114 FIGTOlitAL PBACTIGAL BULB GBOWIIfQ. 



CDapter XXXH.-Oloxinias 



Modern Gloxinias are descendants from Sinningia speciosa, lioi ti- 

 culturally a useless plant as compared witli the valuable race of 

 whicli it is the parent. The Gloxinias have literally been raised from 

 the dust. When first the old florists produced them the flowers were 

 pendulous, and each one had to be separately tied and staked that 

 the plant might make a presentable appearance. Gradually the bell- 

 shaped flowers were raised to a horizontal position, and their stems 

 were at the same time strengthened. Xow we have erect flowers in all 

 the best strains, and it is not necessary to give any artificial support 

 unless the plants are for exhibition or have to travel some distance. 



There are three distinct methods of increasing Gloxinias— by seeds, 

 by leaf cuttings, and by division of the rounded, tuberous root-stock. 

 The latter is an easy method, practised in spring, directly new growth 

 begins. For leaf cuttings it is best to select fully developed leaves of 

 an approved variety, cut through the midrib and principal veins with 

 a sharp knife, and peg them down on some moist sandy soil. Young 

 tubers will soon form at the severed parts, and when large enough 

 must be potted. A recommendable compost for tubers consists of 2 

 parts of fibrous loam, 1 part of leaf mould or peat, and sufficient sand 

 to keep the whole porous. For seedlings and young plants generally 

 it is advisable to increase the leaf mould or peat and reduce the 

 quantity of loam. In the matter of temperature a mean of 65° is 

 correct for the summer, but in the winter growing plants ought not 

 to be subjected to less than 55° even at night. For resting plants a 

 minimum of 45° will suffice, but 5*^ higher is safer. 



It is quite possible within six months from seed sowing to secure 

 a splendid display of Gloxinias. The way to go about the business 

 is to sow seeds in one or more of the first three months of the year 

 according to the demand and the date at which it is desired to have 

 plants in flower. Provide the seed pot with ample drainage, and fill 

 it to within J inch of the rim with fine sandy soil ; after pressing the 

 soil firmly, water it through a fine rose, and when the water has passed 

 away sow the seed thinly, cover the pot with a sheet of glass, put 

 thin paper on the glass, and stand all together in a house or pit w^iere 

 a moist atmosphere and a temperature of 70° are maintained. Trans- 

 fer the seedlings to other pots or pans as they become large enough 

 to move, taking care not to disturb the tiny ones that lag behind. 

 Three-inch pots will be large enough for the next move, and from 

 thence to 5- or 6-inch pots will be sufl&cient for the next shift, and in 

 these the plants will flower. 



