GREENHOUSE RHODODENDRONS. 



225 



buried parts, and not till they are somewhat plentiful ought the layered portion to he 

 detached from the parent plants, and placed in pots. The layering must be done under 

 glass, and the newly-detached plants should have the benefit of gentle heat and shade 

 till well established in pots. In nurseries the greater portion of greenhouse rhododen- 

 drons arc increased by grafting firm, young wood on healthy seedling stocks of common 

 varieties. This is done in March in much the same manner as described and shown in 

 the case of grafting Indian azaleas. See page 152. They should be kept warm, close, and 

 shaded from sunshine till the 

 union has taken place. 



These rhododendrons, 

 without being difficult to 

 cultivate, are yet very easily 

 ruined. Over-potting is a 

 frequent cultural error. Not 

 till the young plants have 

 well filled their pots with 

 roots ought a small shift to 

 be given, while the larger 

 flowering plants, if in good 

 health, need only be re-potted 

 every third year, and then 

 given a small shift. April 

 and May is the best time to 

 re-pot, and the soil suitable 

 is the best fibrous peat procurable, and silver sand freely mixed with it. Tot firmly, 

 taking care to well and evenly pack the soil round the sides with the aid of a thin potting- 

 stick. Large plants succeed well in medium-sized tubs. In all cases where the soil has 

 been soured— the result of over-potting, over-watering, or the presence of worms in the 

 pots — all the unoccupied soil should be carefully picked from the roots, and the plants 

 then placed in pots just large enough to hold them. Clean, carefully-drained pots ought 

 always to be used. Newly-potted plants should be kept in a moist atmosphere and 

 gentle heat till they have rooted into the new soil. After flowering, irregular growths 

 may be shortened, all seed pods must be promptly removed, and the plants given more 

 heat, accompanied by daily syringings till their growth is completed. 

 VOL. 11. q a 



Fig. 104. Rhododendron jasminifloiuim. 



