CACTI AND SUCCULENTS— CULTIVATION. 



189 



ruin of the plants. When young plants in small pots become somewhat root-bound, 

 transfer them to a larger size ; but established plants ought not to be disturbed very 

 often, and, if properly attended to, will remain in a healthy condition for several years 

 in the same pots. From February to April is the best time for re-potting. In every 

 case use clean pots, and, for the more delicate lands, fill them one-third full with clean 

 crocks, one-fifth of drainage answering for the stronger growers, covering the crocks in 

 each instance with moss. The generality of Cacti will succeed well in a compost of 

 three parts good fibrous loam, one part leaf soil, and two parts made up of broken bricks, 

 lime, or mortar rubbish, sand and charcoal, using this in a moderately dry state. Some 

 of the old soil should be removed from the roots, and any of the latter dead or dying 

 cut away, re-potting somewhat firmly. If gentle heat can bo afforded the newly -potted 

 plants it will be to their advantage. In any case, give no water for a week or more, 

 according to the weather, but syringe the plants lightly every evening after sunny 

 days. 



In their natural habitats, Cacti and succulents are subjected to a long period of great 

 heat and drought. This they are prepared to endure, as during the rainy period the 

 plants store up a good stock of food and moisture iu readiness for the severe strain on 

 their resources. It may not be possible, and it is not particularly desirable, to closely 

 imitate these conditions, but those who would succeed in flowering Cacti satisfactorily, 

 must adopt somewhat similar treatment. A very "rainy season" must not be brought 

 about, to the extent of souring the soil, but early in March all plants very dry at the 

 roots should have a good soaking of water, and be kept steadily moist until August, 

 syringing in the evening of dry days. Gradually withhold water in August, and cease the 

 supply altogether in September. From that time till the following February or March 

 no water should be given, and a dry atmosphere, not necessarily with the aid of fire- 

 heat, except to prevent low temperatures, maintained. Under this treatment some of the 

 species may present a slightly discoloured and shrivelled appearance, but from this 

 they will quickly recover after they are watered in the spring, and the drying-off 

 process will cause them to flower freely. The genera to which severe drying should not 

 bo applied are the slender-stemmed Phyllocacti, Epiphyllums, and Ehipsalis, all of 

 which ought to be watered sparingly during the winter. Arranging Cacti and the 

 choicer succulents in the open air after they have made their growth is a risky practice, 

 heavy rains sometimes saturating the soil more than is good for the plants. 



