POINSETTIA. 



2 3 



in fine gritty soil, surfaced with sand, in 2-inch pots, plunging these in a bottom heat, 

 85°, in a frame, and guard against damping by drying the glass every morning. 

 Cuttings should be rooted in succession, with a view to having a large stock of plants of 

 various heights when in flower. The newly-rooted cuttings should be shifted into 4-inch 

 pots soon after their removal from the propagating frame, and arranged where they will 

 receive the benefit of a gentle bottom heat, and yet not be unduly forced. From the 

 4-inch pots the plants may be transferred to others two or three sizes larger. Soil suitable : 

 loam three parts, one part each of leaf soil and decayed manure, and sand. After being 

 kept long enough in heat to become well established in these, their flowering pots, 

 they ought to be arranged in shallow frames or pits for the rest of the summer. They 

 must be kept well supplied with water, and should have the sashes well blocked up on 

 hot days, shading with thin canvas or cotton blinds from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 



About the second week in September transfer the plants to a house where they can 

 be grouped together in a light airy position on a close stage, maintaining a temperature 

 of 55° to 60°, increasing to 60° to 70° in the course of a fortnight or three weeks. 

 Sudden changes of temperature have to be avoided, as these are liable to cause the 

 leaves to lose colour and fall prematurely. Nor ought there to be a sudden change from 

 the moist atmosphere of pits and frames to dry surroundings. When the flower-heads 

 are forming, apply weak clear liquid manure to the roots frequently. The plants will 

 retain their foliage and floral "leaves" longest in a dry heat, rather than in a cool 

 damp conservatory. 



Many persons fail to grow Poinsettias satisfactorily the first season owing to not 

 being able to give them a good start, but succeed well with older plants. Those who 

 would imitate them should give their young plants, after flowering, a thorough baking, 

 laying them on their sides for about three months in a temperature of 45° to 50°. 

 They may subsequently be made to give cuttings after the manner already indicated, 

 or, late in April, have the stems shortened severely. On being introduced into a 

 moist heat, top growth will quickly commence, and the plants should then have their 

 roots shaken nearly free of soil, shortened, returned to pots just large enough for 

 holding them, arranging the plants in a position not far from the glass, in a temperature 

 of 65° to 75°. Syringe twice daily, and before the soil becomes dust give a thorough 

 watering. Top and root growth will both be rapid, and a shift into 8-inch pots must 

 be given before the roots become matted together. During the summer, and again 

 after housing early in September, treat the old plants as advised in the case of those 



