212 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



sizes, using a sandy, loamy compost. The young plants should be grown, not far from 

 the glass, in a warm frame or greenhouse. Later on, the beds and floors of conserva- 

 tories suit them well. Large pots are not required, but abundance of water, varied 

 occasionally by liquid manure, ought to be given when the soil is crowded with roots. 



Arundo. — A. donax variegata, a reed-like plant with elegant variegated leaves, is 

 well worthy of a place in a conservatory. It attains a height of 3 feet to 4 feet, and 



may be planted in the central 

 bed. It is propagated by 

 division in the spring, and by 

 placing stems in water, this 

 causing them to form small 

 plantlets at every joint. These 

 can be removed and estab- 

 lished in small pots prior to 

 planting in ordinary soil. 



Aspidistra.— Of A. lurida 

 it may be said that it owes its 

 popularity, either as a market 

 plant or for house and con- 

 servatory decoration, to the 

 durable, leather -like, gas -re- 

 sisting nature of its broad 

 green leaves. A. lurida varie- 

 gata, when its variegation can 

 be preserved, is much more 

 beautiful, and is nearly as 



Fig. 128. A Glimpse in the Queen's Conservatory. durable as the Original Species. 



They are both readily increased 

 by division, which is best done in March. A fairly rich, loamy soil is suitable for A. 

 lurida, but a poorer sandier mixture is necessary for the variegated form, a rich soil 

 tending to cause the leaves to become wholty green. Afford good drainage as a pre- 

 ventive of soil sourness before many roots are formed, as aspidistras require abundance 

 of water in sweet soil. Insect pests seldom interfere with them, but the leaves repay 

 an occasional sponging with soapy water. 



