CACTUS — CALADIUM 



359 



great tubular flowers, which open at nightfall and wither and die when 

 the light strikes them next morning. They are very easily grown, 

 either in pots or planted in the natural soil in the conservatory. The 

 only special care they need is good drainage at the roots, so that the 

 soil will not become soggy. 



The epiphyllum, or lobster cactus, or crab cactus, is one of the best 

 of the family, easy of culture. It bears bright-colored blossoms at 

 the end of each joint. When in flower, which will be in the winter 

 months, it requires a richer soil than the other cacti. A suitable soil 

 is made of two- thirds fibrous loam and one third leaf mold; usually it 

 is best to add sand or pulverized brick. In fall and early winter, keep 

 rather dry, giving more water as the plant comes into bloom. 



Opuntias, or prickly pears, are often grown as border plants through 

 the summer. In fact, aU the family may be planted out, and if a num- 

 ber of kinds are set in a bed together, they make a striking addition 

 to the garden. Be very careful not to bruise the plants. It is better 

 to plunge them in the pots than to turn them out of the pots. 



Caladium. — Tuberous-rooted, tender perennial plants used for 

 conservatory decoration, and also for subtropical and bold effects in 

 the lawn (Plate IV). The plants commonly known under this name 

 are really colocasias. 



The roots should be dormant in the winter, being kept in a warm 

 cellar or under a greenhouse bench, where they are not hable to frost 

 or dampness. The roots are usually covered with earth, but they 

 are kept dry. Early in spring the roots are put into boxes or pots and 

 are started into growth, so that by the time settled weather comes 

 they will be 1 or 2 feet high and ready to set directly into soil. 



When set out of doors, they should be protected from strong winds, 

 and from the full glare of direct sunlight. The soil should be rich and 

 deep, and the plants should have an abundance of water. They do 

 well about ponds (see Plate X). 



Caladiums are most excellent plants for striking effects, especially 

 against a house, high shrubbery, or other background. If they are 

 planted by themselves, they should be in clumps rather than scattered 

 as single specimens, as the effect is better. See that they get a good 

 start before they are planted in the open ground. As soon as killed 



