STEPHA NO TIS. 



saved, and this when sown germinates freely ; but seedling plants, as a rule, grow more 

 vigorously than is desirable, and fail to flower with any approach to profusion. 



Stephanotis is best propagated by cuttings of short growths of the previous year, 

 inserted singly in small pots of loam, peat, and sand, covering in a bell-glass, in a 

 temperature G5° to 75°, in spring. When well-rooted and slightly hardened, place the 

 young plants into G-inch pots and arrange them in a sunny position not far from the 

 glass in ordinary stove temperature. Do not top them, but train a single strong growth 

 either round stakes, or up the roof. If started very early in the year and strongly, a second 

 move may be given into 9 -inch pots. Syringe twice daily, and when the soil is fully 

 occupied by roots water copiously. Shade from sun during the hottest part of the day. 

 If young plants are desired to flower the same season as propagated, keep them in 5-inch 

 pots, and feed them at the roots after flower buds appear. Plants large and small should 

 have less water in the autumn and winter, and the greater portion of the growth will 

 then harden and ripen satisfactorily. 



Early in February prune away the weakly, soft ends, and if the plants are to be kept 

 in pots for exhibition purposes, train the reserved portion round stakes to cause them 

 to break at as many joints as possible. This will take place quickly in brisk heat and 

 a moist atmosphere, then, before much growth is made, move the plants into larger pots. 

 A suitable compost for Stephanotis is formed of equal parts of fibrous loam and peat, 

 one part each of leaf-mould and well-decayed manure, charred soil and sharp sand. 

 Ample drainage must be afforded, the plants requiring copious supplies of water during 

 the growing and flowering season. Eaise the plants well to the light, and train the 

 young growths thinly over wires near the glass. When the shoots are flowering, with 

 many more clusters of bloom to follow, they can be taken down and carefully trained 

 over neat, balloon-shaped trellises. The treatment in succeeding years may be similar 

 in character, only more wood will have to be removed at pruning time to prevent 

 crowding, too many young growths weakening and spoiling each other. If wanted for 

 exhibition take the flowering growths down from the roof and train them sufficiently 

 early to admit of the flowers and leaves assuming a natural position before the date 

 of the show. 



When planted in small borders, pits, tubs, or large pots of suitable soil, and trained 

 thinly to wires attached to the roofs of plant stoves, the Stephanotis flowers the most 

 profusely and continuously. A pit, 2 feet square, formed with loose bricks, answers 

 well for the soil, and when more space is needed the rooting area can be enlarged to 



