BULBS FOR THE GREENHOUSE 53 



form is N. curvifolium or Fothergilli. As Nerines flower 

 mostly in the autumn and the leaves are made after the 

 flower spikes are well advanced, these plants require an 

 abundant supply of water at a season when other bulbs 

 are getting a reduced supply. This should not be over- 

 looked, a good rule being to give plenty of water from 

 the time the leaves appear until May, and none after- 

 wards. Full light must be given when growing, but at 

 other times they may be stored in any dry and frost- 

 proof place. Established plants are best without repotting 

 or division until this is forced on the grower, as it 

 generally means loss of vigour for at least a year. The 

 soil best suited to growth'is loam, leaf mould, and sand 

 in about equal quantities. In this compost, imported or 

 recently divided bulbs should be firmly potted, using 

 rather small pots and giving only sufficient water to 

 prevent shrivelling until roots are forming freely. 



Sprekelia formosissima. — This very handsome plant is 

 known also under the names of Amaryllis formosissima and 

 the Jacobean Lily. The velvety, deep scarlet flowers 

 are not always freely produced, owing to insufficient 

 ripening of the bulbs. When the leaves have faded, a 

 thorough exposure to the sun on a shelf under glass is 

 essential to success. During the rather short season of 

 growth give plenty of water and occasional doses of 

 liquid manure to feed the bulbs, then, when the leaves 

 have ceased growing and are turning yellow, withhold 

 water entirely, and seek to make the most of sunlight 

 for ripening purposes. A big, soft bulb will never 

 flower, no matter how well fed it may be, and keeping 

 the plants dry without exposing to sun is insufficient. 

 Sprekelia bulbs need not be potted often, and are best 

 grown four or five together in a six-inch pot, using for 

 them fairly rich soil to begin with. 



Vallota. — The "Scarborough Lily" is a puzzle to 

 growers, for it is often found doing best where it gets 



