50 THE BOOK OF THE GREENHOUSE 



be wanted. In potting, half bury the bulb and pot firmly. 

 Water carefully to begin with, but plentifully as the 

 leaves expand, and those plants which have not been 

 repotted should be given manure water at least once a 

 week in the growing season. Strive to keep the leaves 

 green and perfect as long as possible, as they are neces- 

 sary to assist the bulbs to finish up properly. A light 

 position should be given during the whole period of 

 activity. Increase by offsets, which should not be re- 

 moved until half grown towards flowering size, or by 

 seeds which germinate freely enough in a fair amount 

 of heat, but take some years to reach the flowering stage 

 or size. 



Imantophyllums. — Imantophyllums, or Clivias as they are 

 known to some, are very handsome plants even when 

 not in flower, being evergreen with dark green, long, 

 arching leaves. They are among the most easily 

 managed of greenhouse bulbs, as they require potting 

 but seldom, and are subject to no insect pests. During 

 the summer and until they have flowered, which bulbs 

 of flowering size are practically certain to do every year, 

 they like more than the normal amount of water, and 

 enjoy being syringed frequently. Later on, one should 

 reduce the supply and leave off syringing, as too much 

 water after growth is finished causes the leaves to decay 

 at the tips. These plants bear a considerable amount 

 of shade with impunity, and it does not appear to inter- 

 fere with their flowering, provided their general treat- 

 ment is right. When potting, use a mixture similar to 

 that recommended for Hippeastrums, and pot firmly. 

 Increase by ofF-sets or divisions, and keep these almost 

 dry at the root till new roots form. Long-established 

 plants may be kept in health and vigour by removing 

 some of the surface soil in spring and replacing it with 

 some new and rich material. 



Lachenallas. — One of the hardiest of our indoor bulbous 



