

 atmosphere in which the plants have been kept. Syringing 



