42 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



dead leaves. The tubers may either be wintered in the pots in which they were grown, 

 storing in a warm greenhouse, but not close to the hot-water pipes, or they may be 

 shaken nearly clear of soil and packed closely in boxes with enough line peat, or cocoa- 

 nut fibre refuse, to prevent shrivelling. Tubers when at rest must not be subjected 

 to low temperatures. 



Plants feom old Tubees. 



Gloxinia tubers produce flowering plants for three or more seasons, but they give 

 the finest flowers, and are usually at their best, during the first two years. When, 

 therefore, a number of young tubers are raised every year, the very oldest may be 

 advisedly thrown away. A good succession of flowering plants can be had by starting 

 the old tubers into growth. Some of these start naturally in February, and cannot very 

 well be retarded without injury. Place them singly in pots 2 inches more in diameter 

 than the tubers measure, and start them into active growth in a temperature of 60 p to 

 65°. A moist atmosphere is required by these as well as younger plants, and from the 

 first ample space must be afforded ; also shade from bright sun. Little water will be 

 needed till the fresh soil is occupied with roots ; the supply must be increased with 

 the growth of the plants, and before the limited pot-room causes them to flower prema- 

 turely, give them a shift into pots one or two sizes larger. Soil and subsequent 

 treatment are the same as recommended for the seedlings. The tubers later in 

 starting may prolong the flowering period till the end of August, at which time the 

 current season's seedlings should be flowering freely. Large plants in particular ought 

 to be kept quite clear of each other, and they are greatly benefited by frequent applica- 

 tions of liquid manure. 



Insect Pests. — The worst enemy to gloxinias are thrips. These are most trouble- 

 some in mixed plant houses, and the plants arranged in dry, hot, sunny positions are 

 the most liable to be injured by them. Once thrips gain the upper hand they quickly 

 paralyse and disfigure gloxinia plants, and in this as well as in so many other cases 

 prevention is better than cure. If, in spite of good treatment, thrips are seen, mild 

 fumigations with tobacco, or nicotine vapour — a safe remedy — will usually destroy them. 

 Insecticides must not be applied, as they would disfigure the leaves. Gloxinias love 

 heat and moisture, and attempting to grow them in dry airy greenhouses has been respon- 

 sible for many failures. 



Varieties.™ Gloxinias are so easily obtained from seeds that new varieties are raised 



