CROTONS— VARIETIES. 



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and pyramids, as previously indicated, are not of the most service for ordinary purposes, 

 but are frequently required for the exhibition tent. Each succeeding year plants intended 

 for that purpose should be severely pruned, shortening the branches and leader, if any, 

 according to the style of training adopted — in February, earlier rather than later, for 

 unless strong growth is formed early in the season, there will not be time for the foliage 

 to assume its most brilliant colour. 



The pruned plants will break strongly and quickly in brisk heat and a moist 

 atmosphere, and before the shoots have made any marked progress, turn the plants out 

 of pots, reduce the soil and roots sufficiently to admit of re-potting in the same 

 sizes the plants were in before. Thus treated yearly, large specimens can be kept in 

 comparatively small pots. Careful attention is necessary in maintaining high temperatures 

 and a moist atmosphere also in syringing, watering, and feeding. Those branches that 

 require it must be tied out and the plants elevated near the glass to hasten their 

 coloration. 



Insect pests are apt to disfigure neglected Crotons. Eed spider and thrips, if allowed 

 to get the upper hand, will cause the leaves to drop, while mealy bug and scale disfigure 

 and injure the plants. Frequent syringings and the maintenance of a moist atmosphere 

 are the best preventives of red spider and thrips, and nicotine vapour destroys them. 

 Syringing with the hot water, soft soap, and petroleum mixture applied as recommended 

 on page 263, will rid the plants of scale and mealy bug, but this should be done during 

 the winter while the plants are resting. 



VAETETIES OF CROTONS. 

 All the numerous varieties in cultivation originated from about four species in the 

 form either of seedlings or sports. With so many beautiful forms to choose from, it is 

 not easy to decide on the best for all purposes, but the following will be found suitable 

 for table decoration and exhibition as suggested. 



Selections. 



* aigburthiensis, slender growing, narrow leaves, 

 yellow. 



t* angustifolius, long, narrow wavy leaves edged 



with yellow, 

 t Baron de Rothschild, large crimson leaves, 

 t* Countess, long narrow leaves, prettily drooping, 



yellow. 



* Varieties for table decoration. 



* elegans, slender growing, yellow. 



* Flambeau, long, narrow, recurved leaves, red and 



yellow. 



f* interruptus aureus, elegant drooping leaves, 

 yellow. 



t* JonANNis, long, narrow, recurving leaves, blotched 

 with yellow. 



f Suitable for growing into specimens. 



